Bike Inspection Checklist

by Bob Jaques

Front brake

-       Make sure brake is not rubbing

-       Make sure that when you pull the brake lever, you can insert your thumb between the lever and the handlebar

Front wheel:

-       Check for loose spokes

-       Observe the rim as the wheel rotates.  Does it wobble side to side or up and down?

-       Make sure the quick release is on the correct side (left).

-       Make sure the quick release is not too tight or loose.

Front bearing:

-       Grab the rim and push it to the left and right.  There should not be any motion.

Front tire:

-       Check for excessive wear, cuts, and holes

-       Check the pressure.

-       Make sure the tire is mounted in the correct direction.  If there is a “V” pattern to the tread, the point of the V should be pointing forward as you look down at the top of the tire.  Sometimes the manufacturer will put an arrow on the side of the tire showing the direction of rotation.

Rear brake:

-       Same as front brake.

Rear wheel:

-       Same as front wheel

Rear bearing:

-       Same as front bearing

Rear tire:

-       Same as front tire

Front shifting:

-       Check to see if you can shift to each chain ring smoothly from either direction.  Make sure the shifting isn’t too tight. Inspect the front derailleur for damage.

-       When the chain is on the smallest gear in back and the largest gear in front, it should be close to but not touching the outer side of the front derailleur.

-       When the chain is on the largest gear in the back and the smallest gear in the front, it should be close to but not touching the inner side of the front derailleur.

-       If you notice the chain jumping off the chain ring, it may need adjustment.  Make sure to note which side of the chain ring is it jumping off on, the inside or the outside.

-       Sometimes we think there is a problem with the bike when it is actually how we shift.  Most bikes do not like shifting if there is a lot of tension on the chain. Try easing up on the pedal pressure as you shift and you may find shifting to be much more smooth.  You will also help your components last longer.

Rear shifting:

-       Check to see if you can shift to each gear smoothly from either direction. 

-       Make sure the shifting isn’t too tight.

-       Inspect the rear derailleur for damage. Check the pulleys on the rear derailleur for buildup of greasy dirt.

-       If you notice the chain getting caught between the frame and the cassette or the cassette and the rear wheel, then the derailleur may need adjustment.  Note whether the chain is getting caught between the frame and the cassette or the cassette and the wheel.

Head bracket:

-       Grab the fork and handlebars and try to move them side to side and front and back.  There should be no motion.

Bottom bracket:

-       Grab a pedal and push it in and out.  There should be no motion.  Repeat for several positions of the crank arm.

Pedals:

-       Check to see if the pedals spin smoothly.  Inspect for damage

Chain:

-       Make sure the chain is clean.  Use a chain checker (https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/chain-wear-indicator-cc-3-2?category=Chain) to make sure the chain is not stretched too much.  If it is, have the chain replaced immediately.  Not doing this can result in several hundred dollars of damage to the bike.

Cassette

-       Make sure the gears on the rear wheel are not worn down and are reasonably clean

Chain ring

-       Check the chain ring for wear and make sure it is reasonably clean.

Cables

-       Make sure cable ends have caps on them to keep them from fraying.  Look for frayed or broken strands on any cable visible on the bike.

Seat

-       Make sure the seat is not damaged.  Ensure the seat is pointed forward and not skewed to the left or the right.  Check the vertical angle of the seat.  It should be close to level with at most only a few degrees of tilt.

Shocks

-       Make sure the shocks are clean.  Push down on the handlebars while watching the shocks.  Make sure they retract smoothly.

Kickstand

-       Make sure the kickstand is the correct length for your bike.  Make sure the bolts securing they kickstand are tight.

Other:

-       Check the frame for damage.  Make sure all bolts for things like bottle cages are tight. 

If you want to learn more about how to fix your bike, Park Tool has a great set of videos on youTube (https://www.youtube.com/@parktool).  You can find more information on Park Tool’s web site (https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/repair-help).