Let’s start at the front wheel:

– Wheels – Check quick release skewer is firmly closed or that axle nuts are fully tightened.

– Tyre wear – Visually inspect that tyres are not split or cracked and that there is tread remaining to aid grip.

– Tyre pressure – Inflate your tyres to the recommended pressure on the tyre wall (usually expressed in BAR or PSI).

– Hub bearings – Grip the wheel rim and rock back and forth to feel for loose bearings; spin wheel to check for over-tight bearings.

– Rims and spokes – Is the rim surface flat and not concave, with no visual hairline cracks? Run your fingers over the spokes to make sure they are tight, and spin the wheel to check that it runs true (doesn’t wobble).

How to: Change an inner tube