Is your bike safe and ready to ride?

This is a simple checklist you can use to help ensure your bike is safe and sound each and every time you go out for a ride and it will only take a couple of minutes.

For children is under the age of 10, we recommend this task be performed by an adult. By the time your child turns 10 he or she will have seen you do this so many times it should be a synch to teach them.

Brake Levers
Adjust on a regular basis. Make sure that the brake levers don’t touch your handgrips even when you squeeze them hard!

Brake Calipers
Adjust on a regular basis. Ensure brake calipers are firm, no play, and brake blocks engage the rim of the wheel correctly.

Reflectors
Reflectors help motorists and other cyclist see you. Always have front and rear reflectors fitted to your bike.

Wheels
Inspect the condition of your wheels, wheel nuts and bearings. Ensure there is no sideways movement in your axles and bearings. If your wheels are buckled have them professionally fixed.

Tyres
Inspect the condition and pressure of your tyres. If there are signs of fraying, bulging or baldness have them replaced immediately!

Chain
Your chain should be clean and lubricated and all gear parts should move freely

Seat
Your seat height should be adjusted to suit you and should be tightened firmly so it cannot move sideways or slide down while you are riding

Pedals
Your pedals should be undamaged and spin freely without having any sideways movement in them

Headset
To test the headset of your bike, simply apply the front brake and rock the handlebars back and forth to check for freeplay. The handlebars should also turn freely in both directions.

Now that you have finished checking your bike over you are ready to ride!