Performing a safety check before each outing will ensure that your bike maintains its proper function. Getting familiar with the working components of your mountain, BMX or road bike will allow you to make any necessary adjustments or minor repairs. Wearing the appropriate safety gear will enable you to remain safe while riding on paved streets and off road trails.
Brakes
The brakes remain a vital safety feature of the mountain, road and BMX bike. The Governor's Office of Highway Safety recommends checking the brakes of your bike before each ride. Examine the brake cables to ensure they have not been damaged with lacerations or tears. Make sure the handbrake levers have been securely fastened onto the handlebar tube. Squeeze the handbrake levers to guarantee the brake pads squeeze on the metallic rim of the rear tire.
Tires
The tires of your bike should grip the riding terrain during high speed turns. According to Be-Safe.org, checking the air pressure of your tires remains an essential part of the bicycle safety check. Locate the recommended air pressure, known as the PSI number, found on the tire wall. Check the air pressure using a hand-held pressure gauge. Inflate your tires with a bike pump if necessary. Examine the tread of the tires to ensure it has not been worn down.
Seat
The bicycle seat allows you to maintain a balanced riding stance. Sit on the bike seat to ensure it has been adjusted to a stable and appropriate height. The Safe America Foundation recommends checking the tightness of your bicycle seat before each ride. A loosened seat post may cause you to lose control of the bike. Most recreational bikes feature a quick-release seat post clamp. Make sure the clamp lever has been moved into the locked position. If your bike frame features an old school clamp, tighten the bolts with an Allen key.
Handlebars
The handlebars allow you navigate the bike around any hazards in your path. A loosened set of handlebars could result in a painful cycling crash. Pull back on the handlebars to guarantee they do not move from side to side. Tighten each of the stem bolts using an appropriately sized Allen key. Check the wear and tear of the rubber handlebar grips. Wear a pair of riding gloves to improve your gripping ability on the handlebars.
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