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Inspection of Bearings
Maintenance: Frequently check the bearings of the bicycle. Have a bicycle service shop lubricate the bearings once a year or
any time they do not pass the following tests.
Head Tube Bearings: The fork should turn freely and smoothly at all times. With the front wheel off the ground, you should
not be able to move the fork up, down, or side-to-side in the head tube.
Crank bearings: The crank should turn freely and smoothly at all times and the front sprockets should not be loose on the
crank. You should not be able to move the pedal end of the crank from side-to-side.
Wheel bearing: Lift each end of the bicycle off the ground and slowly spin the raised wheel by hand. The bearings are
correctly adjusted if:
The wheel spins freely and easily. The weight of the spoke reflector when you put it toward the front or rear of the bicycle
causes the wheel to spin back and forth several times. There is no side-to-side movement at the wheel rim then you push
it to the side with light force.
Lubrication/Maintenance
WARNING: Do not over lubricate. If oil gets on the wheel rims or the brake shoes, it will to reduce brake
performance and a longer distance to stop the bicycle will be necessary. Injury to the rider or to others can
occur.
The chain can throw excess oil onto the wheel rim. Wipe excess oil off the chain.
Keep all oil off the surfaces of the pedals where your feet rest.
Using soap and hot water wash all oil off the wheel rims, the brake shoes, the pedals, and the tyres. Rinse with clean
water and dry completely before you ride the bicycle.
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