No… but it’s a good idea. It takes just a few minutes, and can save you a lot of future hassle. This routine, from mechanic and repair shop owner Daimeon Shanks, will help you roll out worry-free:
Wheels >> Spin them to make sure your brakes aren’t rubbing. Check that quick-releases are tightened correctly. Inflate your tyres to the proper pressure.
Brakes >> Brakes should engage before the levers hit the handlebar, and the pads should be adequate. Rim-brake pads will need to be replaced if the grooves are worn away, while disc-brake pads should be changed when there’s less than 1mm of compound left on the pad’s surface.
Shifting >> Click through all of your gears, checking to see that your chain moves smoothly and evenly, and that it doesn’t fall off to the inside or outside of the cassette or chainring.
Chain >> Is it dry? Or super-grimy? Clean and lube if necessary, once a month or after every wet or messy ride.

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