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Bicycle Rodeo Equipment Checklist

Following is a short form of the check list which might be used at bike rodeos to inspect bikes for safety issues.  We have found it best to have the inspection process broken up into seperate "stations" which can specialize in certain tasks.  Print ready PDF form of this page available here.

Station A – Air and Wheels	Bike Must Meet Items marked "Safety" must be correct or bike must be flagged as "flunked"
A – AIR
Front Wheel
Tire (inflation): Inflated properly and valve stem straight?
Tires (casing): Good tread and no sidewall damage?	Safety
Rims: No dents, twists, or kinks?
Spokes: Good tension, none missing and all tight?	Safety
Alignment: When spun, wheel is true and centered in the stays?
Bearings: Wheel spins freely and evenly and does not wiggle?
Rear Wheel
Tire (inflation): Inflated properly and valve stem straight?
Tires (casing): Good tread and no sidewall damage?	Safety
Rims: No dents, twists, or kinks?
Spokes: Good tension, none missing?	Safety
Alignment: When spun, wheel is true and centered in the stays?
Bearings: Wheel spins freely and evenly and does not wiggle?	Safety

 

 

Station B – Brakes	Bike Must Meet Items marked "Safety" must be correct or bike must be flagged as "flunked"
B - Brakes:
Coaster brakes:
Brake arm attached to the frame?	Safety
Brake operates within 20 degrees of horizontal? (pedals)	Safety
Brakes operate effectively and smoothly?	Safety
Hand brakes (front and rear):
Brake lever tight (3/4 inch reserve when brake shoe is engaged)?	Safety
Cable taut, no breaks, no frayed ends (open the brake lever and check for fraying near the anchor ball at the end of the cable)?
Caliper brakes centered and tight?
Nuts tight on brake shoes?	Safety
The open end of the brake pad holder, if any, faces the rear?	Safety
At least 3/16-inch rubber on shoes?	Safety
Brake shoes meet the rim squarely?	Safety
Front and rear brakes operate effectively and smoothly?	Safety

 

 

Station C – Crank and Chain	Bike Must Meet Items marked "Safety" must be correct or bike must be flagged as "flunked"
C – Cranks and Chain (Powertrain)
Crank and pedals:
Crank turns freely and evenly, no looseness or binding, not bent?
Pedals tight, intact, no binding, free spinning?	Safety
Chain:
Chain clean and free of rust, lubricated?
Non-derailleur model: 1/2-inch play, no excessive looseness?
Non-derailleur model: chainguard secure, free of chain?	Safety
Derailleurs:
Shifter operates properly?
Derailleur operates properly?

 

 

Station F – Frame And Fit	Bike Must Meet Items marked "Safety" must be correct or bike must be flagged as "flunked"
Frame and Fit
Frame:
Are all tubes in-line and free of dents, bends, and kinks?
Front Fork:
Is the front fork straight, and in good condition?	Safety
No play between fork and frame?
Fork turns freely inside of headset?	Safety
Handlebars:
Height of grip below driver’s shoulder level (seated)?	Safety
Handlebar is in line with front wheel?
Handlebar does not move when you hold the front wheel between your legs and try to twist the handlebar?	Safety
Grips tight, in good condition, ends of the handlebars covered?
Size - Fit of bike to driver:
Can driver straddle the frame with both feet flat on the ground?	Safety
Height of Seat – Beginner – Seated cyclist can place feet on ground? Experienced - Seated cyclist can put ball of foot on the pedal at its lowest point? (Leg fully extended, but without rocking hips)
Seat in good condition and does not move when you grab hold and try to twist it side to side or up and down?	Safety

 

If you find a a significant number of Quick Release bikes showing up, be sure to have this list on hand and route any participants to this station if there is any hint of misuse of Quick Releases.  See How to use a Quick Release.

Station Q – Quick Releases	Bike Must Meet Items marked "Safety" must be correct or bike must be flagged as "flunked"
Quick – Quick Releases
Hubs – Closing the lever makes an impression on your palm.
Brakes – Closed, brake pads aren’t rubbing the rim.
Seat – Closing the lever makes an impression on your palm.
Check for quick releases used as wing-nuts	Safety

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