8
BEFORE EVERY RIDE, CHECK YOUR BICYCLE
Check your bicycle and its components against the following checklist before every ride. This is
not a comprehensive maintenance program. If you are not certain if your bicycle has a problem,
take your bicycle to a professional mechanic for service.
In addition, if you have an impact, crash, or accident, even a minor one, always have the
bicycle inspected thoroughly by a professional before riding the bicycle again.
WARNING:
A bicycle that does not work properly can cause you to lose control and fall.
Inspect the entire bicycle thoroughly before every ride, and do not ride it until any
problem has been corrected.
CHECK THE FRAME, FORK, AND COMPONENTS
Carefully inspect your frame and components for signs of fatigue before and after each ride.
CHECK THAT THE WHEELS ARE STRAIGHT
Spin each wheel and watch the rim as it passes through the brake pads or the frame. If the rim
wobbles, moving up and down or from side to side, take your bicycle to a professional for
service.
CHECK THE TIRE INFLATION
Inflate your tires to the air pressure recommended on the tire sidewalls.
CAUTION:
A gas station hose may inflate a bicycle tire too rapidly, and the pressure indicated
is often inaccurate. Excessive pressure can cause the tire to explode or fail. Use a hand-
operated pump with an appropriate gauge.
CHECK THE BRAKES
WARNING:
If your brakes are not working properly, you can lose control and fall.
Inspect the brakes thoroughly before every ride, and do not ride the bicycle until any
problem has been corrected.
Squeeze each brake lever toward the handlebar to make sure the brake moves freely and
stops the bicycle. If the brake lever can be pulled to the handlebar, the brake is too loose.
When the brakes are not applied, the brake pads should be 1 to 2mm from the rim. If the brake
pads are too close to the rim, the brake is too tight. Brake pads should be aligned with the rim
surface. If the brakes are not properly adjusted, take your bicycle to a professional for service.
CHECK THE ATTACHMENT OF BOTH WHEELS
To be ridden safely, the wheels of your bicycle must be firmly attached to the frame and fork.
WARNING:
A wheel that is not properly attached may allow the wheel to be loose or
come off unexpectedly, causing you to lose control and fall. Make sure the axle-nuts are
properly tightened before riding the bicycle.
CHECK THE HANDLEBAR AND STEM
Carefully inspect your handlebar and stem for signs of fatigue before and after each ride. Also
check that the handlebar ends are properly covered—by grips with closed ends, or handlebar
plugs inserted into both ends of the handlebar.
