Wayne Smith, also known as 'Big Tall Wayne,' started working at a local bike shop in high school and has been turning wrenches for more than 20 years now. He’s a professional mechanic working with pro gravel racer Peter Stetina and the Canyon USA squad, and spends time working at Olympic Bike Shop in Tahoe City. Smith knows his way around a MTB race and shares some tips for getting your bike race-ready.
I grew up racing mountain bikes. When I was 14 years old, some friends told me I should come check out the local weekly mtb race, and I was immediately hooked. Soon, my family was hooked as well, and we were filling our calendar with larger events like the Sea Otter Classic, 24 Hours of Tahoe, 24 Hours of Moab, and any other event that looked fun. I raced throughout college and still look forward to pinning on a number plate and lining up on a start line. Throughout these years of racing, I’ve learned the importance of arriving at the start line with a tuned-up bike that is ready to race.
Whether you’re trying out MTB racing for the first time at a local race or going for the podium at a World Cup, it's important to have a perfectly functioning bike, so you give yourself the best chance to challenge yourself and have a great time in the dirt. Here are some tips for getting your bike MTB race-ready.
Check Your Wear-Out Parts
Let’s face it, many of us don't have a race-specific bike, and we end up putting in lots of miles of training on the bike we will be lining up to race with. While there is nothing wrong with this, there are certain parts that wear out as we ride and it’s a good idea to check these regularly. Have a mechanic check out your bike several weeks before your next big race so you can replace any parts and avoid any panic moments on race day.
Have your mechanic check the “wear items” on your bike and replace these parts if there are any doubts. Your bike’s wear items include parts like your chain, cassette, front chainring(s), cables and housing, and brake pads. Be proud if you’ve worn through some items, that means you’re riding a lot, and hopefully having fun!
While your bike is at the shop, have your suspension serviced if it's been a while, and check your tire sealant. Doing this ahead of time helps keep things stress-free as you get closer to the event so you can focus on your own preparations.
Prepare for Problems
Nobody looks forward to a flat tire or mid-race mechanical. But you should still prepare for the unexpected and make sure you have all the tools and gear you need to fix minor problems on the trail. Have a small but effective kit with you on race day. Know what tools and gear you may need for your bike and how to use them.
Consider carrying things like a spare tube, pump, CO2 cartridges and inflator head, tire plugs, a small multi-tool, and a master link for your chain.
An effective repair kit can keep you in the hunt for the race win or get you to that finish line. The best way to practice using your repair kit and tools is simply to use them. While out riding or training in the weeks leading into your race, spend some time figuring out what you need and what you don't need to carry with you. Try doing small repairs with only the tools you carry for your race day, and this will help cut down on frustration and time if you happen to have a race-day issue.
Keep it Clean
A clean bike is a happy bike; start with a clean bike. Pre-race bike cleaning not only makes your bike look great, but it’s also a good time to go over a final checklist to make sure you're prepared for success on the racecourse. Be sure to check: • Tires - Make sure there's plenty of life left in your tires, and your tread is in good shape. • Tire Sealant – Check that your sealant hasn't dried up and that there’s still plenty in there. • Shifting - Shift through the gears to make sure everything is shifting and pedaling smoothly. • Chain - Clean your chain and apply fresh lube. • Brakes - Spin the wheels to make sure the brakes aren't rubbing and that the wheels move freely.
Mountain biking is very demanding on your equipment, and racing pushes it even further. Starting with a clean bike that works well is like starting with a clean slate: Even though it's about to get really dirty, a clean bike will work better for longer.
Final Check
Take your clean bike with all your race-day equipment for one more pedal. Make sure there are no strange noises, the tires are holding air, and your shifting is working well in all the gears. Pedal hard a couple of times, bounce on the suspension, and operate your seat dropper. Make sure it's all working.
3,2,1 - Go!
Nerves are on high alert when standing on the start line, and then it's time to go as fast as possible and turn yourself inside out with other like-minded racers. Have fun! Remember, we ride mountain bikes because they are fun, and we race because we enjoy pushing our limits. If you've properly prepared ahead of time, you’re setting yourself up for success and minimizing the chance for something to go wrong. Random flats and mechanicals happen sometimes, so be ready for those moments and just remember that it’s all OK; at least you’re still on your mountain bike!
