Chapter 1: Guide to safe On- and off-road operation
Check your bicycle and its components against the following checklist before every ride. This is not a comprehensive maintenance program. If you are not certain if your bicycle has a problem, take your bicycle to your Trek dealer for service.
Warning—A bicycle that does not work properly can cause you to lose control and fall. Inspect the entire bicycle thoroughly before every ride, and do not ride it until any problem has been corrected.
Check the frame and fork
Check the attachment of both wheels
Check that wheels are straight
Check the tire inflation
Check the brakes
Check the handlebar and stem
In addition to the following checks for all bicycles, a bicycle with a frame, fork, or parts made of carbon fiber composite requires special carbon fiber composite inspection procedures.
Carefully inspect your frame and fork for signs of fatigue before each ride.
To be ridden safely, the wheels of your bicycle must be firmly attached to the frame and fork.
Most bicycle wheels are attached by a quick-release, a lever-actuated wheel retention mechanism (Figure 1) that allows the wheel to be installed and removed without tools. Follow the instructions for adjusting and closing a wheel quick-release to make sure your wheels are properly attached.
Warning—A wheel that is not properly attached may allow the wheel to be loose or come off unexpectedly, causing you to lose control and fall. Make sure the quick-release is properly adjusted and closed before riding the bicycle.
Figure 1:
Wheel quick-release
Spin each wheel and watch the rim as it passes through the brake pads or the frame. If the rim wobbles, moving up and down or from side to side, take your bicycle to your Trek dealer for service.
Inflate your tires to the air pressure recommended on the tire sidewalls (Figure 2).
If your bicycle is equipped with tubular tires, make sure the tires are correctly attached to the rims.
Caution—A gas station hose may inflate a bicycle tire too rapidly, and the pressure indicated is often inaccurate. Excessive pressure can cause the tire to explode or break. Use a hand-operated pump with an appropriate gauge.
Figure 2:
Tire inflation label
Follow the inspection instructions for the type of brake on your bicycle. If your brakes do not pass inspection, refer to the Brake Systems section of Chapter 3, or take your bicycle to your Trek dealer for service.
Read about the type of brakes your bicycle is equipped with:
Rim brake
A hand lever connected to the brake by a cable causes the brake pads to squeeze the rim
Squeeze each brake lever toward the handlebar to make sure the brake moves freely and stops the bicycle. If the brake lever can be pulled to the handlebar, the brake is too loose.
When the brakes are not applied, the brake pads should be 1 to 2mm from the rim. If the brake pads are too close to the rim, the brake is too tight. Brake pads should be aligned with the rim surface (Figure 3). If the brakes are not properly adjusted, follow the instructions in the Brake section of Chapter 3, or take your bicycle to your Trek dealer for service.
Figure 3:
Brake pad alignment
Carefully inspect your handlebar and stem for signs of fatigue before each ride. Also check that the handlebar ends are properly covered by grips with closed ends or handlebar plugs inserted into both ends of the handlebar.