6
7
PART I
1.C - meChAnICAl sAfeTy CheCk
Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before
every ride.
nuts, Bolts screws & other fasteners
Because manufacturers use a wide variety of fastener
sizes and shapes made in a variety of materials,
often differing by model and component, the correct
tightening force or torque cannot be generalized.
To make sure that the many fasteners on your bicycle
are correctly tightened. See page 78.
Always refer to the torque specifications in the
instructions provided by the manufacturer of a
component in question.
Correctly tightening a fastener requires a calibrated
torque wrench. A professional bicycle mechanic with
a torque wrench should torque the fasteners on you
bicycle. If you choose to work on your own bicycle,
you must use a torque wrench and the correct
tightening torque specifications from the bicycle
or component manufacturer or from your dealer. If
you need to make an adjustment at home or in the
field, we urge you to exercise care, and to have the
fasteners you worked on checked by your dealer as
soon as possible.
Note that there are some components which require
special tools and knowledge. In Sections 3 and 4, we
discuss the items which you may be able to adjust
yourself. All other adjustments and repairs should be
done by a qualified bike mechanic.
WARNING
CoRReCT TIGhTenInG foRCe on fAsTeneRs
–nUTs, BolTs, sCReWs– on yoUR BICyCle Is
ImPoRTAnT.
Too little force, and the fastener may not hold
securely. Too much force, and the fastener can
strip threads, stretch, deform or break. Either
way, incorrect tightening force can result in
component failure, which can cause you to loose
control and fall.
Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel off
the ground by two or three inches, then let it bounce
on the ground. Anything sound, feel or look loose?
Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike.
Any loose parts or accessories? If so, secure them.
If you’re not sure, ask someone with experience to
check.
Tires & Wheels
Make sure tires are correctly inflated (see SECTION
4.G.1). Check by putting one hand on the saddle, one
on the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then
bouncing your weight on the bike while looking at tire
deflection. Compare what you see with how it looks
when you know the tires are correctly inflated; and
adjust if necessary.
Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look
for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged
tires before riding the bike.
Wheels true? Spin each wheel and check for brake
clearance and side-to-side wobble. If a wheel
wobbles side-to-side even slightly, or rubs against or
hits the brake pads, take the bike to a qualified bike
shop to have the wheel trued.
CAUTION
Wheels must be true for the brakes to work
effectively. Wheel trueing is a skill which
requires special tools and experience. Do not
attempt to true a wheel unless you have the
knowledge, experience and tools needed to do
the job correctly.
