Your new road bike represents an investment in your fitness that will reap the greatest dividends when your equipment is properly serviced and maintained.

When you take delivery of your new road bike, from the Bike Boutique, you can rest assure that it has been professionally assembled, adjusted and lubed to manufacturer's specifications, the wheels are true and the tires aired.

You may consider your bike to be a fun machine, a fitness tool, or a means of transportation. Actually, it is all of these things and more. A bike can be elegant, with flowing lines and a work-of-art paint scheme. It is unquestionably the best combination of speed and fuel-efficiency of any mode of transportation every invented. Ride  your bike, let it become a part of your life, take care of it, and perhaps it will be the best investment you've every made.

BEFORE YOUR RIDE

Dress Appropriately

During hot summer months, it's easy to dress for cycling: just put on a jersey and padded shorts and go. A rainproof jacket is an option for those afternoon rainstorms.

When the weather turns cooler, there are two considerations.

1. You will feel even cooler on the bike, because you will generate your own wind chill as your bike speeds forward.
2. You will be exerting yourself sprinting and climbing, but your exertions will alternate with relatively cool downhills.

How do you maintain a constant body temperature? Dress in layers, and choose breathable clothing with openings that allow venting during exertions, and afford wind and moisture resistance when needed. Don't over dress. You should probably feel cool during the first 2 to 4 miles of your ride, until your body warms with exercise.

There are cycling-specific pieces of clothing that are wonderful in cooler weather. Full fingered gloves, caps and windproof shoe covers warm the extremities. Arm and leg warmers can be put on during cool morning hours, and taken off when the weather warms up in the afternoon. A vest or light jacket will help maintain core temperature, and can be zipped or unzipped or removed and stashed ina back pocket as ambient and body temperatures change.

Be especially alert to anticipate varying conditions when you ride in the mountains.

Safety Check

Perform a quick safety check of your bike. Tighten any loose screw or bolts. Inspect the frame for cracks, especially around the welds, and especially if you have ever crashed. Does the headset fell smooth, not wobbly or grainy? Are the pedals fastened tightly to the crank arms? Are all cable correctly routed through the frame's cable stops?

Lube and Air

Lube the chain every 100-200 miles with a bike-specific lube (not motor oil or WD-40, which attract dirt). Wipe off excess lube from the outside of the chain. Fill the tires to the proper pressure (which is usually printed on the sidewall).

What to Bring Along

Remember to always have sufficient water or energy drinks along. If you're on a longer ride, bring some food, too. You may want energy bars or gels, or simple carbs like fig bars, candy or fruit. Remember to drink regularly. Drink before you fell thirsty, and drink as much in cooler weather as in hot weather.

Make sure you have a mini-tool, a spare tube, tire levers anda tire pump, even if you don't know how to change a flat! If you have tools, help will be easier to find. Also, carry identification, your health insurance card, a few dollars and a cell phone, just in case.

During Your Ride

Watch for cars and road hazards, such as loose gravel, glass or other debris, or potholes. Tiny things on the road can cause major problems to riders on skinny tires! Even the lane lines, when wet, are very slippery. Stay alert!

Follow the rules of the road. Slow, stop and use hand signals when slowing or turning, just as you would signal when driving. Ride as though you are invisible, but dress for maximum visibility. Don't be afraid to wear screaming yellow during the day. At night, the law in Colorado stipulates that you must have a functioning headlight and taillight. Check the laws in your state. It helps to have reflectors, visible from the front, rear and sides. Wear reflective clothing too.

Even if you're riding on the bike path, follow the rules. Watch for other cyclist, pedestrians, strollers, joggers, and skaters. Be cautious when approaching children, dogs or horses. A well-tuned bike is very quiet. When passing, a simple hello will alert others that you are coming around them.

Listen to your bike. If you hear unusual sounds, such as rubbing, squeaking or clicking, there may be a mechanical problem. Stop and double-check everything. If you can't identify the source, you may want to have your mechanic take a look at your bike.

After Your Ride

Take a few minutes to take care of your equipment. Leave your helmet out to dry in a cool, shaded place (not on the car dashboard in direct sunlight).

If you bike got dusty or muddy during your ride, wipe down your bike frame, fork, wheels and external components. It's okay to hose your bike off (but not under high pressure). Just be careful when spraying around the areas that contain bearings - the hubs, bottom bracket and headtube. You want to avoid getting water inside these areas, as it may displace the grease that helps the bearings move smoothly.

change out of your bike shorts. The chamois is a nice, warm bacteria-breeding heaven, so wash your shorts after every ride.

Hit the shower if you can, and continue hydrating. Get a massage and take a nap! (Don't you wish?) You've earned it!