ABC

The ABC is a classic bike check that you should do every time you take your bike out for a ride, to make sure its safe. For a more comprehensive check, see the Maintenance page.

• A is for Air. Make sure both the tyres are properly inflated, as under-inflated tyres are a very common source of punctures. Normally it’s enough to give them a quick squeeze. Track pumps like the one in the graphic above are a good investment, as they make it much easier to get the tyre to the right pressure, and most common with a built-in pressure gauge. Tyres generally have the recommended pressure (in Bar or PSI) shown on the sidewall, though these can be hard to read, particularly if the tyre is dirty.
  
• B is for Brakes. Stand by the bike, pull the front brake and push the bike forwards. The rear wheel should lift off the ground. Then pull the back brake and push the bike backwards. The front wheel should lift off. If the wheels do not lift off, the brakes need tightening. If you feel play in the handlebars when pushing the bike forward, this is a sign that the headset needs adjusting. Get advice if you do not know how to do this yourself.
  
• C is for Chain. Make sure the chain is clean and not rusty. Lubricate it if necessary – a good rule of thumb is every 50 miles or so.

There’s also D for Drop. This is actually what it says – lift the bike off the ground just an inch or two, and see if anything rattles. Check that things that shouldn’t move don’t move – the saddle, mudguards if you have them, a bell or anything else attached to the handlebars.