Before every ride, make sure to follow these simple steps to ensure the safety of the rider and protect your bicycle from damage.
Tyres:
Tyres should be inflated to the recommended pressure as shown on the tyre’s sidewall. This will be show in PSI (pounds per square inch) or bar. Correct pressure ensures the tyre will roll with maximum performance whilst minimising tread wear and reducing the likelihood of punctures (pinch flats). If in doubt buy a pump with a built in gauge. Check the tread and sidewalls for cuts or tears and excessive wear, these can impair the tyres performance and lead to failure and personal injury. Damaged tyres should be replaced.
Wheels & Seat Pins:
Quick releases must always be correctly tightened and ridden in the closed setting. Refer to the manufacturers guide provided with the bike or service manual for detailed operating instructions.
Nuts, Bolts & Fastenings:
Check all fastenings on the cycle for tightness and tension and any loose parts before riding. If stated, some components may require the use of a torque wrench (refer to settings on the component or instruction manual). Repetitive loosening of a component may indicate damage or an underlying problem. and we advise speaking to a qualified bicycle mechanic for guidance.
Brakes:
Pull hard on the brake levers before each ride, if they come close to or touch the handlebars they may need servicing or pad replacement. Check brake pads; if they have worn to the maximum wear line they should be replaced before riding. Sponginess in hydraulic systems may indicate the need to have the system bled. An authorised dealer or a qualified mechanic should carry out this service. Braking surfaces should be free from oil or grease contamination, which can seriously impair braking power.
Bar/Stem Alignment:
Check the bar/stem is aligned correctly and has its clamping bolts tightened so the bar cannot be twisted out of line with the front wheel. Failure to carry out this check could lead to loss of control of the cycle and personal injury.
Suspension:
Forks and rear shocks should be correctly inflated or preloaded accordingly to rider weight and correctly balanced with each other. This maximises their efficiency and prevents damage from bottoming out. Refer to the suspension manuals. A dedicated shock pump must be used to ensure the correct pressure is achieved, a regular tyre pump is not suitable. On rear suspension systems all pivots and linkages must be checked for tightness and bearing wear. Riding the cycle with these parts loose could lead to failure and/or personal injury and void warranty.
Frame Check:
The frame must be cleaned and check regularly for cracks on the tubes and weld joints, If you suspect you have a crack, the frame must not be ridden until it has been checked by an authorised dealer.
