The ABC Bike Safety Quick Check

AIR

Check air pressure:

• Firmly squeeze the tire sides to check air pressure
• Give the wheels a spin
• Check tires for metal objects, punctures, cuts, cracks, wear, hops, or signs of leaking sealant.

BRAKES

Check brakes:

• Squeeze each brake lever and roll bike forward to check grip
• Check brake lever not bottoming out against handlebar
• If caliper style brakes – check that pads are centered on rim surface and hitting squarely
• If disc brakes – check for rubbing rotors

CHAIN

If chain is dry and shiny or rusty:

• Apply chain oil.
• Let sit and dry completely.

If full of sludge, the chain needs degreasing first!

QUICK release

Check quick release skewers:

• Is the lever closed firmly and pointed towards frame or back?
• Grab wheel and check for any side to side play. If a wheel rubs on brake pads, first make sure it’s fully seated in frame.

If a through-axle (disc brake), axle should be hand tight with included lever.  

CHECK 

Complete a final check for any loose parts, accessories, or bottles:

• Lift each wheel and let bike drop down to check for rattles
• Grab the seat and try to wiggle it side to side or up and down.
• Grab the handle bars and make sure they don’t slip up and down or side to side while holding the front wheel between your knees.  

Finally, check with a quick test ride - apply brakes and test shifting all gears.