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5. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check Section 4.F. Suspension can change the way a bicycle performs. Follow the suspension
manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment and care.
6. Do you have toe overlap? On smaller framed bicycles your toe or toeclip may be able to contact the front wheel when a pedal is all the way
forward and the wheel is turned. See section 4.E.
C. Mechanical Safety Check
Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before 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 quick 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.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 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 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.
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 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.
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 center line and clamped tight enough so
that you can’t twist them out of alignment. See Sections 3.B and 3.C. If not, align and tighten them.
Handlebar ends: Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition. If not, 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. If not, tighten them.
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