Bike check

Most cycle shops can give advice or carry out repairs. It is a good idea to have your bicycle checked at a cycle shop.

bike wheels

Quick bike check

Lift the front end of the bike by the handlebar stem. Pat the front tyre to check the wheel is tight in the frame. Squeeze the sides of the front tyre to check inflation. Wobble the tyre/wheel from side to side to check there is no excessive bearing play.
Return the wheel to the ground, apply the font and rear brakes. Check the brake blokes bear evenly on the rim. Check the cables inside the leavers are not fraying, and that the leavers can be grasped by the rider without touching the handlebars with the brakes fully on. Check by pushing the brakes forward that the brakes work.
When pushing the bike forwards and backwards, check for loose headstock bearings.
Go to the rear of the bike and grasp the saddle. Check for the movement up and down and side to side.
Lift the rear of the bike by the saddle. Pat the tyre in the direction of the rear drop outs to check the rear wheel is tight in the frame. Squeeze the sides of the rear tyre to check inflation. Also check for wear. Wobble the tyre/wheel from side to side to check bearing tightness.
Loose wheel and headstock bearing are signs that the bike has been bumped up the kerbs, and therefore you can expect to find buckled wheels which will affect steering and braking.

Adam Cross
Cycling and Pedestrian Officer
Walsall Council
2nd floor, Civic Centre
Darwall Street
Walsall
WS1 1DG

Telephone 01922 652577
Email CrossA@walsall.gov.uk

This page was last updated on 12 May 2008