Frame should be in good shape, not bent out of shape.
All bearings, gears and chains should be well lubricated (oiled and greased as appropriate).
Steering should work properly (e.g. the headset bearing should be properly lubricated).
Pedals should function properly.
Wheels should be in good shape, properly lubricated and functioning properly.
Tires should be in good shape, properly inflated, with a good tread.
Rims should be clean of oil and grime.
Chain(s) should be properly lubricated and function properly.
Gearing on multi-speed bikes should be properly lubricated and function properly.
Brakes (coaster or hand) should be functioning properly.
Wheels should not rub against brakes.
Cables, if any, should be in good shape, properly adjusted.
Handlebars should be properly adjusted.
Saddle should be properly adjusted.
Accessory items such as toe clips, fenders, front lights, rear view mirrors, rear red reflectors, rear lights, bells, and horns will not be required for passing inspection.
Bike registration will not be required for passing inspection.
The following checklist is taken from pages 87-88 of the Cycling Merit Badge booklet. We include it here only to provide some helpful guidelines which you may wish to consult in preparation for this outing. If you pay attention to the comments above, you should have no problem passing inspection on Saturday morning before we go cycling.
The numbers in parentheses in the checklist below refer to an illustration on page 86 of the Cycling Merit Badge booklet.
_____ Frame (1) - Clean and not bent out of shape. No cracks at Frame Joints (2).
_____ Front Fork (3) - Clean and not bent out of shape. No cracks at Fork Joints (4).
_____ Headset Bearing (5) - Well lubricated; turns freely with no binding. No perceptible play in the assembly.
_____ Bottom-Bracket Bearing (6) - Turns freely with not more than barely perceptible play in the bearing.
_____ Crank Arms (7) - Clean and not bent out of shape. Tightened securely on the Crankset Axle (8).
_____ Chainrings (9) - Clean, not worn, and not bent out of shape. Chainring Bolts (10) tightened securely to hold Chainrings to Crankarms.
_____ Pedals (11) - Bearings well lubricated; turn freely with no perceptible play in the bearing. Pedals tightly screwed into Crankarm. Toe Clips (12) functional.
_____ Fenders (13) - Clean; tightly attached without rattling or rubbing against the Tires (14).
_____ Wheels (15) - Run true and round. Wheel nuts tight. Closed and tight quick-releases (16). Centered in form or frame members.
_____ Wheel Bearings (17) in hubs - Well lubricated and properly adjusted to move freely with no more than barely perceptible play.
_____ Spokes (18) - None broken or bent. Tightened to a uniform tension.
_____ Tires - Good Tread (19). Valves (20) completely airtight. Properly inflated to recommended pressure.
_____ Rims (21) - Clean of all oil and grime. Free of dents or kinks.
_____ Chain (22) - Proper tension, allowing 1/2 inch of play. No stiff links. Clean, lubricated, and wiped of excess lubrication.
_____ Gearing (23) - Clean and oiled. Three-speed gears adjusted to eliminate all slipping. Front (42a) and Rear (24b) derailleurs adjusted for proper shifting with Shifters (24c).
_____ Brakes (25) Coaster - Even braking. Operate within a 20-degree back-pedaling motion. Hand - Even braking. All nuts tight. Front and rear brakes work without binding. Minimum of 3/16 inch of rubber on Brake Pads (26). Brake pads aligned with rims and contact rims with a minimum of movement of Hand Controls (27). No squeal when brakes are used.
_____ Cables (28) - No frayed ends. No broken strands. All taut.
_____ Handlebars (29) - Tightened securely. Grips (30) not worn; fit snugly. Adjusted to comfort of rider. Ends (31) plugged. In line with wheel.
_____ Saddle (32) - Height, tilt, and fore / aft position adjusted to rider. All adjustments securely tightened. Seatpost (33) not extended beyond maximum mark on post.
_____ Lights (34) - Front light visible for 500 feet. Generator or battery in good operating condition.
_____ Rear Red Reflectors / Lights (35) - Visible for 300 feet. Lights / Blinkers functional with generator or batteries.
_____ Bell or Horn (36) - In good operating condition. All accessories well tightened and securely fastened. No broken frames or fasteners.
_____ Bike Registration (37) - If required by local law, must be displayed on frame.
Last Revised 5/15/2001