7
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, it is not possible for this
Manual to specify correct torque (tightening force) for the fasteners on your bicycle. We can tell you the
importance of correct torque, but not the specific torque required for each fastener on your bicycle. To
correctly torque a fastener, a torque wrench must be used. 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 get
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.
!
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 truing 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.
!
Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the rims are clean and undamaged along the braking surface,
and check for excess rim wear.
Brakes:
Check the brakes for proper operation (see Sections 4.C). Squeeze the brake levers. Are the brake
quick-releases closed? All control cables seated and securely engaged? Do the brake pads contact the
wheel rim squarely and make full contact with the rim? Do the brake pads touch the wheel rim within an inch
of brake lever movement? Can you apply full braking force at the levers without having them touch the
handlebar? If not, your brakes need adjustment. Do not ride the bike until the brakes are properly adjusted
by a professional bicycle mechanic.
Quick Releases:
Make sure the front wheel, rear wheel and seat post quick releases are properly adjusted
and in the locked position. See Section 4.A and 4.B.
Summary of Contents for - V8.0
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