13
Turn the handlebar several times to the left and right.
It must be possible to steer the front wheel easily in both directions without backlash.
The handlebar must not lock in any position.
If the check reveals any faults: Contact your seller in the bicycle shop.
Check the brakes – failing brakes always lead to dangerous situations, falls and accidents. A brake
malfunction always poses a life-threatening risk.
Check the brakes with particular care. Under no circumstances should you continue to use
your bicycle if it has any defects. Contact your service workshop if you discover any defects.
Pull on one or both brake levers completely with the bicycle at a standstill. The smallest
distance between the brake lever and the handlebar grip should be at least 10 mm. Try to
push the bicycle with both brakes applied. The wheels must remain locked.
When the brake levers are actuated, all the brake blocks must contact the rim flank with
practically their whole surface area. In no position, i.e. even when the brakes are actuated,
may the brake blocks touch the tires.
Check the brake blocks visually. The wear and tear of brake blocks may be easily assessed
with the use of wear indicator, i.e. special grooves on the blocks. If the surface of the brake
block is worn off in such a way that grooves have disappeared – it means that the block is to
be replaced. As the brake blocks wear off, the brake cables must be pulled up.
Check the brake position visually. The brake blocks must have the same distance to the rim
on both sides.
Check the brake cables and their clamping
visually. The brake cables must not be damaged
or corroded.
Check the screw connections of the entire braking system visually. All the screws must be
tight.
Try to pull the brakes out of the shoes with your hands. It must not be possible to pull the
brakes out of the shoes by hand. A slight backlash is normal.
Check the wear of the brake blocks.
Check the chain and drive
Press the left-hand crank arm towards the chain stay – you should not feel any bearing
backlash, no cracking or grinding noises should be heard.
Check the chain for any damage. The chain must not be damaged at any point, e.g. by bent
chain links, protruding chain link pins or jammed and immobile chain links.
Check the lighting system. Any failure of the headlight and rear light may lead to dangerous
situations during the ride in the dark and/or with poor visibility. You may fail to see obstacles or
