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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 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 inated
(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 deection. Compare what you see
with how it looks when you know the tires are correctly
inated; 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 qualied 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.
Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the
rims are clean and undamaged along the braking
surface, and check for excess rim wear.
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 contact the
wheel rim squarely and make full contact with the rim?
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 by a professional
bicycle mechanic.
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.
Handlebar ends: Make sure the handlebar grips
are secure and in good condition. If not, have your
dealer 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.
!
WARNING: Loose or damaged handlebar grips
or extensions can cause you to lose control and fall.
Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut you and
cause serious injury in an otherwise minor accident.
D. First Ride
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your rst
familiarization ride on your new bicycle, be sure to pick