Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
This may be OCD, but I always check the headset adjustment before a ride -- turn the bars all the way back and forth through their range to check for tight spots, and then hold the front brake and rock the bike fore and aft to check for looseness. I'd like to think it helps redistribute lube.
Go ahead and believe that if it helps you feel better. Certainly the OCD headset check can't hurt.
However, any benefit gained is gone within the first few minutes, with the protection time interval depending more on the specific lube used than anything else.
Stationary bearing wear has long been a problem in the automotive industry, and modern bearing greases are formulated to help prevent fretting in these conditions.