BEFORE YOU RIDE: A,B,C QUICK CHECK

A is for air

  • Check the air pressure and inflate tires to the pressure listed on the side of the tire.

  • Inspect the tire for damage to tread and sidewall, replace if damaged.

B is for brakes

  • Spin the tires to make sure that nothing is rubbing.

  • Check pads for wear, replace if there is less than 1/4” of the pad left.

  • Spin tires one at a time and apply hand brake to make sure the tire stops and there is about 1” of space between the lever and the handlebar when the lever is squeezed all the way.

  • Alternatively, on a bike with coaster brakes, spin the rear tire and apply brake to make sure that the tire stops.

C is for cranks, chain, and cassette

  • Try to wiggle crank arms, if there is any side to side movement, tighten the bolt.

  • Inspect the chain, it should be free of rust and gunk.

  • If the bike has gears check to make sure the gear levers and derailleurs (gear changing mechanism) work to shift the chain between gears.

Quick is for quick releases

  • Make sure all quick releases are closed.

  • They should be pointing to the back of the bike, so that they don’t get caught on anything.

  • Check to make sure that you helmet is snug and level on your head, with straps securely fastened.

  • Adjust seat height if necessary.

  • Take a quick ride to insure the bike is working properly.

Check is for check it over

Source for ABC Quick Check procedure: League of American Bicyclists.