Spring check: Your equipment needs to be fit for the start of the new cycling season

Light and data - Electronics

Even during the day Rear light For safety reasons, this is a good idea that is becoming increasingly popular. That's why the red light first goes to the charger and then to the seat post. That still worked last autumn! And now? Smartphones and sat navs can no longer be paired. The reason: software developers don't hibernate and the firmware needs an update to ensure trouble-free data flow.

Organisation and system - Saddle bag

Anyone who survived the past season without a puncture is unlikely to have experienced the content and condition of the Saddlebag have checked the tyre. Does it still have the right inner tube for the tyre? Has a sharp tool perhaps drilled into the tyre over time? Or has the CO2 cartridge been punctured and is possibly empty? So, clear everything out once, check and replace anything that no longer fits or works.

Sorted and complete - Minitool

For old drivers, that was Alien from Topeak the Swiss army knife of multitools. However, the decisive factor is not the number of tools, but that they fit your bike. Tip: The screws on the bike determine the tool selection; mini tools with bits are a clever option.

Pull and push - Boa fastener

Most Cycling shoes These days, all boots are equipped with boa laces. If these are stiff or even defective, the manufacturer offers repair kits for each type. These also include a small Inhex spanner for disassembly. A drop of silicone oil will make an intact mechanism run smoothly again.

Support and alignment - pedal plates

One cause of pedal plate wear is frequent walking, which wears the plastic thin; in the worst case, the retaining lug can break under load. The grip on the pedal deteriorates long before this happens. Tip for refitting: Mark the outline of the old cleats on the sole. Tighten the screws evenly; Shimano recommends five to six Newton metres.

Durability and hygiene - Helmet

Someone once said something about the expiry date on helmets. Is that true? It's certainly true. Manufacturers recommend that helmets should be replaced after three to five years - even if they have not been damaged in a fall. However, this is a recommendation, not a regulation. As a helmet can age at different rates depending on UV radiation, intensity of use or storage, it should definitely be checked for cracks in the helmet shell or brittle straps. If everything is technically in order, the padding and straps should be cleaned with a sponge and soap for reasons of hygiene. You can find a large selection of road bike helmets, for example, at Bike Components or Rosebikes.

Washing and spraying - functional clothing

PFAS-free care products are recommended for the care of weatherproof clothing with a membrane and for waterproofing, such as those from Nikwax or HeyThey are free from environmentally harmful perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances ("eternity chemicals").

Care and mending - zip fastener

Gear Aid offers suitable products to make hard-running zips run smoothly again or to repair fall damage. The Zipper Cleaner + Lubricant cleans and lubricates the zip fastener, with the AquaSure repair kit small holes can be patched waterproof. Both products cost around ten euros.