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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 deflection.
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.
Brakes: Check the brakes for proper operation (see Section
4.A). 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.
Quick Releases: If your bike has front wheel, rear wheel or
seat post quick releases, make sure they are properly adjusted
and in the locked position. See Section Appendix 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 Section 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 are plugged. If not, plug them before
you ride.
!
WARNING: Loose or damaged handlebar grips can
cause you to lose control and fall. Unplugged handlebars
can cut your body, and can 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
a controlled environment, away from cars, other cyclists,
obstacles or other hazards. Ride to become familiar with the
controls, features and performance of your new bike.
Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the bike
(see Section 4.C). Test the brakes at slow speed, putting your
weight toward the rear and gently applying the brakes, rear
brake rst. Sudden or excessive application of the front brake,
if your bicycle has one, could pitch you over the handlebars.
Applying brakes too hard can lock up a wheel, which could
cause you to lose control and fall. Skidding is an example of
what can happen when a wheel locks up.
If your bicycle has clipless pedals, practice getting in and
out of the pedals. See paragraph B.4 above and Section
4.C.3.
If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how