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Bicycle Rodeo Equipment Checklist

 

Following is a short form of the check list which might be used at bike rodeos to inspect bikes for safety issues.  We have found it best to have the inspection process broken up into seperate "stations" which can specialize in certain tasks.  Print ready PDF form of this page available here.

Station A – Air and Wheels

Bike Must Meet

Items marked "Safety" must be correct or bike must be flagged as "flunked"

   
A – AIR  
Front Wheel  
Tire (inflation): Inflated properly and valve stem straight?  
Tires (casing): Good tread and no sidewall damage?

Safety

Rims: No dents, twists, or kinks?  
Spokes: Good tension, none missing and all tight?

Safety

Alignment: When spun, wheel is true and centered in the stays?  
Bearings: Wheel spins freely and evenly and does not wiggle?  
   
Rear Wheel  
Tire (inflation): Inflated properly and valve stem straight?  
Tires (casing): Good tread and no sidewall damage?

Safety

Rims: No dents, twists, or kinks?  
Spokes: Good tension, none missing?

Safety

Alignment: When spun, wheel is true and centered in the stays?  
Bearings: Wheel spins freely and evenly and does not wiggle?

Safety

 

 

Station B – Brakes

Bike Must Meet

Items marked "Safety" must be correct or bike must be flagged as "flunked"

   
B - Brakes:  
Coaster brakes:  
Brake arm attached to the frame?

Safety

Brake operates within 20 degrees of horizontal? (pedals)

Safety

Brakes operate effectively and smoothly?

Safety

Hand brakes (front and rear):  

Brake lever tight (3/4 inch reserve when brake shoe is engaged)?

Safety

Cable taut, no breaks, no frayed ends (open the brake lever and check for fraying near the anchor ball at the end of the cable)?

 
Caliper brakes centered and tight?  
Nuts tight on brake shoes?

Safety

The open end of the brake pad holder, if any, faces the rear?

Safety

At least 3/16-inch rubber on shoes?

Safety

Brake shoes meet the rim squarely?

Safety

Front and rear brakes operate effectively and smoothly?

Safety

 

 

Station C – Crank and Chain

Bike Must Meet

Items marked "Safety" must be correct or bike must be flagged as "flunked"

   
C – Cranks and Chain (Powertrain)  

Crank and pedals:

 

Crank turns freely and evenly, no looseness or binding, not bent?

 

Pedals tight, intact, no binding, free spinning?

Safety

Chain:

 

Chain clean and free of rust, lubricated?

 

Non-derailleur model: 1/2-inch play, no excessive looseness?

 

Non-derailleur model: chainguard secure, free of chain?

Safety

Derailleurs:

 

Shifter operates properly?

 

Derailleur operates properly?

 

 

 

Station F – Frame And Fit

Bike Must Meet

Items marked "Safety" must be correct or bike must be flagged as "flunked"

Frame and Fit  
Frame:  

Are all tubes in-line and free of dents, bends, and kinks?

 

Front Fork:

 
Is the front fork straight, and in good condition?

Safety

No play between fork and frame?  
Fork turns freely inside of headset?

Safety

Handlebars:  
Height of grip below driver’s shoulder level (seated)?

Safety

Handlebar is in line with front wheel?  

Handlebar does not move when you hold the front wheel between your legs and try to twist the handlebar?

Safety

Grips tight, in good condition, ends of the handlebars covered?  
Size - Fit of bike to driver:  
Can driver straddle the frame with both feet flat on the ground?

Safety

Height of SeatBeginner – Seated cyclist can place feet on ground? Experienced - Seated cyclist can put ball of foot on the pedal at its lowest point? (Leg fully extended, but without rocking hips)

 

Seat in good condition and does not move when you grab hold and try to twist it side to side or up and down?

Safety

 

If you find a a significant number of Quick Release bikes showing up, be sure to have this list on hand and route any participants to this station if there is any hint of misuse of Quick Releases.  See How to use a Quick Release.

Station Q – Quick Releases

Bike Must Meet

Items marked "Safety" must be correct or bike must be flagged as "flunked"

   

Quick – Quick Releases

 

Hubs – Closing the lever makes an impression on your palm.

 

Brakes – Closed, brake pads aren’t rubbing the rim.

 

Seat – Closing the lever makes an impression on your palm.

 
Check for quick releases used as wing-nuts

Safety

   

- Back to Bike Rodeos...

 

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08/16/11
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