WARNING : Correct tightening force on fasteners –nuts, bolts, screws– on your bicycle is important. Too little force,
and the fastener may not hold securely. Too much force, and the fastener can strip threads, stretch, deform or break. Either
way, incorrect tightening force can result in component failure, which can cause you to loose control and fall.
Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel o the ground by two or three inches, then let it bounce on the ground.
Anything sound, feel or look loose? Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Any loose parts or accessories? If
so, secure them. If you’re not sure, ask someone with experience to check.
TIRES & WHEELS : Make sure tires are correctly inflated (Section 3.F). Check by putting one hand on the saddle, one on the
intersection of the handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the bike while looking at tire deflection. Compare
what you see with how it looks when you know the tires are correctly inflated; and adjust if necessary. Tires in good shape?
Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tires before riding the bike. Wheels
true? Spin each wheel and check for wheel wobble, side to side even slightly, take the bike to a qualified bike shop to have
the wheel trued.
BRAKES : Check the brakes for proper operation (Section 3.C). Squeeze the brake levers. All control cables seated and
securely engaged? Can you apply full braking force at the levers without having them touch the handlebar? If not, your
brakes need adjustment. Squeeze the levers again, and twist the throttle at the same time, does the motor engage? If so,
the inhibitors are not working correctly. Do not ride the bike until the brakes are properly adjusted by a professional bicycle
mechanic.
WHEEL RETENTION SYSTEM : Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured. (Section 3.A)
SEAT POST : If your seat post has an over-center quick-release fastener for easy height adjustment, check that it is properly
adjusted and in the locked position. (Section 3.B).
HANDLEBAR AND SADDLE ALIGNMENT : Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem are parallel to the bike’s center line
and clamped tight enough so that you can’t twist them out of alignment.
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