Cycling Skills: Safety Check

To me, one basic aspect of adventure cycling long distance is to know every parts of my bicycle. When I was young riding the bicycle, the only thing I knew was to ride the bike, turn left, turn right and stop. Now taking riding seriously again, riding it for training and riding on the road daily, I need to know when is my bicycle is unsafe to ride, if it needs thorough inspection and parts replacement. So even if you're riding it recreationally, it is good to know the basic parts of your bicycle. On this segment, I write about bicycle basic safety checklist. This is basing from my experience, of course there are other factors too which I believe some other experiece riders have shared.

Bolt and quick release levers
I will check to make sure it is tight enough, not overly tighthen.
Usually I will check the quick release lever on the seat, seat post, handlebar stem and axles are tight.

Headset
Make sure it can turns freely and no sound coming out from it. You can check by holding your front brake and move your bike forward slowly.

Brakes
First check the nuts holding the brakes pads are tight. I will also check that my brake pads is not touching the rims unless during braking. When your brake (front or rear) is applied, make sure the lever is about 2.5cm away from your handle bar.

Axles
Next I will check the rotation of my wheels and the axles. I will need to check for looseness by shaking it side to side. Also I will make sure my quick release levers are clamped tight but not overly tight

Shift Levers
Derailleur levers should be moved easily only when shifting. There is usually a screw or buttefly nut or similar device that lets you adjust the movement of sime types of shifter levers.

Derailleur Movement
Try shifting all your gears and make sure the chain is not thrown out of the sprockets when you're doing it.

Tires
Make sure it is inflate accordingly. Usually the specification is along side of the tire wall.

Spokes
Check for bent, loose or a spoke that looks like it is going to break anytime soon. Replace is soonest possible.

Wheels
Make sure it is aligned accordingly and not touching the brake pads.  Check your rim from side-to-side wobbles and up and down hops by watching the wheel spin past the brakes or frame. If the wobbling pass .5cm, it is good for you to be concerned.

Helmet
It is good to buy a helmet which is tested by relevant testing body and approved by a local 'safety authority'.

Those are the basics I will do for my pre-ride check. If you have any other inputs on Cycling Skills: Safety Check, please do not hesitate to drop me an email: fluidrider@gmail.com