Warning: A handlebar end that is not plugged or covered can cut in a crash.
3 Check the Wheels
Check the tyre inflation. Inflate the tyres to the air pressure recommended on the sidewall of the
tyre, but no higher than any recommendation that may be on the rim. Make sure tyres are
correctly inflated. 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 tyre deflection.
Compare what you see with how it looks when you know the tyres are correctly inflated; and
adjust if necessary.
Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tyres before
riding the bike.
Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured.
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 rim brakes to work effectively. Wheel trueing 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. Make sure the rims are clean
and undamaged at the tyre bead and, if you have rim brakes, along the braking surface. Check to
make sure that any rim wear indicator marking is not visible at any point on the wheel rim.
Warning: Bicycle wheel rims are subject to wear. Ask your dealer about wheel rim wear. Some
wheel rims have a rim wear indicator which becomes visible as the rim’s braking surface wears.
A visible rim wear indicator on the side of the wheel rim is an indication that the wheel rim has
reached its maximum usable life. Riding a wheel that is at the end of its usable life can result in
wheel failure, which can cause you to lose control and fall.
4 Check the Brakes
Warning: A brake system that has damage or is not adjusted correctly could decrease your
control and cause you to fall. Make a full inspection of the brakes before each ride. If your brakes
do not operate correctly, do not ride your bicycle. Adjust the brakes or take your bicycle to your
dealer for service.
Pull the lever to make sure the brake moves freely and stops your bicycle. If the lever can be
pulled to the handlebar, the brake is too loose.
The brake-pads should be in alignment with the rim surface.
When the brake is not applied, both brake-pads should be 1 to 2 mm from the rim. If the brake-
pads are too near the rim, the brake is too tight.
5 Check the Saddle (seat) and Seatpost Make sure the saddle is correctly attached. Try to turn
the saddle and seatpost in the frame, and try to move the front of the saddle up and down. The
saddle should not move or be loose.
6 Check the Lights and Reflectors Make sure all reflectors are clean and in their correct position.
Also make sure the reflectors are not covered or obstructed by anything on your bike.
Make sure the lights operate correctly and that batteries are charged. If the lights use a dynamo,
make sure the dynamo is mounted correctly and cannot move.
F O R M E B I K E S . C O . U K
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