The check before every ride

Almost no serious problem arrives without warning. Tyres deflate slowly, pads wear down gradually, a loose chain has been loose for days. The check before setting off is not about being fussy: it is about finding things while they are still small.

Tyres, first of all

Pressure is checked with the tyre cold, not after riding: a hot tyre reads higher and makes you believe it is fine. Also look at the tread and run a hand along the sidewall looking for cuts, bulges or foreign objects lodged in it.

In the Egyptian heat low pressure costs you twice: the tyre flexes more, heats more, and wears fast exactly when you need grip.

Brakes

Pull both levers with the bike stationary: they must meet resistance at a precise, repeatable point. If the lever travels far or feels spongy there is air in the system or the pads are at their limit. Also check the fluid level in the reservoir and its colour: dark means old.

Chain, if your bike has one

It must have play, but not too much: the correct figure is in the bike's manual and varies from model to model. A chain that is too tight wears the bearings, one that is too loose can jump off. And it must be lubricated: with sand around, it has to be cleaned and greased far more often than in Europe.

Lights, mirrors, oil

• Turn everything on and walk around the bike: low beam, high beam, front and rear brake light, indicators.
• Adjust the mirrors while seated, wearing the jacket you will actually use.
• Check the oil level with the bike level, not on the side stand.

And the gear

The check applies to what you wear as well. A frayed helmet strap, a zip that does not close, a protector that came out of its pocket during a wash: these are things you discover at the wrong moment if you do not look at them beforehand.

If the helmet has taken a knock, even by falling off the seat, it must be replaced. The shell works by deforming once only, and the damage is almost always invisible from the outside.