Originally Posted by
Grasschopper
Seriously?
Once properly set there is no reason to check derailleur travel. I have bikes I haven't touched the limits on in 5 years. As long as no event bends the derailleur or the hanger there is no need to check its adjustment and I know of NOONE who checks this on every ride. And QR tension? Again why? If it was right when you put the wheel on why isn't it still right (unless someone messed with it to f with you)?
The ONLY thing I check every ride is my tire pressure and really that isn't even necessary...more like every 4 days or so.
I mostly agree with this. Common sense dictates how often these things should be checked. Any time you have to take the wheel off (home trainer swap, transport) the QR needs to be tight on re-installation. If you transport your bike (or have someone else do it), lend it to someone, lock it up in public next to other bikes, etc. then you might want to make sure the derailleur and QR have't been knocked around or tampered with.
In any case, DaCiscoKid, because of your experience I will be checking my rear derailleur much more often!