GENERAL PRE-RIDE CHECK
8
• Check the connection between the
handlebars and stem. Try pushing the
handlebars up and down - there should
be no movement between these two
elements. If there is any, it is necessary
to tighten the stem bolts (shown above).
• Check the headset for play (stand
next to the bicycle, apply the front brake
and push forwards and backwards.
There should be no play between the
frame and fork). If any play is found
contact your local bike shop or If you
are a confident mechanic then adjust
this yourself. Follow these steps:
Loosen the steer clamp binder bolts.
Adjust preload until no binding or
looseness are present in the headset.
(Shown above) Align the stem with the
front wheel and now tighten the steer
clamp binder bolts alternately, in small
increments. Once again, check for
headset play. If play exists, loosen the
steer clamp, pinch bolts, and tighten
the top cap anchor bolt 1/16th of a turn.
Align the stem, and retighten the pinch
bolts Remember to tighten both bolts
alternately. Repeat until proper adjust-
ment made. All parts of the stem should
be regularly checked for damage or
cracks. If you find anything suspicious,
contact an experienced bike mechanic
immediately. A defective steering sys-
tem can cause serious injury or death.
• Check if the wheels are straight (lift
the bike and spin each wheel - the rim
should not move more than around
1 mm to each side). Check if all the
spokes are tight by running your hand
around each wheel on both sides.
Contact your bicycle dealer to resolve
any problems. Do not attempt to ride a
bicycle with wheels that are not straight
or with spokes that are loose, as it is a
danger to your health and life.
• Check if the tyres are properly inflated
(see the prints on the side walls for in-
structions about the optimum pressure:
usually 30 – 50 psi depending on terrain
and weather conditions). Use a proper
bicycle pump with a pressure gauge to
achieve the correct pressure.
• Check the overall conditions of the
tyres, if they are damaged, torn or worn
out you should replace them before
riding. Using worn or damaged tyres is
dangerous to your health and life. Make
sure tyres are correctly inflated and are
in good shape. Spin each wheel slowly
and look for cuts in the tread and side-
wall. Replace damaged tyres before
riding the bike.
• Proper fork maintenance is essential
for long life and optimal fork function.
Lack of maintenance may result in
faster wear and may lead to malfunction
causing serious injury or death. If you
are not sure how to maintain the fork,
you should consult your dealer to help
you with your maintenance require-
ments.
• Do not ride if any defects are noticed!
• For information about servicing sus-
pension forks mounted on the bike it is
necessary to follow the manufacturer’s
instructions closely. The user manual
for the suspension forks is supplied in
the box with every bicycle and at the
end of this manual.
• Check wheel axle to fork connection
- this is critical for your safety. If you
have axle nuts they should be tightened
according to the wheel manufacturer’s
specification.
