Warm Weather Will Here Soon
Is Your Bicycle Ready?
Pre-Ride Equipment Check from the COP Bicycle program Safety Guidelines
Tires: Casing - no cracks, no sidewall bulges, and no cords exposed. Is pumped up, bead seated evenly all around
Wheels: Rim in good shape and true (not rubbing brake pads). No missing or broken spokes. Wheel spins freely on axle, but not loose.
Quick Release: Clamped on tight enough; NOT screwed on.
Brakes: Thumb clearance when hand levers squeezed. Pads not worn too much. Cable not frayed. Brake block lever release closed. Both pads contact rim at about the same time.
Crank: Arms tight on spindle (when pushed/pulled sideways). Spindle not loose in the bottom bracket shell.
Stem & Handlebar: In line with front wheel. Stem tight inside the steering tube. Handlebar clamped tightly in stem.
Gears: Many do not know how to shift. You may be able to teach some quickly in the parking lot, or on the road. Others, you may have to, for that day, put the bike in some appropriate gear for them.
Seat Height: Many will have the seat too low. Advise them to raise it about a 1/4 inch at a time, and get used to that setting before raising it more toward the correct height.
Helmet Adjustment: Level on head (not "easter bonnet" angle). All 4 straps from shell tight and meet under ear. Snug under chin.