Tag: how to check a bike

What to look for in a 2nd hand bike

Family Bike Riding

You can get some real bargains on various second hand market sites (Facebook/community pages/Gumtree to name a few) – here are some things to keep in mind: Suitable for your purpose – it might be a bargain, but is is what you are looking for? … are you wanting a get around town bike – or a ‘faster’ bike bike a road bike Do the ABCDE check Does it fit you – do you feel confident getting on/off, stopping/starting, riding it, does it make your sore? After the ABCDE check – are you happy to take it to your local Bike…

The A-B-C-D-E Bike Check

Adult Bike Riding Family Bike Riding

A is for AIR  Are the tyres pumped to correct pressure—stamped onto side wall of tyre Adult Bikes: Hybrid Bikes 40-70PSI, Knobbly Mountain Bike tyres: 50-80 PSI Road Bike tyres: 90-110PSI Kids bikes: Little kids 30-40PSI, Pre teens: 40-60PSI Also check the tyres for signs of wear in the tread or crack on the side walls B is for BRAKES Do both brakes stop the bike when applied, yet leave a gap at handlebar Are the brakes allowing the bike wheel to roll freely (not rubbing) C is for CHAIN Is the chain able to spin backwards freely—if not check…

What do I mean by ‘good quality’ bikes?

Family Bike Riding

  Weight, Gearing, Fit for Family/Purpose.  Weight – Your child isn’t as strong as an adult – or even a teen  – give them a hand and allow them to ride something light.  Recently in a school program we came across a bike that was 22.5kg, now considering the 11yo owner  was approx 40kg, this bike was more than half his body weight – think of yourself having to ride such a bike. It will be hard and the child will struggle and COMPLAIN – go lighter weight for your sanity!! A VERY loose rule of thumb that I’ve worked out…