Keep your bike in good condition. It will pay to have it inspected and repaired, if necessary, once a year by a good bike mechanic. Properly cleaned and maintained, a bicycle should outlive its owner.

1. 1. Hand Brakes
   They should stop the bike quickly and evenly with no slippage. Check your brakes on a regular basis. Oil caliper brakes on the pivot bolt between the brake arms; keep the brake pads clean. If brake levers touch the handlebars when brakes are applied, your brakes need adjusting. Extension brake levers are not recommended.

2. 2. Chain and Chain Guard
   A chain guard will prevent clothes from catching in the sprocket. Check for damaged links and maintain a nug, but not too tight, fit. Clean chain frequently and lubricate with light oil once a year.

3. 3. Handlebars
   Adjust for your comfort. Keep stem well down in fork and tighten securely. Replace missing or damaged handlebar grips. Lubricate head set once a year.

4. 4. Pedals
   To prevent foot slippage, choose rubber treaded pedals or metal pedals with firmly attached toe clips. Tighten pedal spindles. Replace worn out pedals.

5. 5. Reflectors
   Reflectors should be on pedals and the front and rear of the bicycle. The bicycle should also have prism reflectors on the spokes.

6. 6. Saddle
   Adjust height so leg bends only slightly with ball of foot on pedal at bottom of stroke. Tighten securely.

7. 7. Headlight and Taillight
   Lights are necessary for safety when riding in the dark. Riding at night is not recommended but if you must, research has shown that moving lights (such as leg lights) or flashing lights are the most visible. Light-colored or reflective clothes are also recommended.

8. 8. License
   License must be displayed on the left side of the vertical tube on the frame under the seat.

9. 9. Tires
   Inflate to correct pressure. Check tires frequently. Replace when worn. Many flats are caused by tires that are underinflated. To check pressure without gauge, pinch the tire. It should feel firm. Whether you're on or off the bike, the tire shape should not change much.

10. 10. Spokes
    Replace broken ones promptly. Keep them tight.

11. 11. Wheels
    Tighten wheel nuts. Wheels that wobble are unsafe. Change lubricating grease once a year.

Tip: When you travel, carry a tube repair kit and a tire pump so you can make emergency repairs.