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Dark gray hybrid bicycle with front suspension, rear rack, and disc brakes parked on paved surface beside lush garden plants.

Fit for the season: Our Rückenwind bicycle check!

Tips for your bike
Dark gray hybrid bicycle with front suspension, rear rack, and disc brakes parked on paved surface beside lush garden plants.

Oh yes – we all know it. . .
As soon as the days get longer and the temperatures rise, we pick up the bicycle from the cellar or shed and look forward to the first bike tour of the year.

Before the first bike ride it should be ensured that the bike is fit for the upcoming cycling season.

So that you have the perfect start to the cycling season, we will be happy to inspire you with tips on care, maintenance and repair.

It doesn’t take much to perform a perfect bike check.

The following Equipment should always be provided:

  • Cleaning cloths and sponge
  • Toothbrush
  • Oil and grease
  • Air pump
  • Repair gadget and bicycle tube
  • Replacement part if necessary
Close-up view of rental e-bike components showing black battery pack mounted on blue frame and adjustable handlebar stem with control display.

Your perfect start into the new bicycle season

At first, we recommend to remove all dirt and dust from the bicycle. Not only do you make the wheel shine, but you can even detect small defects in a short time.

1st Step

Is there enough tread on the tyre? Have there been any cracks in the mantle?

Is there still enough air on it?

Check the optical condition of the tyre in advance.

If the tyres are worn or there are cracks in the jacket, it is high time for a new bicycle tyre.

With a new bicycle tire, the risk of breakdowns is rather limited and you can ride much easier and safer.

Man in blue shirt maintaining blue rental bicycle with red Rückenwind panniers next to red service van on paved area.

Instructions for changing a bicycle tube

What to do when the tube needs to be changed

Video tutorial title screen showing 'Fahrradschlauch wechseln' (changing bicycle tube) by Rückenwind Reisen for 21-speed touring bike.

2nd Step

Are the brake pads still okay? Is there any braking effect?

The top priority is of course the bicycle brake!

A small tip from us: Check briefly whether the braking distance remains crisp.

A common part of wear on the brakes is the brake pads. These can be easily replaced with rim brakes.

If the markings on the coverings are worn out, it is time to renew the coverings. More complex repairs, such as disc brakes, should always be carried out by a specialist.

After that, check the brakes. Free the brake trains of any dirt and rust. Re-grease your brake trains if they are heavy.

You can use creeping grease for re-greasing.

3rd Step

Is the bicycle chain cleaned and oiled?

The precondition for a reliable bike tour is of course the drive.

Run the bicycle chain through an old rag or rag so that the dirt comes off the chain.

Now check whether the bike chain runs smoothly over the timing belt. Once the dirt has been removed, you should oil the chain.

To do this, inject a drop of oil into each chain element and then let the chain run through idle a few times.

Close-up of a black Shimano Nexus hub gear system on a bicycle rear wheel with silver spokes and blue frame elements visible.

Our Rückenwind bikes

Blue touring bicycle with black rear rack and red Rückenwind handlebar bag featuring Vaude branding, parked on grass with trees in background.
7-gear touring bike
Gear hub with coaster brake

Exclusive production by Velo de Ville for Rückenwind.

Excellent bicycle with a Shimano 7-gear Nexus hub with coaster brake.

45 cm
50 cm
55 cm
Blue Rückenwind electric bike with red Vaude panniers and handlebar bag, parked on concrete surface with green coniferous trees in background.
Unisex-Elbectric bike 8-gear
Hub gear with pedal brake

Exclusive production by Velo de Ville for Rückenwind.

High-quality electric bike with a Shimano 8-gear Nexus hub with coaster brake, Bosch activeline plus motor 500 Wh battery. 

42 cm (26 "")
45 cm
50 cm
55 cm
Dark blue Rückenwind touring bike with 24 gears, equipped with red Vaude panniers and handlebar bag, parked on cobblestones.
24-gear touring bike
Derailleur gears with freewheel

Exclusive production by Velo de Ville for Rückenwind.

Excellent bike with Shimano 24-speed Acera derailleur gears with freewheel.

45 cm
50 cm
55 cm
Dark gray hybrid bicycle with front suspension, rear rack, and disc brakes parked on paved surface beside lush garden plants.
30-gear bike premium
Derailleur gears with freewheel

Exclusive production by Velo de Ville for Rückenwind.

Excellent bike with Shimano 30-gear Deore/XT derailleur with freewheel, RST 60 mm suspension fork and hydraulic disc brakes. Equipped with an aluminium hybrid type.

45 cm
50 cm
55 cm
60 cm
Portrait of Herms, a smiling bald man with glasses wearing a red Rückenwind polo shirt, holding bicycle handlebars.

Our specialist for all aspects of the bicycle

Herms Preuß

4th. Step

Handlebars and saddle in the right place?

If all screws have been tightened tightly, another important test point has now been passed.

Three detailed views of a rental bike: rear wheel with derailleur, black saddle with suspension seatpost, and front section with headlight.

5th Step

Road safety on two wheels!

Check that the headlights and tail lights are working properly.

If this is not the case, in most cases the bulb is defective or a cable connection has broken off.

If necessary, replace the lamp and insert the cable connection neatly and firmly.

Did you pass the bike check?

Did you pass the bike check?

We wish all cyclists an adventurous and above all safe ride in the new season.

 

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