| Bicycle transportation is about as economical as you | | | | or the brakes) can be unsafe. |
| can get. They don't need gas, have low maintenance | | | | The handlebars must be set securely in the steering |
| requirements, last forever, are nonpolluting, go | | | | column. Handlebars that shimmy may lead to steering |
| anywhere, are healthy, and you don't need a license | | | | trouble. If the frame, seat and handlebars seem to |
| or insurance. Follow these steps if you are considering | | | | be in good shape, it is time to test the brakes. To do |
| a used road bicycle for your transportation needs. | | | | this, you should stand off to the side and give the |
| Because bicycles last for decades with little | | | | bike a little shove, then alternately try each of the |
| maintenance, used road bicycles in good working | | | | brake levers. |
| order are widely available for very little money. | | | | Front and rear brakes should grab firmly enough to |
| Although new bicycles are usually sold with a | | | | make the wheel come to an immediate and complete |
| warranty, by careful inspection, quality used bicycles | | | | stop when applied with full force. Try the same thing |
| can be purchased for less than the cost of a week's | | | | while seated on the bicycle, but be careful not to |
| worth of groceries. | | | | throw yourself off the bike by grabbing the lever too |
| The perfect place to discover used road bicycles is | | | | hard. Worn out brake pads should be replaced. |
| your nearby bike store. The discount bicycles that | | | | The next step is to check the drivetrain. Jiggle the |
| you will find sold at local bike shops will have been | | | | gear sets located near the pedals and the ones |
| previously inspected and tuned up to ensure that | | | | affixed to the rear axle. If the bearings are wearing |
| they are in good order. You may find a good bike if | | | | out you will notice the gears or pedals move side to |
| you browse through newspapers, online, or at yard | | | | side. Investigate the chain for indications of wear or |
| sales, but you should consider inspecting the bicycle | | | | damage. Ascertain whether all of the gears can be |
| before paying for it. | | | | engaged cleanly by checking out the gear shifter. |
| Providing a check up on a bike begins at the frame | | | | Finally, inspect the wheels and tires. Wheels should be |
| and continues until each major piece of the machine | | | | round, not oval. Grab the spokes. The spokes should |
| has been reviewed. A used bicycle will often reveal | | | | be even and firmly seated. Spin the wheel while |
| scuffs and grazes, a normal sign of use. Whenever | | | | standing directly overhead, looking straight down. A |
| major damage is present in the frame, such as a | | | | good wheel should show very little or no side-to-side |
| break or a bend in the metal, is a sign that the bike | | | | motion as it spins. If the bike passes your inspection, |
| may not be safe to ride. Damage to the main | | | | take it for a quick ride before making the final |
| supports on the bike (the frame, the handlebars and | | | | purchasing decision. |