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BEFORE YOU RIDE... 
DO THE ABC QUICK CHECK

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               A is for air

1. • Inflate tires to rated pressure as listed on the sidewall of the tire
   • Use a pressure gauge to insure proper pressure
   • Check for damage to tire tread and sidewall; replace if damaged
     
     B is for brakes
     
2. • Inspect pads for wear; replace is there is less than ¼" of pad left
   • Check pad adjustment; make sure they do not rub tire or dive into spokes
   • Check brake level travel; at least 1" between bar and lever when applied
     
     C is for cranks, chain and cassette
     
3. • Make sure that your crank bolts are tight; lube the threads only, nothing else
   • Check your chain for wear; 12 links should measure no more than 12 1/8 inches
   • If your chain skips on your cassette, you might need a new one or just an adjustment
     
     QUICK is for quick releases
     
4. • Hubs need to be tight in the frame; your quick release should engage at 90°
   • Your hub quick release should point back to insure that nothing catches on it
   • Inspect brake quick releases to insure that they have been re-engaged
     
     CHECK is for check it over
     
5. • Take a quick ride to check if derailleurs and brakes are working properly
   • Inspect the bike for loose or broken parts; tighten, replace or fix them
   • Pay extra attention to your bike during the first few miles of the ride
     
     
     Source: http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/better/beginningcycling.php