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• Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the rims are clean and undamaged at the tire 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 loose control and fall.
• 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? If you have rim brakes, do the brake pads contact the wheel rim
squarely and make full contact with the rim? Do the brakes begin to engage 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.
• Wheel retention system: Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured. See Section 4.A
• Seat post: If your seat post has an over-center cam action fastener for easy height adjustment, check that it is properly
adjusted and in the locked position. See Section 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, have your dealer 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.
VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:
Please also read and become thoroughly familiar with the important information on the lifespan of your bicycle and its components in
Appendix B on Page 43.
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