Buying a new bike should be exciting. You want to get it out of the box, jump on and head straight out for a ride. But what happens when the bike you've bought hasn't been put together quite as well as it should be?
We see it more often than you'd think. Bikes bought online can arrive with very little preparation or inspection before they're sent out to customers. While some online retailers do a great job, others leave the final checks down to the buyer.
What Can Be Missed?
Take this bike as an example. Ray bought it online less than six months ago, and during a quick five-minute inspection, our mechanic Krisz found quite a list of issues.
These included:
Missing front brake pads.
No grease on the front axle.
Loose pedals.
Grips fitted the wrong way around.
Loose kickstand.
Loose cassette and brake rotor lock rings.
Gears that weren't adjusted correctly.
That's quite a list for a bike that's only a few months old!
Some of these might seem like small details, but they're all part of making sure a bike is safe and ready to ride. Missing brake pads are an obvious safety concern, while loose pedals, lock rings and poorly adjusted gears can all cause problems once you're out on the road or trails.
Why Professional Bike Assembly Matters
Modern bikes have plenty of components that need to be fitted, adjusted and tightened correctly. It's not simply a case of putting the handlebars straight and attaching the pedals.
Correct torque settings, properly secured components, adjusted brakes and gears, and suitable lubrication all play an important part in keeping your bike safe and performing as it should.
A quick inspection before your first ride can make all the difference.
Need a Hand With Your New Bike?
If you've bought a bike online and aren't confident putting it together yourself, or you'd simply prefer someone to check everything over, give us a shout.
At Ocean Cycles, we're happy to assemble and check over your new bike so it's properly set up and ready to ride out of the door.
Whether you've just bought a new bike or have concerns about one you've already been riding, we're here to help.
Call us on 01726 77700 or drop us a message to get things started.
