9
6. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles your
toe or toeclip may be able to contact the front wheel when a
pedal is all the way forward and the wheel is turned. See section
4.E.
C. Mechanical Safety Check
Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before every ride.
Nuts, bolts & straps:
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 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.
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.
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 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
.
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.
Handlebar and saddle alignment:
Make sure the saddle and
handlebar stem are parallel to the bike’s center line and clamped
tight enough so that you can’t twist them out of alignment. See
Sections 3.B and 3.C. If not, align and tighten them.
Handlebar ends:
Make sure the handlebar grips are secure
and in good condition. If not, replace them. Make sure the
handlebar ends and extensions are plugged. If not, plug them
before you ride. If the handlebars have bar end extensions, make
sure they are clamped tight enough so you can’t twist them. If not,
tighten them.
WARNING: Loose or damaged handlebar grips or extensions can cause
you to lose control and fall. Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut your
body and can cause serious injury in an otherwise minor accident.
!
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