Bike check after accident

1. Check whether the wheels are positioned correctly in the drop outs and that both rims run true. If the wheel has a visible buckle, then it must be trued by a specialist. If the rim strikes the brake pads due to the buckle and you cannot correct this on the road, then you must release the brake caliper to allow the rim to run freely. Please be aware that the brake performance of your bike is then considerably reduced.

2. Check that the handlebar and stem are not bent or cracked and that they are still straight. Check also that the stem is fitted firmly into the fork by attempting to turn the handlebars while holding the front wheel firmly between your legs. Picture 1 Also press down on both brake hoods to check that the handlebar is still securely fitted to the stem.

3. Check that the chain is still on the chainring and cassette. If the bike has fallen on the derailleur side, you should check its operation. Ask a helper to lift the back wheel off the ground by the saddle while you carefully shift through the gears using the rear derailleur. When shifting up the cassette to the smallest gears, keep a close eye on how close the derailleur cage is getting to the spokes of the rear wheel. It is also important to check the function of the front derailleur because if it is misaligned, can cause the chain to come off the front chainrings.

4. Check that the saddle is in line with the top tube and now twisted to the left or right. Picture 2

5. Lift the bike slightly off the ground and drop it gently onto the ground. If this causes the bike to make rattling noises you’ll need to check that there aren’t any loose screws or bolts.

6. Finally, take a quick look at the entire bike to check for bends, scratches and cracks. Ride home carefully and only if you are sure that the bike is entirely safe to ride. Avoid fast acceleration and braking and try to avoid getting out of the saddle .

7. When you get home, before your next ride, it is a good idea to give the bike a full check over. If you have a torque wrench and the know-how then you can do this yourself. If you are not confident then we recommend that you take your bike to a professional mechanic.

Canyon consistently strives to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this Technical Support Center. Any repairs or adjustments which you carry out on your bike are entirely at your own risk. If you are in any doubt about what to do, you should send your bike to Canyon or take it to another qualified repair specialist. Canyon gives no guarantee or accepts no liability for the any of the information contained in this Technical Support Center.