Requirement 4 (A)
Requirement
Cycling
Clean and Adjust Bicycle
Using a bicycle safety checklist, clean and adjust a bicycle and present it to your counselor for inspection. Do the following:
Requirement
Show points that should be checked regularly to make sure the bicycle is safe to ride.
Quick Pre‑Ride Checks
Once you have completed a full bike inspection, which is repeated periodically (such as seasonally or after heavy use) and depending on riding conditions, it is crucial that you complete your quick pre-ride check before every ride and every time you take a bike out.
Before every ride, remember your ABCs:
Air: Tires and Wheels
Check the air pressure in your tires and inspect the tires for cracks and cuts from glass. Remove anything stuck in the tires. Debris, thorns, or other objects may eventually pierce the tube if they haven’t already.
- Wheels are true and round, centered in the forks, and securely attached.
- Wheels move freely with no more than barely perceptible play.
- Rims are free of dents, kinks, oil, and grime.
- Spokes are unbent and uniformly tightened.
- Tires have good tread.
- Tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.
Quick-Release Levers
- Make sure levers on wheels and seat post are fully closed and tight.
How to Find the Right Tire Pressure for Your Bike
Brakes: Disc and Rim Brakes
Make sure your brakes are working properly. The pads should be in adjustment and not too worn, the cables should be taut and not frayed at the ends, and any quick-release mechanisms or thru axles should be fastened correctly.
- Brakes provide smooth, even deceleration with no squeaking.
- Coaster brakes operate within a 20-degree backpedaling motion.
- Hand brakes operate evenly with minimum movement of brake levers.
- Cables are taut, with no frayed ends or broken strands.
- Brake pads are properly aligned with and do not drag on rims or discs.
- Brake pads are clean and free of debris.
Helpful Tips
See requirement 4(c) for short videos on how to adjust and inspect your disc or rim brakes!
Chain: Lubricated and Clean
Make sure the chain is clean and well-lubricated. If you have ridden in the rain, clean and lubricate the chain as needed.
- The chain is clean, lubricated, and has proper tension, allowing about half an inch of play. There are no stiff links.
- The gears are clean and oiled. Front and rear derailleurs are adjusted for smooth shifting.
- Crank arms are clean and not bent out of shape. They are tightened securely on the crankset axle.
- Pedals are tightly screwed into the crank arm.
- The chainring is clean, not worn, and not bent out of shape.
Now that you have learned more about the parts of the bicycle riders should check regularly,
let’s learn how to adjust the saddle and handlebars of your bike.
