7: The ABC's bike check
(Originally written for another purpose)
Do you know your ABCs of bike checks?
Air
- Find pressure reading on air pump
- Read the pressure on the tire, inflate to halfway
- Too close to the smallest number will not last very long
- Too high can cause inner tube to break
- Read the pressure on the tire, inflate to halfway
- If no pressure reading, then inflate until
- Tires need a lot more air than you
Brakes
- Rim brakes should engage easily
- Adjust so that there is a distance of 1 thumb to the handlebar when stopping
Chains (also crank and cassette)
- Chain should move easily, avoid stuck links or rust
- Cranks should not move left/right
- Cassette (gearing on the back wheel would be free to move)
Seat height
- Hip height
- Tip: to stop and stand, lean the bike
- Seems a bit scary, but this height check lets you pedal better
Quickly: test ride
- Take a very short ride to see if everything is good
- Try to stay nearby, so that you can come back quickly if anything goes wrong
Last things
- Can you store your bike inside?
- It's ok if you ride in the rain for a bit.
- Just make sure to dry your bike when you get back inside at home.
- It's ok if you ride in the rain for a bit.
- If you can, it's best to store your bike inside.
- That way, your chain can stay clean and so your bike last longer.