Triathlon Bike Maintenance Checklist Before Race Day

A mechanical failure on race day is one of the most preventable disasters in triathlon. A systematic pre-race bike check takes 30–45 minutes and eliminates the most common causes of mid-race mechanicals. Do this check at least 48 hours before race day — not the night before — so you have time to address any issues you find.

Tyres and Tubes

Inflate to the correct pressure for your weight and tyre type (typically 90–110 psi for 25mm road tyres). Check the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall.
Inspect tyre surfaces for cuts, embedded glass, or cracking in the sidewalls. Run your finger gently around the tyre to feel for debris.
Check for any bulges or flat spots — these indicate internal tube damage and the tyre should be replaced before racing.
Fit a new tube if your current one has been patched or is more than a season old. Race day is not the time to trust a patched tube.
Pack your race bag with a spare tube, CO₂ inflator, and tyre levers — even if you’ve checked everything thoroughly.

Brakes

Squeeze both brake levers firmly. The lever should not touch the handlebar — if it does, adjust the brake cable tension.
Check brake pads for wear and alignment. Pads should contact the rim squarely, not the tyre, and should have at least 2mm of compound remaining.
For disc brakes: check rotor condition (no scoring), check pad wear through the inspection window, and ensure the caliper is centred over the rotor without rubbing.

Drivetrain

Clean and lubricate the chain. A dry or dirty chain increases friction, wears components faster, and makes gear changes hesitant under load.
Check cable tension: shift through every gear at the front and rear. Hesitant shifts, ghost shifting, or skipping under power indicate cables need adjustment.
Inspect the chain for stretch with a chain wear indicator tool. A stretched chain damages cassette teeth rapidly and should be replaced before it causes a more expensive problem.
Check chainring bolts are tight and the cassette lockring is secure.

Cockpit and Fit

Check all bolts on the stem, handlebars, and aerobar extensions. Use a torque wrench if possible — carbon components require specific torque values to avoid cracking.
Check saddle position and clamp bolt. Saddles that rotate mid-ride cause significant discomfort and power loss.
Check pedal threads are tight and cleats are secure. Worn cleats can release unexpectedly — replace if they show significant wear.

Electronics and Race Gear

Charge your GPS computer, heart rate monitor, and power meter the night before. Set up your race screen with the metrics you want to see.
Check that power meter batteries are charged and the unit is paired to your head unit — test it with a short spin.
If using a race number on the bike (required at most events), check where it needs to be mounted and have cable ties ready.

Post-Race Care

After racing, rinse the bike with clean water to remove salt and grime — particularly important after sea or brackish water events. Re-lubricate the chain once dry. Check for any damage from transport or race-day contact. Your post-race maintenance routine is also your pre-race check for the next event.