Bike fit for the start of the season: The most important checks

If I only have 10 minutes: What's the most important mini bike check before the first ride?

Marion: If you don't have much time before your first ride, you should at least do a quick safety check to identify the most important wear and safety components:

1. Press the tires
2. Apply the brakes
3. Check the chain
4. Check if anything seems loose, especially the front derailleur and wheels

This doesn't take ten minutes, but only one, but it could save your training ride.

What can I do myself – and when should I take it to a service center?

Marion: Everything related to tire pressure, cleaning the chain, or the saddle is easy to do yourself.

However, as soon as the brakes or bearing play need attention, a professional service definitely makes sense. Safety is paramount, so you shouldn't compromise if you're not an expert or don't have the right tools. Furthermore, a visit to the bike shop is also quite nice; you often see things that you didn't even know you absolutely needed :-)

What three things make the biggest difference when riding, when they're properly adjusted?

Marion: There are a few key adjustments on the bike that have the biggest impact on handling, control, and comfort. When these are adjusted correctly, the ride is immediately better – whether it's a short spin or a long tour. For me, these are clearly:

• Tire pressure: affects grip, comfort, and safety. I ride tubeless, so low pressure, 1.4 bar on the bike, and between 4 and 5 bar on the road.

• Brakes: provide control and confidence, and I also don't like it when the pressure point is too far from the handlebar. That wastes unnecessary energy, and my fingers cramp up on long descents.

• Saddle position: often determines whether you can ride comfortably and relaxed for 5 hours or get back pain after 20 minutes.

What's a simple setup mistake that really ruins the fun?

Simon: Definitely: Tire pressure that's too high. You'll slip, you'll get shaken up, there's no reason to over-inflate your tires. Many people ride with way too much air. This causes the bike to lose grip, become twitchy, and quickly feel unsafe on trails. Incidentally, lower tire pressure is also the right choice for gravel and road riding these days.

How can I quickly regain confidence on my bike, especially on trails?

Simon: Don't go full throttle on the World Cup downhill course right away. Instead, start with easier trails where you can gradually increase your speed and get used to the movements, grip, and speed again. Your usual confidence usually returns pretty quickly if you don't put yourself under pressure.

What helps against insecurity or "tense riding"?

Marion: Stay relaxed, literally. Shake your head, shake your arms. Many riders become insecure and then tense their arms and shoulders. But that's exactly what makes the bike unstable. Taking deep breaths, standing loosely, looking far ahead, and consciously riding calmly often helps immediately.

How do I know that my technique is sound?

Simon: When you reach the bottom of the downhill section and you're annoyed that it was so short. This means you weren't tense, your bike and your body weren't at their limit and always had reserves. Clean technique feels controlled and relaxed; rushing means "limit".

How can I improve my riding skills in a sensible way without pushing myself too hard?

Marion: The best approach is to take it easy and proceed step by step. First, build up enough confidence on easy trails, then increase your speed, and only later venture onto more difficult sections or add technical features. Not every ride has to push you to your limit.

What should I avoid at first, even if it's tempting?

Right at the start of the season, restraint is more important than taking risks. Even if you're highly motivated, you should give your body and equipment time to readjust to the speed and strain. I would definitely avoid big jumps, extreme speeds, and blind, unfamiliar trails on your first few rides.

What makes a trail perfect for you?

Simon: Nature, a little bit of goosebumps, and a great feeling on my bike.

Marion: I only know that once I'm down there. When I've forgotten everything else on the trail and there's nothing but handlebars, roots, and mountains.

Thanks for the insights! We look forward to seeing you on your bikes at the Explorer Hotels 😎