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Some higher performance model bicycles come equipped with pedals that have sharp and potentially
dangerous surfaces. These surfaces are designed to add safety by increasing adhesion between the
rider’s shoe and the bicycle pedal. If your bicycle has this type of high-performance pedal, you must
take extra care to avoid serious injury from the pedals sharp surfaces.
Based on your riding style or skill level, you may prefer a less aggressive pedal design. Your dealer
can show you a number of options and make suitable recommendations.
MECHANICAL SAFETY CHECK
Here is a simple, sixty-second mechanical safety check which you should get in the habit of making
every time
you’re about to get on the bike.
1. NUTS, BOLTS
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 quick 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.
2. TIRES & WHEELS
Tires correctly inflated? 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 or hits the brake pads, take the bike to a qualified bike shop to have the wheel
trued.
CAUTION:
Wheels must be true for hand 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
and tools needed to do the job correctly.
3. BRAKES
If your bicycle has hand-operated brakes, squeeze the brake levers. Are the brake shoes contacting
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.
If your bicycle has a coaster brake, check to make sure that
the coaster brake arm is securely clamped to the bicycle frame. If the arm or its mounting bracket are
loose,
do not ride the bike until the brake arm is properly secured.
WARNING:
Riding with improperly adjusted and secured brakes or worn brake shoes is dangerous
and can result in serious injury or death.
4. WHEEL NUTS
Are the front and rear wheels straight and secure in the dropouts? Are the wheel nuts properly
tightened?
WARNING: Riding with an improperly installed or insufficiently tightened wheel can cause the wheel to
wobble or disengage from the bicycle, which can cause damage to the bicycle and serious injury or
death.
5. HANDLEBAR AND SADDLE ALIGNMENT
Are the saddle and handlebar stem correctly parallel to the bikes top tube and tight enough so that you
can twist them out of alignment?
6. HANDLEBAR ENDS
Are the handlebar grips secure and in good condition? If not, replace them. Are the handlebar ends
plugged? If not, plug them before you ride.
