LEARN THE ABC QUICK CHECK

Has your bike been sitting in a hot garage all summer, patiently waiting to be taken out for a ride? Before you roll, do your bike –and yourself – a favor with the ABC Quick Check. This is a handy way to remember to check over critical parts of your bicycle that could prevent a breakdown – or crash

Did you know that it’s perfectly normal for tires to lose pressure over time? Rubber is porous so air molecules can escape even if there isn’t a puncture The first step of the ABC Quick Check is A –for AIR The side of every tire has a recommended pressure range If you don’t have a gauge, they should feel as firm as a basketball.

Coming to a complete stop safely requires the B – for BRAKES – to be working properly Standing beside the bike, squeeze the rear brake There should be a gap of at least your thumb’s width between the lever and the bar. Next, pull back on the bars and the rear brake should allow the front wheel to lift. If you have front brakes, repeat this process by pushing forward on the bars. Look up how to tighten the brakes, attend a maintenance class or take it to a shop if your brakes do not work properly.

A bicycle relies on a chain to transfer energy from your legs to the rear wheel C is for CHAIN but also for cranks and cassette or cog Look over the gears and make sure the chain is well lubricated so that when you pedal it is smooth and quiet A misalignment of the shifting mechanism will cause the chain to skip.

The “Quick” is for QUICK RELEASE Many bicycles have levers on the wheels and seat post which make them easy to remove without tools But these can also loosen over time from vibration so it’s important to make sure the levers are tight and the word “Close” is on the outside.

The ”Check” simply means to CHECK over the rest of the bike for any loose or dangling parts. Drop your bike from about a foot and listen for any rattles or metallic sounds – these could indicate a loose part.

Even after performing the ABC Quick Check, it’s possible your bike may need air or adjustments during your ride. It’s a good idea to bring a pump, patch kit, a multi-tool, and a tube if you’re venturing farther than you’d like to walk.