Check the bike one week before race day, not the evening before. That leaves time to replace worn parts. Use this list to cover tyres, drivetrain, brakes, cockpit and transition.
What should I check on the bike one week before?
| Area | What to check |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Wear, cuts, sealant level, width and pressure for the course. See tyre width and pressure. |
| Inner tubes | Spare tube type and valve length. See inner tube comparison. |
| Chain and cassette | Measure chain wear and lubricate. See chain wear. |
| Brakes | Pad wear, rotor condition, lever feel. |
| Shifting | Charge electronic shifting batteries and test all gears. |
| Wheels | Spin and check trueness, bearing feel. |
| Bolts | Check torque on bars, stem, seatpost and aerobars. |
What is the timeline for the last three weeks?
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 2 to 3 weeks before | Service the bike and ride it afterwards. Replace worn chain, pads and tyres. |
| 1 week before | Run the full check above. Order any missing spare parts. |
| 2 to 3 days before | Test ride at race effort for a short stretch. Charge batteries and bike computer. |
| Day before | Set tyre pressure, pack tools and nutrition, rack the bike if the race allows it. |
| Race morning | Check tyre pressure, shifting and brakes. Do not change settings you have not tested. |
What should be in the repair kit?
- Spare inner tube with the right valve length, or a tubeless plug kit.
- Tyre levers and a pump or CO2 inflator.
- A multitool that fits every bolt on your bike.
- Quick link for your chain size.
Practise a tyre change at home. A tube change you have done once takes much less time than one you do for the first time at the roadside.
How do I set up for transition?
- Leave the bike in a gear that is easy to start in.
- Place the helmet on the aerobars or handlebar, open and ready.
- Mount nutrition and a bottle before racking.
- Know your rack position by landmarks, not only by number.
How much tyre pressure should I use?
It depends on rider weight, tyre width, rim width and road surface. Wider tyres at lower pressure often roll faster on rough roads. Start from a pressure chart for your tyre and adjust by feel.
What about travel to the race?
Check the airline or transport rules for bike boxes, and pack tools, a pump or CO2 and a spare tube. Reassemble and test ride the bike a day before. Photograph the frame number before you travel. All IKUISTA parts are standard sizes, so a local bike shop can help if something needs a quick fix on arrival.
What mistakes cost the most time on race day?
- Changing a part or a setting in the last days.
- Starting with a battery that is only partly charged.
- Pumping tyres to a pressure from a different surface.
- Racking the bike in a hard gear that makes the start difficult.
Frequently asked questions
Should I change tyres before a race?
Only if they are worn or damaged. Do not test new tyres for the first time on race day.
How tight should I set tyre pressure?
Use a chart for your tyre width and weight, then test on the course surface.
When should I service my bike?
Two to three weeks before the race, so you can ride it after the service.
Can I use a road bike in a triathlon?
Yes. Read Triathlon bike or road bike for your first triathlon.
How do I check my position before the race?
See Triathlon bike fit and test the position with a brick session.
Which part of your bike do you check last, and which should you check first? Tell us what you plan to change before your next race.
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