Tech Tuesday - Three Minute Bike Preflight Check

Apr 12, 2011

by Richard Cunningham

What you'll need::

• Allen wrenches to tighten axles and suspension pivot bolts.
• Tire gauge or a floor pump with a working gauge.
• A bike stand would be helpful, but not necessary
• Positive, winning attitude

Pinkbike's Three Minute Preflight Video:

Tech Tuesday Ep. #6

by brockanderson

Views: 19,448 Faves: 125 Comments: 8

Don't forget to make that shifting check on the way to the trailhead!

Certified shred inspectors are encouraged to enlighten us if you have additional tips

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Tech Tuesday

Author Info:

RichardCunningham
Member since Mar 23, 2011
974 articles

Report

Must Read This Week

[UPDATED] Elite Finals Results & Overall Standings from the Fort William DH World Cup 2024
159430 views

Semi-Final Results from the Fort William DH World Cup 2024
105221 views

Elite Qualifying Results from the Fort William DH World Cup 2024
82682 views

Extra Tech Randoms: Fort William DH World Cup 2024
52174 views

Bike Check: Greg Minnaar's Norco Prototype DH Bike at Fort William World Cup
50023 views

4 Tech Takeaways From the Fort William DH World Cup
48211 views

More Tech Randoms - Fort William World Cup 2024
46475 views

Timed Training Results: Fort William DH World Cup 2024
44377 views

PB Newsletter Signup

74 Comments

49 1

mynameiskoko (Apr 12, 2011 at 5:26)

Step #10 - One thing I've learned is not to tighten the brakes clamp too much, just enough so it doesn't move during use. In the event of a crash, less chance of breaking a lever. So in step #10 my brakes would move a bit if I tap it from the top. Not sure if it would apply to everyone though.

Altar69 (Apr 12, 2011 at 5:35)

taletotell (Apr 12, 2011 at 6:51)

I know guys who do the same and I've tried it, but I find that if I forget to make sure it is perfect then my next ride it is moving all over the place. Good advice if you are sure to do a pre-ride check, but if you are like me and might check it once a week then things can get sloppy.

10 1

caires (Apr 12, 2011 at 7:50)

he only shows 7 fingers when starting step 8 :p

4 32

DH-Til-I-Die (Apr 12, 2011 at 9:39) (Below Threshold)

levers aren't that much to replace, stop being tight.

14 1

matt-bike-baha (Apr 12, 2011 at 10:23)

The other guy that presented it was better because he was such a weirdo.

PhoS FL (Apr 12, 2011 at 10:29)

Carbon elixir lever is $55USD speak for yourself lol...

DARKSTAR63 (Apr 12, 2011 at 11:33)

He's not hitting it that hard, if your lever moves when you palm it from the top its too loose.

RichardCunningham (Apr 12, 2011 at 14:33)

taletotell has a good point. I started setting up my brake/clutch levers when I raced motos so that they would move if I crashed, and that's good advice for MTB too. You still should be able to bang on them with your palm without the levers moving--the idea is to check if the clamps were left untorqued. It's a bad-bad to discover this midway down the mountain. Only a '56 Vespa pilot would enjoy a pivoting brake lever.

clarke658 (Apr 12, 2011 at 14:43)

I do the same with my Hope breaks, i always check my ride before i go out but i usually just check tire pressure see if my pedals are loose then just pick my bike up and drop it and if i hear anything strange i know somethings loose ( i have a street bike ) so its a lot easier

DownHillCooper (Apr 12, 2011 at 15:51)

vintagescooters.free.fr/images/vespa/v_acma-150TAP-56.jpg

taletotell (Apr 12, 2011 at 19:41)

@ Clarke658:
Don't the newer hope levers have a breakaway function so they aren't damaged as easily in a wreck?

iamamodel (Apr 12, 2011 at 20:45)

I run gasfitters/teflon tape under mine so I can do them up tihgt enough so they don't 'flex' towards the grips when squeezed but they still rotate around the bars in a crash.

mynameiskoko (Apr 13, 2011 at 3:56)

@taletotell
Tap might be the wrong word for it, bash might be a better word. It require as much force as in the video to move it a slightly. If it moves without any direct pressure, then its not tight enough. The key word is that its tight enough not to move when u use it, but it will give way in a crash. After that I don't have to adjust it at all for as long as I use it, which is months between maintenance.

taletotell (Apr 13, 2011 at 5:24)

That is the way my brother feels. I just can't find the sweet spot. More power to you for being able to do it. Maybe the way I pull my levers encourages rotation.

orangepatriotcoil (Apr 13, 2011 at 10:59)

Well for a start that took 6 minutes and the video had been edited to make shorter. LOL

clarke658 (Apr 13, 2011 at 17:24)

I don't have the newer hope brake mines about a year old, and its not loose so i can grab it and rotate it around the bars just so if i fall it moves, i have already fell on it once and it works wonderful.

surfdudejoe (Jul 8, 2011 at 14:46)

One finger braking, c'mon!

taletotell (Jul 9, 2011 at 5:08)

@surfdudejoe: I do one finger breaking, but I don't see what that has to do with it.

24 3

nouser (Apr 12, 2011 at 3:27)

make sure it lasts exactly three minutes or it just won't work!

12 1

Drea (Apr 12, 2011 at 3:41)

Well... It takes a little longer to explain it than to do it doesn't it?

20 0

LemonadeMoney (Apr 12, 2011 at 6:19)

I'm still on Step 5, when can I breathe out?

Auxx (Apr 13, 2011 at 8:11)

I think you can breathe out now. Are you still there?

clarke658 (Apr 13, 2011 at 17:24)

Uh oh

13 1

nouser (Apr 12, 2011 at 3:27)

just out for a ride so perfect timing thanks richard

24 8

kickasssloth (Apr 12, 2011 at 4:23)

that was great, but it went for 6:40,not 3 mins

12 2

Views (Apr 12, 2011 at 5:28)

obviously he takes longer then 3 minutes to explain it... c'mon if you got all of it in your mind and run through the checks you won't take longer then 3 minutes... haters...

comacruz (Apr 12, 2011 at 10:30)

This is unacceptable! Why is RC doing all his own "stunts"? Come on PB get him an assistant, he's earned one. Atleast get someone with a board to show which number he's on. Like Ariana from the UFC or the like. Lol. Great vid and instructions.

altix (Apr 12, 2011 at 13:14)

Tip DONT HOLD THE FRONT BRAKE WHEN CHECKING THE HEADSET. Find a solid wall or something solid and flat you can put your front wheel up against. sometimes pads can be a bit loose in the caliper and will fake you into thinking its the headset. then you will over tighten your headset and thats never good!

boo86 (Apr 12, 2011 at 7:01)

Mike got old real quick !

pbuser102331 (Apr 12, 2011 at 8:50)

Up close and personal on those beautiful devinci welds

i have the same T too.

leelau (Apr 12, 2011 at 11:32)

If that's the quality that RC will bring to Tech Tuesdays then I for one think he'll be a welcome addition. Although I do miss the goofy out-takes bonuses at the end of the videos!

H0bbit (Apr 12, 2011 at 12:02)

He only covered through axles.

For those that have them, check your QR skewers. When hubs are correctly adjusted they should have a small amount of play in them that the dropouts should remove under correct side compression. While mounted, put the wheel between your hands and hold the frame or fork. Use your thumbs to move the wheel back and forth. If there is play, your skewers are not tight enough and can cause your bearings to eat your cone/hub.

dirtydroog (Apr 12, 2011 at 7:12)

A better way to check for headset looseness is to turn the handlebars 90 degrees, pull the brake, and rock. There should be hardly any play... the brakes aren't a factor and the only other suspect is your front fork.

rydindirty (Apr 12, 2011 at 9:33)

you also feel a lot o stanchion play that way...

HOJJJ (Apr 12, 2011 at 8:43)

Yeah but he doesnt actually do the checks properly just gives you 1 demonstration and talks about it at the same time, so it would actually take even longer than 6 minutes...

mavster (Apr 12, 2011 at 14:43)

how to bleed different types of brakes in oen vid, like hope, shimano avids and what not..please

baca262 (Apr 12, 2011 at 17:29)

is it really necessary to explain this stuff to people? i find it as useful as eg. an advice to get a decent meal before you go out riding so you don't get hungry too soon.

timkoerber (Apr 12, 2011 at 18:01)

Don't forget to have a drink of water with that meal. You might get thirsty...

scott54 (Apr 12, 2011 at 21:29)

Mike's an awesome guy with lots of experience and can shred like there's no tomorrow. Richard Cunningham is a pretty big deal, but Mike is the tech Tuesday guy.

ChimPham (Apr 12, 2011 at 14:07)

Step 8, he shows 7 fingers...

mtbfraser (Apr 12, 2011 at 3:33)

I think that would take me about 10 minutes :/

thecarpy (Apr 12, 2011 at 7:49)

haha much smoother intro than last time. good tech tuesday!

akosituper (Apr 12, 2011 at 17:03)

last step..after you check the bike......check your vehicle...see that its is in running condition...hahahahahahahaha

Bigfoot94 (Apr 12, 2011 at 18:56)

I like how he Punches the seat, in my opinion, in competition DH you are mostly stood up so why is there a seat anyways !?

dereka15 (Apr 12, 2011 at 22:19)

because the position of your seat plays a huge role on how you position yourself on the bike, if you slam the seat you tend to squat more with your legs and keep your weight farther back, when the seat is raised high you tend to keep your legs much straighter moving you weight forward into a much more aggressive position, thats atleast my experience with it, but watch any WC rider they sit down between sections to catch a breath, seats are very important.

PLC07 (Feb 17, 2012 at 7:19)

You're supposed to use your thighs on your seat a lot to move the bike around or stabilize it when you ride. If the seat is too high it will hit you when the bike moves back and forth. If it's too low your seat will touch your legs closer to your knees where there isn't much meat and it gets uncomfortable real quick...

jcinkits (Apr 13, 2011 at 10:36)

3 Minutes ! i just pick up my ride and throw it down the driveway, and if it is still rideable - good ta go !

andrewkemble (Apr 12, 2011 at 20:17)

Dope shirt.....!

thatdude01 (Apr 12, 2011 at 7:33)

always explained soooo welll i love tec tuesdaY

november29 (Apr 12, 2011 at 9:08)

Where is Mike?

thebiblemen (Apr 12, 2011 at 12:33) (Below Threshold)

That guy looks like a pedo. Mike was cool

fantaman (Apr 12, 2011 at 23:04)

I hate people like you that are saying dumb things,take those words back and STFU.No one says things like pedo towards Richard Cunningham.

jcinkits (Apr 13, 2011 at 10:50)

Pedo !!!? very very uncool word to use for anyone unless they actually are a pedo - this bonerbreath [ thebiblemen ] obviously doesn't have a brain to think with before opening his retarded mouth and making such an incredibly stupid comment - on the other hand he is from Mississauga a suburb of Toronto where all Toronto's garbage is kept - and by the way idiot, since you seem to think how some one looks is a mark of being cool, why don't you look in a mirror, and then let us all know what a moron looks like...

november29 (Apr 14, 2011 at 3:33)

I like the guy, you can actually see it in the confidence with which he is speaking, that he is really a pro. i'm just wondering where is Mike?

gizmogunner (Apr 12, 2011 at 9:41)

i nearly came when that suspension moved so smoothly

JubaBabaci (Apr 12, 2011 at 10:56)

Never had smooth Suspension? ha

gizmogunner (Apr 12, 2011 at 11:25)

o yer man my recons are beaut i just adore super smooth sus

baca262 (Apr 12, 2011 at 17:30)

wtf?

kaptankaos (Apr 12, 2011 at 10:41)

Bring mike back!

nouser (Apr 12, 2011 at 12:06)

takes more more then 3 mins

pokalface (Apr 12, 2011 at 14:10)

it is just a 3minutes bike check,make your own stupid sambs827

ButtonPusher (Apr 12, 2011 at 15:15)

All these comments make me wish my computer at work had sound...

H0bbit (Apr 12, 2011 at 12:07)

nice

rubberducky69 (Apr 14, 2011 at 19:29)

cool story bro.

mountainman24 (Apr 12, 2011 at 5:24)

vid won't load for me

Below threshold threads are hidden

sammybikes916 (Apr 12, 2011 at 12:35)

I have several problems with this:

1. He didn't check for tight hubs.
2. He said NOTHING about making sure your brakes actually work. Yeah, your levers might be on the bars, do will they stop your tubby self from eating that tree?
3. When checking for play in the front end, a couple HUGE possibilities he didn't check:
-Bushing play in the fork
-Calipers secured tightly
4. Why does a 3-minute bike check last 6 minutes, 40 seconds?
5. Taking a deep breath for step 5: not really that funny or useful. Come on now, this really is NOT that hard.
6. Wait until your wheel is 3 or 4 mm out of true? That's pretty floppy if you ask me.
7. Don't try to straighten a derailleur hanger. It just doesn't work.
8. Seems like it's easier to get bars straight when you're standing over the bike. That way what ever way feels straight for you when you ride will probably seem straight when you're making adjustments.

camdenthekid (Apr 12, 2011 at 13:39)

not to mention the fact that if you didnt already do most of this stuff, youre an idiot

11 0

DARKSTAR63 (Apr 12, 2011 at 13:43)

Since you want to be fresh, Ill take a minute to refute some of your points -

1. Checking the wheel sort of implies the hub is free of play. He could have mentioned It I suppose, but anytime you check a rim for runout its assuming the hub is in check.
2. You might notice the bar pulling to the lever when you........I dont know, the second you pick up your bike.
3. Bushing play cant really be fixed pre ride, nor will it kill you if there is a little. If you notice bushing play- service your fork.
4. Because he's explaining things- you wont have to narrate aloud when you do yours.
5. Hes not a comedian, no harm no foul.
6. You dont need to true every ride, nor will you - 3mm is not very much.
7. Yes is does, next please.
8. You will likely do this entire check while standing next to your bike so it will be easy to stand over the bars. It can be done in a stand, the choice is yours.

Lighten up dude.

brockanderson (Apr 12, 2011 at 23:26)

"Taking a deep breath for step 5: not really that funny or useful. Come on now, this really is NOT that hard."
we got ahead of ourselves and Step 5 was included in Step 4; so we needed to put something in there so people wouldn't freak out when we jumped from 4-6.

poundsand FL (Apr 12, 2011 at 23:45)

what happened to the other tech guy... NO OFFENCE R.C BUT......... you explained very well a few good things to quickly look over before riding but you did not explain very well at all what to do if you were to encounter any problems with what you just checked up on,,,, i think you need to slow down a little, not try to pack a million things into a short video... if you want to talk about all of those things it needs to be longer than 3 minutes so you can explain - "what to do if"...

You kept saying... if thats good move on to this... if thats good move onto this.... well what if that wasn't good... not a very good tech video i'll say that much...

and if anyone decides to negative prop this maybe you should first write a letter into p.b asking if you could meet with R.C so you could literally suck his d*** rather than just brown nosing his A hole

Bjammin (Apr 14, 2011 at 19:18)

I, for one, fell threatened by that last bit of your comment. Who's with me?

4 14

HOJJJ (Apr 12, 2011 at 3:44)

They say 3 minutes but the videos over twice that!

30 1

dougies (Apr 12, 2011 at 4:19)

planning on repeating everything he says while you do it?