*Make sure that your wheel is tight before riding - especially if it was taken off the bike for transport. Double check the quick release and that the wheel is bottomed out in the dropout, and that the skewer is tight. For safety, clamp the quick release so that it points to the rear of the bike to avoid snagging something while riding. *Check the spokes for tension and make sure the wheel is true. You can do a quick check of the spokes by hand (grab each spoke and try to wiggle) or spin the wheel and let the spokes hit a screwdriver while spinning and listen for dead spokes - they will thud and not make a nice ringing sound when contacted by the screwdriver. Look for broken, missing, or bent spokes. True the wheel so that when you spin the wheel the brake pads do not hit on either side and that the wheel does not appear to wobble. *Examine the tire and inflate each time you ride to the correct pressure - make sure the valve sten has a cover, and also that the valves stick out straight on the wheel and not bent at an angle due to tire rotation. Make sure that the brake shoes do not rub on the tire, and that the sidewall is not worn from previous rubbing of the brake pads. Also inspect the side wall for damage/punctures from rock hits. *Check to see that the rim is clean and no buildup of brake debris. Also, if your bike has been ridden a lot, make sure the rim is not worn out or cupped and has adequate stiffness and sufficient metal thickness. *Rotate the wheel and make sure the hub does not grind, stick, wobble, or make a grating noise - this could indicate bad or worn bearings. *Store the wheel (if removed from the bike) in a safe place and do not leave it on the ground near your vehicle - if disc is attached be extra careful so that it does not bend. Do not squeeze your disc brake if the wheel is off the bike. Immediately before you ride, pick up the front wheel and spin it to verify that it is centered in the dropout and not rubbing either brake pad. The wheel should spin freely and not have any wobble. It should be tight in the dropout. Then, squeeze the front brake lever and release... the wheel should still spin freely and not rub on either brake pad. If it does rub, then adjust the offending pad by tightening the small adjustment screw on it clockwise as this will tend to return the pad outward with more force. You can also adjust the opposite side by turning it counter clockwise to weaken the pull a bit on that side. Also, make sure that the wheel is true and the pads are centered on the rim when depressing the brake lever. You may also need to adjust the brake cable a bit at the handlebar barrell adjuster to get the proper lever action you want. |
