Bicycle Inspection

Bicycle Inspection Checklist

Drop your bike from about 10 cm off the ground. If there are rattles, find them. Tighten loose parts.

Brakes

• Check for frayed cables and broken housing by looking at them and squeezing the levers
• Brake blocks should have at least 5 cm of rubber and be mounted with the opening of the holder at the back
• Brake blocks should hit the rim squarely
• Brake levers should be tightly mounted
• Brake levers should not touch the handlebar when squeezed. Each brake should be able to lock its own wheel.

Wheels

• Wheels should be securely fastened, with quick release levers turned inwards toward the wheel. They lock by turning, not screwing shut.
• Wheels should spin without rubbing or wobbling. If they rub, check for trueness, uneven brake block placement, rubbing fenders or wheel places unevenly between the dropouts.

Tires

• Tires should have reasonable tread, no cuts and no bulges.
• Keep tires inflated to the pressure stamped on the sidewall. Presta valve ends should be screwed shut.

Chain

• A derailer chain should be under tension and not squeak. A single-speed or three-speed chain should have about 1 cm of play. All rivets should be flush within the links.
• Keep chain oiled and free from rust and dirt.

Gears

• All the gears should work, with unfrayed, unrusted cables.
• Shifter thumbscrews should be tight. If the gears are adjusted, the chain should not rub the front derailer or any part of the frame. There should not be grinding noises.

Bearings

• Pedals should spin freely, with a minimum of shake from side to side.
• Cranks should rotate freely with a minimum of shake from side to side.
• Headset should allow free rotation of the handlebars but should not allow any forward and backward motion between the fork and frame. Rock the bike back and forth with the front brake locked.

Handlebars and saddle

• Keep tightly fastened.

Frame

• Should be free from bends and wrinkles.

Accessories

• Bikes should have the legally required front lights and rear lights or rear reflectors in working order.
• Attachments should be secure.
• Handlebar tape should be in good condition and end plugs or grips tight.

Maintenance Tips

Weekly

• Oil your chain; clean your bike
• Check your tire pressure and look for glass embedded in your tires
• Check for and tighten loose parts

Monthly

• Check cables for rust, fraying
• Oil brake levers at the pivot point
• Check the brake shoes for wear
• Check the tires for wear
• Check the chain for stretch
• Check bearings for play
•  

Yearly

• Annual overhaul of moving parts