Foldable Bikes Party: How to safety check your bike

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It's a good idea to carry out a basic safety check on a bicycle before any long ride, or at least once a week. This guide helps you pick out potential problems in a methodical way.

How to safety check an adult's bike

Wheels, brakes and hub

Check the wheel mounting system is in place — these days it’ll usually be a quick-release or some form of bolt-through axle.

Bolt-through axles will usually be threaded through the hub and screwed into the opposing fork leg. Before riding, you need to make sure the closure system is secured as per manufacturer instructions.

If your bike uses quick-release levers, secure them by clamping the lever down and turning the nut until it’s tight. Then, open the lever and give the nut another full turn or so. You should now be able to tighten the quick-release firmly without forcing it, ensuring that the wheel is firmly and squarely seated in the dropouts.

Next, check the hub is in good condition by rocking the wheel side to side to check for play or sideways movement.

Give the wheel a spin, If you hear grinding, or if it sounds rough, it might be time for a bearing replacement or service.