Bike Ready for College

Inflate to the pressure range printed on the tire sidewall. Do not automatically use the maximum pressure.

Rotate each wheel and inspect the full tire. Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, exposed fabric/casing, or anything embedded in the tread.

• Spin each wheel. It should run reasonably straight and not rub the brake.
• Push the rim side-to-side. There should be essentially no hub play.
• Confirm quick releases or thru-axles are fully secured.

Squeeze each brake hard. The lever should feel firm and should not pull all the way to, or nearly to, the handlebar.

Confirm pads contact the rim braking surface or disc rotor correctly. Rim-brake pads must not touch the tire. Replace pads if essentially worn out.

Hold the front brake and rock the bike forward and backward. There should not be obvious looseness or clunking. Lift the front wheel and turn the bars left/right; movement should be smooth.

Pedal while the rear wheel is off the ground or during the road test. Check for skipping, hesitation, inability to reach a gear, or the chain trying to come off.

Wipe the chain thoroughly. Apply bicycle chain lubricant lightly to the rollers while rotating the crank, then wipe the outside of the chain nearly dry. Do not use WD-40 as the final chain lubricant.

Check stem/handlebars, brake levers, saddle/seatpost, crank arms, pedals, racks, fenders, and bottle cages. You are checking for looseness — do not indiscriminately overtighten fasteners.

Spin both wheels and listen/feel for grinding. Grab each crank arm and pull sideways; there should not be meaningful play. Pedals should rotate without obvious wobble or grinding.

• Test the front brake hard.
• Test the rear brake hard.
• Shift every gear.
• Stand on the pedals.
• Make several tighter turns.
• Ride over a mildly rough section and listen for rattles or looseness.

Pump, correct spare tube, tire levers, small bike multitool, chain lube, and a strong U-lock.