Sooooo what does everybody do to get their bike ready. Mine have been in the basement all winter.
For example how do you check your tires. When is old tire too old. Same for the tube.
The chain. Just oil it or take it off and really get into it. Or take your bike to the bike shop and get a tune up.
Big Al

I wash off the dried salt from riding in the snow, oil the chain & brake/shifting parts that move and go.  Actually they get lubed regularly anyway.

Tires are too old when they show fabric.  For me, they wear out, not rot out.

If anything needs adjustment I do it myself when I notice.  Knowing how to fix/adjust is essential when riding long distances from home.

Where did you learn to do work on your bike. I have a bike a friend gave me after being under his house in a crawl space. I managed to change the tubes and tires. But more than that I am lost. Tried to straighten out the steering but no go. Totally messed up the shifting in front.
I used to build car engines, do brake jobs and other repairs on cars but this bike stuff has me stopped.
Any one know of classes that are offered.
Big Al

Where did I learn?  Well, it took a loooong time, starting with my first bike back in ‘65 and learning a bit more every now & then, continuing today.  Lots to learn on sites like this & other bike forums.

I use the Park tool web site, when I need to know something, about
bike maintance. they have pictures and step by step directions.
There are also book, and there is a bike maintance class that they
have in Beavercreek, each year. I can find out info about it, if
you need them. But like wanabug after 25 years of riding, and
communting, and working a few times in bike shop,but there is
always new things comming out, so the learning never stops.

Now is a great time to know your bike better and get it ready for the first ride.
For me I ride all year round and most of the time the bike will tell me what needs my attention.

Depending on the bike you own and how long it sat in one place depends on the kind of attention you need to give your bike.
Now is the time to take it to your local bike shop to make it feel like new again or upgrade with that component that you have been eyeing all season long.
Most of the time I do all the work myself because I am always on the bike. There is always something on my bike ready to fail. I should just take it to a bike shop and say “give it a tune up”

Tires can be deceiving in many ways. It all depends on the tire compounds used. Just keep in mind that your tube is always trying to find a way to pop through your tire. The smallest of holes should always be checked.
Now is a great time to examen each tire for any deep embedded pointy things that will try to reach the tubes.
Treat it like a splinter in your hand. If not attended to it will fester.
The rims need to be checked for any burs or cracks. Check the rim tape to make sure all the spokes holes are covered and check the spokes for any one that slacking on the job.
If you used any lubricants on the hubs last season, then you should take the challenge to clean and grease the hubs components for the stuff in there now is not good and is trying to mess thing up. Check the cones for any off center lines or rust.
You might conceder to keep big magnet under the hub to pick up the ball barings that tend to escape
Depending on the bike it should be greased and lubricated correctly. Always ask the guys at you local bike shop for any questions about your bike.

The brakes, shocks and drive train shoud be tended to by a bike shop for it rides so much better if done right. They have tools that get the job done.

Took my bike to my LBS. Got a tune up. Front and rear derailures out of alignment and needed adjustment.
Chain was ok. Tires ok. Had to replace the brakes as they were worn out. Also cleaned the wheel rims so the brakes would work better. Trued up the wheels and made sure all the spokes were ok. Cables also ok.
So I get my bike back tomorrow. Looking forward to riding this weekend.
I have some other bikes. One from 1978 needs to go in for a tune up. Other than a set to tires and tubes, everything is all original from 1978.
Makes me feel better to know everything is ok and safe.
BTW I was looking at the new bikes. Some really really nice new bikes.
Big Al

I put mine on my stand and do a fairly thorough cleaning.  Wipe off all the frame, making sure to get into the tight spots.  I wipe of the rims.  Do a cleaning of the chain (if I didn’t do it late last year, otherwise will wipe it down).  Then I oil everything that needs it.  Lastly, I check the batteries in my lights.

All totaled, it takes me about 30-45 minutes.

This year, I have two fresh tires to put on.  (Reminds me, I need to get new tubes.)

Now that you’ve got me thinking about it, this weekend seems as good as any to get the bike ready to go.