How to Prep Your Bike for Your Triathlon

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Getting your bike dialed in ahead of race day is the key to a stress‑free ride at the Ascension Seton Austin CapTex Triathlon. Follow these five simple steps to ensure your bike is ready to roll—and remember, if you need a hassle‑free ride, Unlimited Biking has on‑site bike rentals waiting for you!

1. Tire and Wheel Readiness

  • Inflate Properly: Aim for 85–100 PSI in your road tires. That sweet spot delivers speed without sacrificing comfort on Austin’s downtown streets.

  • Inspect for Damage: Scan for cuts, embedded glass, or worn tread. A fresh tire beats a flat tire any day.

  • Quick True Check: Spin each wheel—if you see a side‑to‑side wobble, tighten loose spokes or mark it for a pro true later.

2. Smooth Shifting and Drivetrain Care

  • Clean & Lubricate: Give your chain a scrub and a drop of lube 48 hours before the race.

  • Shift Through Gears: While holding your bike or on a trainer, click through every gear. Listen for skips—minor cable tweaks can eliminate big frustrations.

  • Inspect Teeth: Worn cassette cogs or chainring teeth can spit your chain under load. Swap out any that look bent or excessively worn.

3. Brake Check

  • Pad Thickness: Replace brake pads under 1 mm of material—or if you see embedded debris.

  • Alignment Test: Squeeze brakes while rolling slowly. Pads should hit the rim or rotor squarely, then release cleanly with no rubbing.

4. Fasten & Fine‑Tune

  • Bolt Torque: Stem, handlebars, saddle rails, and bottle cages—give each bolt a torque‑wrench twist to manufacturer specs.

  • Handlebar Comfort: Lock in your aero bars and drops so your arms feel strong, whether you’re powering out of T1 or heading into T2.

  • Accessory Placement: Mount your bike computer, hydration bottle, and nutrition pouch within easy reach—no fumbling mid‑race!

5. On‑Site Bike Rentals by Unlimited Biking

Can’t bring your own bike? No worries! Unlimited Biking offers high‑performance triathlon rentals right at the CapTex transition area. Their convenient on‑site pickup and drop‑off mean you ride a top‑tier bike without shipping hassles. Learn more and reserve your rental at:
https://unlimitedbiking.com/events/ascension-seton-captex-triathlon/

Final Tune‑Up Ride: Plan a 20‑ to 30‑minute shake‑down spin 2–3 days before race morning. Confirm everything feels crisp—and lock in your nutrition practice. With these easy steps and the convenience of Unlimited Biking rentals, you’ll be poised for a fast, smooth, and totally worry‑free CapTex Triathlon ride.

See you at the start line!