Check the Brakes in VS .NET

Generator Quick Response Code in VS .NET Check the Brakes

Checking your brakes takes only a few seconds, and it can be one of the most important things you do before setting off on a ride Start by visually inspecting the brake pads for wear; confirm that there are still grooves cut into the pads When these grooves wear away, it s time to change the pads Also, check to make sure that the brake pads are not rubbing against the wheels There should be between 1 to 2 millimeters of space between the pads and the rim After visually inspecting the brake pads, give the brake levers a strong squeeze The pads should firmly grip the wheel (See 8 for instructions on making adjustments to the brakes) You should also be able to apply the breaks without having to pull the lever more than halfway back to the handlebars any more than that, and you could be putting yourself in a dangerous position when it comes time to brake

The rattling of components or extra movement in parts of your bike could be a sign that something is starting to come apart If you ignore these signs, you

could end up causing damage to your bike or find yourself on the end of a bike that decides to disassemble itself while you re riding it To test your bike for looseness: Lift the front wheel up 2 to 3 inches, and drop it back down Do the same to the rear wheel using the seat to lift it Listen for anything rattling Check for looseness in the stem and handlebars by putting the front wheel between your legs and moving the handlebars from side to side (see Figure 18-3)

Examine the rest of the frame by straddling the frame with both legs and trying to move the bike forward and backward while squeezing the brakes If the bike moves during either of these two tests, it could indicate looseness If anything shakes or rattles, it could mean that an attachment like a water-bottle cage or a rack for carrying panniers (bags) is loose Check the crank arms by grabbing one in each hand and trying to wiggle them from side to side If there is some play in the crank arms, it could be time for a bottom bracket adjustment

Take a moment to check the wheels before you depart on your next trip Wheels are the only parts of the bike that are in contact with the road; ensuring that they re secure and in good working order will help ensure that you yourself don t come in contact with the road To inspect the wheels: Examine the quick-release levers to confirm that they re securely fastened in the closed position Open and close the levers once to confirm that they re tight If you find that they re loose, open the lever, turn the nut opposite the lever a quarter-turn, and re-close the lever Continue this procedure until properly tightened Grab the frame with one hand and, with the other hand, give each wheel a shake from side to side to check for looseness (see Figure 18-4) There should little or no amount of play in the hubs Any significant movement could be a sign that there is an issue with the wheel While you re grabbing the wheel, pluck its spokes Like a string on a fine-tuned harp, they should respond with a consistent twang indicating they re of similar tension

Lift the wheel off the ground and give it a spin to see that it doesn t wobble and that the rim doesn t contact the brake pads at any point If the wheel doesn t spin straight, it may need to be trued Contact with the brake pads could also mean that the wheel isn t properly seated in the dropouts (See 7 if you have to make adjustments to your wheels)