Give ’em a squeeze

Do your brakes stop your bike? It sounds basic, but make sure sure of this before going anywhere. Even the most seasoned cyclists can forget to hook them back up after maintenance.

If the braking is less immediate than usual, use the barrel adjuster to take up a little of the slack (anti-clockwise for tension). Consider if anything else could be effecting your brakes: are you cables in good shape?

Brake pads

Ensure that your brake pads are hitting the rim squarely to prevent tyre wear and, of course, you going over the handlebars.

Are the pads looking worn? Many have a wear-indicator to show whether they will last your ride. Replace them if things aren’t looking good.

And remember, don’t mess with your brakes if you aren’t confident. Get yourself to a mechanic.