Before you roll

01 / Look before touching

Stand the bicycle securely in good light. Look for a soft tyre, a displaced cable, a wheel sitting out of line or a part that has moved since the last ride. After transport or a fall, pay particular attention to wheel retention and the handlebar area.

A checklist helps organise an inspection; it cannot prove that a hidden crack or internal fault is absent. Read the owner’s manual for checks particular to your bicycle.

02 / Follow the same route

1. Air and tyres. Inspect both tyres for damage and check pressure with a suitable gauge. Use the applicable tyre and rim instructions; see Air & tyres.
2. Brakes. Operate each brake separately while walking the bicycle. If a lever behaves differently or stopping is unreliable, stop and investigate.
3. Wheel retention. Confirm the wheels are correctly installed using the instructions for your quick-release, thru-axle or axle nuts. The mechanisms are not interchangeable.
4. Controls and load. Check that steering moves freely and luggage, lights and loose straps cannot enter a wheel.

03 / End with a controlled check

After the stationary checks, test starting, steering and stopping at low speed in a clear, traffic-free place. If anything rubs, slips or feels unfamiliar, return to inspection. Do not use a road descent as a brake test.

If you removed a wheel for a repair, repeat the retention and brake checks even when the rest of the bicycle was untouched. Return-to-ride steps collect those reminders.