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WHEELS
Quick release: Check that these are set to the closed position and are properly tensioned before each ride.
CAUTION: Maintain the closed position and the correct adjustment. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.
Axle nuts: Check that these are tight before each ride.
It is most important that wheels are kept in top condition. Properly maintaining your bicycle’s wheels will help braking performance and
stability when riding. Be aware of the following potential problems:
•
Dirty or greasy rims. CAUTION:
These can render your brakes ineffective. Do not clean rims with oily or greasy materials. When
cleaning, use a clean rag or wash with soapy water, rinse and air dry. Don’t ride while they’re wet. When lubricating your bicycle, don’t
get oil on the rim braking surfaces.
•
Wheels not straight: Lift each wheel off the ground and spin them to see if they are crooked or out of true. If wheels are not straight,
they will need to be adjusted. This is quite difficult and is best left to a bicycle specialist.
•
Broken or loose spokes: Check that all spokes are tight and that none are missing or damaged. CAUTION: Such damage can result
in severe instability and possibly an accident if not corrected. Again, spoke repairs are best handled by a specialist.
•
Loose hub bearings: Lift each wheel off the ground and try to move the wheel from side to side.
CAUTION:
If there is movement
between the axle and the hub, do not ride the bicycle. Adjustment is required.
TIRES
Tires must be maintained properly to ensure road holding and stability. Check the following areas:
•
Inflation: Ensure tires are inflated to the pressure indicated on the tire sidewalls. Use a pump that is designed for bicycle tires.
It is not recommended to use a gas station service pump to inflate bicycle tires. These pumps put out a high volume of air very quickly
Inflating a bicycle tire too quickly can cause the tire to blow off the rim damaging the bicycle, and possibly injuring the rider. Add a little
bit of air at a time, and check that the tire is seated evenly on the rim on both sides. To check, pump the tire up to 20 psi, then remove
the pump. Spin the wheel and watch the tire to see if it has any high or low areas. Use hands to pull tire into place. Spin the wheel again
to be sure tire is correctly seated, and complete inflation. Check again when done. If the tire is not seated, release some or all of the air
pressure and start over. An unseated tire can rupture unexpectedly causing a loss of control of the bicycle and result in injury or death.
•
Bead seating: When inflating or refitting tire, make sure that the bead is properly seated in the rim.
•
Tread: Check that the tread shows no signs of excessive wear or flat spots, and that there are no cuts or other damage.
CAUTION: Excessively worn or damaged tires should be replaced.
•
Valves: Make sure valve caps are fitted and that valves are free from dirt. A slow leak caused by the entry of the dirt
can lead to a flat tire, and possibly a dangerous situation.
MAINTENANCE
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