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Biking partner check

Biking partner check

Preventative measures for increased safety

Partner checks are an important preventative element of the whole tour process and should become a routine procedure before every bike tour. This deuter Basecamp article walks you through the principles and ways of conducting a partner check, so that you can implement it as part of planning and executing a tour, for increased safety for both you and your team.

Checklist for carrying out a thorough partner check

The following is a checklist that you can use as a pre-tour partner check. In addition to a systematic check of all technical/mechanical gear, it also covers other gear, health status and knowledge of the route and important rules of conduct.

Checklist to ensure smooth and safe ‘flow’ on your bike tour

By eliminating any avoidable risks before you set off, you will make it safer for you and your teammates. This checklist offers guidelines to support you in preparing for your next bike tour.

Checklist

Depending on how familiar group members are with each other, it is important everyone knows each other by name, that contact details are exchanged and they are all fully knowledgeable on the tour you are about to undertake. Putting an open question to the group about their hopes and requirements engenders trust, yields important information and may lead to different group allocations or changes to the tour. It is important that all group members are fully aware that they are responsible for themselves. It is also important to know how to deal with minors and to appreciate the particular responsibility and liability that exists should minors be part of the group.


It is important that everyone is familiar with the tour: route, length and elevation gain, locations for potential rest breaks and refreshments, and that they are able to correctly evaluate that information for themselves and assess their own abilities with regard to these. It is also essential to share knowledge and clarify in advance what the rules of conduct will be on the tour, such as hand signals, and to establish expectations. Find out more here.


Making sure that the tour requirements and bikers’ physical fitness are aligned is important and can be ascertained by asking questions on the following topics:

  • Any relevant illnesses or symptoms
  • Signs of fatigue
  • Physical injuries like bruising, sprains, ...
  • Use of medication (e.g. insulin)
  • Allergies
  • Grips (condition)
  • Bar-ends/ plugs (visual inspection)
  • Brake levers (sturdiness)
  • Gear levers (sturdiness)
  • Accessories: PGS holder, bell, etc. (condition)
  • Stem tube (play)
  • Headset/ handlebar (play: stabilize front of bike between knees)
  • Headset bolts (visual inspection)


  • Biting point / function (sturdy)
  • Pressure / airtight (visual/ manual test)
  • Brake caliper (stability)
  • Brake pads (condition)
  • Brake pads within caliper (fit)
  • Brake discs (solid)
  • Brake discs (condition)
  • Wheels turning freely? (Can be checked during wheel check)

  • Spinning freely (no rubbing / defects)
  • Tire tread from above (condition)
  • Tire tread, sidewalls and valve from the side (seated correctly in the rim / condition)
  • Sufficient air pressure (thumb test)
  • Spokes (condition and tensioning)
  • Bearings play
  • Quick-release lever / quick-release axle (positioning/ secure)

  • SF: Reliability (shock speed)
  • SF: Seals (visual/ manual inspection)
  • SF: Condition
  • SF: Bearings play
  • SA: Screws (visual inspection)
  • SA: Seals (visual/ manual inspection)
  • SA: Condition
  • SA: Operational / shock speed check
  • SA: Bearings play

  • Visual inspection for damage / hairline cracks
  • Accessories: Bottle holder / pump / saddle bag etc. (condition)
  • Seat post (visual inspection inc. stability)
  • Seat post quick-release (positioning)
  • Dropper seat post inc. function test
  • Seat (position / stability)
  • Crank (arms) / inside bearings (stability)
  • Pedals (condition/ stability)
  • Chain links (visual inspection of pins and teeth)
  • Front derailleur (stability/ position)
  • Front gear cable (condition)
  • Chain (overall condition)
  • Back derailleur (stability/ position)
  • Back gear cable (condition)
  • Derailleur pulley wheels (condition / position)
  • Derailleur hanger (vertical position)
  • Sprocket set (condition / stability

  • Helmet
  • Gloves
  • Goggles / glasses
  • Clothing inc. rain gear and extra layers
  • Protective equipment (if applicable)
  • Spare parts (brake pads, inner tube, …)
  • Cleats (check condition/ screws)
  • Laces
  • Food and drink
  • Money
  • Multitool/ bike tool kit
  • Backpack check (fit, zippers, sharp protruding objects etc.)