50
3. After Every Long or Hard Ride: If the bike has been exposed to water or grit; or at least every 100 miles:
Clean the bike and lightly oil the chain. Wipe off excess oil. Lubrication is a function of climate. Talk to your
dealer about the best lubricants and the recommended lubrication frequency for your area.
4. After Every Long or Hard Ride or After Every 10 to 20 Hours of Riding:
a. Squeeze the front brake and rock the bike forward and back. Everything feel solid? If you feel a clunk with
each forward or backward movement of the bike, you probably have a loose headset. Have your dealer
check it.
b. Lift the front wheel off the ground and swing it from side to side. Feel smooth? If you feel any binding or
roughness in the steering, you may have a tight headset. Have your dealer check it.
c. Grab one pedal and rock it toward and away from the centerline of the bike; then do the same with the
other pedal. Anything feel loose? If so, have your dealer check it.
d. Take a look at the brake pads. Starting to look worn or not hitting the wheel rim squarely? Time to have the
dealer adjust or replace them.
e. Carefully check the control cables and cable housings. Any rust? Kinks? Fraying? If so, have your dealer
replace them.
f. Squeeze each adjoining pair of spokes on either side of each wheel between your thumb and index finger.
Do they all feel about the same? If any feel loose, have your dealer check the wheel for tension and trueness.
g. Check the frame, particularly in the area around all tube joints; the handlebars; the stem; and the seatpost for
any deep scratches, cracks or discoloration. These are signs of stress-caused fatigue and indicate that a part is
at the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced.
h. Check to make sure that all parts and accessories are still secure, and tighten any which are not.
5. As Required: If either brake lever fails the Mechanical Safety Check (Section 1.C), don’t ride the bike. Have
your dealer check the brakes. If the chain won’t shift smoothly and quietly from gear to gear, the derailleur is
out of adjustment. See your dealer.