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6.
Bicycle checks before riding
Check the tight fit and the position of wheels – shake both wheels strongly at right angles
perpendicular to the direction of travel – the wheels must not move in the mounting and the
quick-release lever on the hub axle must be closed. No cracking or grinding noises should be
heard.
Check the installation of wheels – the wheels must be installed centrally between the front and
rear fork arms of frame and the brake arms. No part of the wheel can touch the frame or other
bicycle parts.
Check the wheel rims for soiling, in particular for oil or grease – soiled rims must be cleaned
immediately.
Check the tires for signs of external damage, foreign bodies and wear – the tire rubber must have
its original profile over its whole surface, the tire fabric that is under the rubber layer must not
be visible, there must be no visible blisters or cracks. Remove any foreign bodies (thorns, small
stones, pieces of glass, etc.) by hand or carefully with a small screwdriver. Pay attention if air is
then leaking out. If air is leaking out, the inner tube has to be replaced.
Check if the tires are correctly fitted – lift the front wheel, turn the front wheel by hand. The
wheel must run smoothly. There must be no wobble or eccentricity. Check the back wheel in the
same way as the front wheel.
Check the position of valves – remove the valve nut. Check the valve position: The valves must be
pointing towards the middle of the wheel.
Check the air pressure – the low tire pressure may cause that the inner tube may move on the
rim and the valve may bend. The valve base may tear off during the ride, and this may result in a
sudden loss of pressure in the tire. The tire may come off the rim in the curves. The risk of
damage is increased.
Check whether there are any twigs or other similar objects in your wheels. Remove such objects
carefully.
Check whether your wheels have been damaged by any objects.
Check the headset – the headset is the mounting of the fork tube in the steering tube. Through
this mounting, the steering movements are transmitted to the front wheel fork.
Stand alongside your bicycle and hold the handlebar grips with your both hands. Apply the
front wheel brake and keep the brake applied. Push your bicycle forward and back with
short, sharp movements.
The headset must not exhibit any play.
No cracking must be heard or felt.
No crunching noise may be heard.
