| In the bicyclist world there is a list that should always | | | | and keeps your chain in line. The crank should not |
| be kept in mind when performing bike maintenance | | | | wobble when you move it in a circular position. The |
| and before a ride. It is called the ABC check. | | | | chain should move smoothly along. The cassette |
| The first letter A, stands for air in your tires. The air | | | | should not impede the movement of the chain. |
| pressure in your tires can be checked by simply | | | | The forth letter D, stands for drive chain which has |
| squeezing the tire or bouncing the bike up and down. If | | | | already been mentioned. It stands for the whole pedal |
| the tire surface yields or if the bike does not bounce | | | | apparatus. The fifth letter Q, stands for quick release. |
| very easily this means that you probably need more | | | | The quick release is the metal handle that is found at |
| air in your tires. Tires that have the proper air pressure | | | | the center of each of your tires. It is part of the bike |
| are rock hard. If you have an air pump but you have | | | | frame. Make sure the quick release is tight. Also make |
| no idea how much air pressure your bike needs you | | | | sure both of them are in the correct position. If you are |
| can find this information on your bike tires. | | | | riding through a forest or anything really if you quick |
| The second letter B, stands for brakes. You can test | | | | releases are situated forward or toward the front |
| your brakes by squeezing them while astride your bike | | | | outer part of the wheel they could get snagged on |
| and pushing your bike forward. If you cannot move | | | | something. |
| your bike this is a good thing. Remember to test both | | | | To clean your chain you should use mineral based |
| your front and back brakes separately. | | | | chain oils. When your bike is not in use it should be |
| The third letter C, stands for crank/chain/cassette. The | | | | stores in a dry place so that your bike won't rust. The |
| crank is what is used to propel you forward when you | | | | absolute best place to store your bike is in a bike shed. |
| are on your bike. This is the pedal drive chain | | | | In a shed your bike won't rust and it won't be |
| apparatus. The chain is the roller chain which is | | | | tampered with or stolen. Bike sheds come in different |
| attached to the sprocket which is the circular gear at | | | | sizes and shapes. You can place one outside of your |
| the base of the pedals. The cassette, on most bikes is | | | | apartment or garage. |
| at the center of the back wheel. It controls your gears | | | | |