Cycle Safety

Having been in the cycling industry for nearly 30 years, we are very conscious of the dangers involved if bikes are not checked regularly in some key safety areas. At Leisure Lakes Bikes we have qualified Cytec mechanics at all our stores, this ensures that new bikes leave us well tuned and safe and any repairs are carried out in a professional and thorough manner.

Here are some key areas that all cyclists should be checking on a regular basis to ensure their bike is safe, on or off road.

Wheels and Tyres

When wheels are built they are tensioned and trued, but there will be a period of bedding in from new, so checking spoke tension is very important. Discovered early, the spokes can be re-tightened using a spoke key, but if not identified can be very dangerous and it may result in the need for a full   wheel rebuild.

Checking tyre pressures should also be done on a regular basis to avoid poor handling and excessive wear. If you have quick release skewers holding your wheels on check they are tight before each ride, it only takes seconds.

Checking Bolt Tension

Even though bolts will be set to the correct tightness in a workshop, because of the vibration that cycles are subjected to some bolts may loosen and should be checked on a regular basis.

Particularly important from a safety point of view are the stem bolts and the bolts holding the bars in place for obvious reasons. Cyclists have been injured when there saddle has come loose, so again check the bolts on your seat post that hold the saddle on.

Brakes

Always make sure your brake pads have not worn too low and check the condition of cables by pulling on your brakes before riding.

Chain and Gears

Have your bike regularly serviced by qualified mechanics, if your chain gets stuck in your gears at speed there can be unpleasant consequences, a small regular investment can save serious injury and damage.

Personal safety

Helmets save thousands of lives every year, remember, if you crash and damage your helmet, replace it, as it will not be as effective the next time. We would always advise wearing gloves as if you do have an accident your hands are quite often the first point of contact with the ground.

Written by Chris Noy, Director of Leisure Lakes Bikes