Riding Should Be Smooth, Inspections Are Essential

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Cycling has become a popular lifestyle trend, and as bicycles serve as our essential companions on the road, regular inspections cannot be overlooked! So, the critical question arises: how should you inspect your bike yourself?

1. Inspect the Front Wheel, Brakes, and Hub

Modern bicycles commonly use quick-release skewers or thru-axles to secure wheels. Each requires a distinct inspection method:

• Quick-release skewers:
  ① Loosen and open the skewer → Press down the lever → Rotate the nut on the opposite side until it snugly contacts the fork (or rear dropout) → Open the skewer again and tighten the nut inward by one full turn.
• Thru-axles:

② The axle is threaded through the entire hub from one side of the fork and secured to the opposite fork/dropout → After tightening, shake the wheel laterally to check for hub stability.

2. Check Brake Pads

• • Hydraulic disc brakes: Require periodic oil refilling.
  • Mechanical disc brakes: If braking feels sluggish, adjust the cable tension or replace worn pads.
  • Rim brakes (caliper/V-brakes): Inspect the grooves on brake pads. Replace them if the longitudinal grooves are nearly worn away.

3. Inspect Tires

• Check the tire bead (where the tire meets the rim) for uniform seating.
• Examine the tread pattern and sidewalls: Replace tires if treads are excessively worn or sidewalls show damage.

4. Check Suspension

• Inspect the front fork for hairline cracks or damage.
• Check suspension fork inner tubes for scratches, and ensure no oil leaks around seals or lock rings.

5. Inspect Crankset and Pedals

• Crank arms: Ensure they rotate freely.
• Chainrings: Look for damage, missing teeth, or excessive wear.
• Pedals: Spin them—if rotation is stiff, repair or replace. Confirm pedals are securely fastened to the cranks.

6. Inspect Seatpost and Saddle

• Seatpost clamp: If parts shift or creak, disassemble, clean, lubricate, and reassemble.
• Material-specific care: Apply grease to metal parts; use carbon fiber grip paste for carbon frames/seatposts.

7. Inspect Rear Wheel and Drivetrain

Repeat the front wheel checks for the rear hub, tire, and brakes. Post-ride inspections are especially crucial for detecting wear.

Only through meticulous inspections can you ensure safety and enjoyment on every ride! Finally, don’t forget your helmet!