5
1.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.). 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 trueing 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.
