Spring is here and the warmer temperatures are tempting us outside. The bike also needs to go outside - or rather out of the cellar. Here are the best tips and tricks to ensure that your first ride after hibernation doesn't turn into a flop.

1. clean the bike!

Rule number one when mothballing your bike: your beloved bike must be cleaned. This is the only way to discover any existing defects and it simply makes it more fun to tackle the season with a clean bike. Clean components, especially in the drivetrain, ensure significantly less wear and tear and noticeably better power transmission.

2. check the wear

This is mainly about the brakes, tires and drivetrain. If the brake pad on the disc brake is almost worn down to the backing plate, it needs to be replaced. At least one millimeter of brake pad is required on the carrier plate.

As a general rule of thumb, if the tread is badly worn down in the middle of the tire, it definitely needs replacing. Also popular with hobby mechanics and very sensible: Replace the still-fit rear tire at the start of the season towards the front and the front tire towards the rear. This increases the service life of the tires.

Chain testers that measure chain elongation are available for around 30 francs. Replacing the chain in good time ensures efficient power transmission and good shifting precision. On top of that, this saves solid money, as the cassette and chainrings last much longer.

3. Check the pressure point

Disc brakes work with mineral oil or dot fluid - and air can sneak into this hydraulic system. When you pull the brake lever, you not only compress the brake fluid, but also air - and this leads to a spongy pressure point and even brake failure. However, after a long period of inactivity, it is normal to have to pull the brake lever several times until the brake engages accurately. However, the brake should then always engage without further "pumping". Otherwise, the brake must be bled professionally.

4. Check the wheels

To check the concentricity, you can lift the bike, turn the wheel and align a pin, for example, supported on the seat stay towards the rim. If the tip of the pin shows large deflections of the rim, the wheel expert must get to work and center the wheel. Also important: move the wheel back and forth and check whether the wheel bearings have play and may need to be readjusted.

5. Fill up with tubeless fluid

Tubeless systems are a great thing, with one disadvantage: the puncture protection fluid dries out and the active puncture protection is lost. It is therefore worth giving the tires a good drink of tubeless milk before the first ride.

6. Check the suspension elements

Wipe the treads with a rag, compress the shock and fork several times: If oil is visibly leaking from the seals between the stanchion and dip tube, then the suspension element is a case for the service specialist. Also important: check whether the negative spring travel / SAG is still correct.

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7. in case of service

If the brakes need bleeding, the drivetrain is out of order or the fork is losing air: then the bike needs to go to the workshop. In spring, these are usually very busy to hopelessly busy and you should actually be annoyed at yourself - and not the bike store - for not having taken the bike in for a service in winter as a precaution.

8. Treat yourself

You can increase your desire to get on your bike even in spring: with a new part. It could be something small, like new grips or a mini tool. Or something big, like a new suspension fork or a new bike. You bet: The new part has an extremely positive effect on your desire to get out on the trails.

9. Don't expect too much at the beginning

If you didn't get yourself through the winter with a good level of fitness through snow sports and have put on a little swimming ring between Christmas food orgies and Easter bunny nibbles: Then you should take it easy. Don't set your sights on the epic format that you were still cranking out in late fall when you were in top form. Maybe just start off with a short home tour and then steadily increase the distance. The bike season often lasts well into October, so your form can also be continuously improved.

10. don't despair if it pinches

If you've spent most of the winter sitting in an office or ski lift chair, it shouldn't come as a surprise if your bike isn't as comfortable as usual on the first few rides. The musculoskeletal system needs a few rides to get back into the swing of things and the particularly stressed muscles have to adapt to biking again.

11. visit the bike events

The Swiss bike industry fires off a real firework display in spring. The Urban Bike Days kick things off, with events in Winterthur and now Bern bringing together dealers. Of course, the Solothurn Bike Days are a must - as is the spring event at the bike store in the district.

12th take a riding technique course

You feel inspired on your first ride, but then the same riding mistakes from last season keep creeping in. Not up for it anymore? Then a riding technique course for mountain bikers works wonders: an experienced riding technique coach can see exactly where the problem lies and can noticeably improve your riding level in just one afternoon with tips and exercises.