Tips for Bike Check

A resurfacing complaint about the K-Town Tri is the length of time to get through bike check. This delay is not caused by a lack of volunteers as we have a dedicated crew that helps us out every year. The delay is caused by athletes bringing bikes to bike check that need major repairs. These bikes require our best (and quickest) mechanics to stop checking bikes and perform the repairs as they want everyone to be able to race. Therefore we are publishing what we will look for during bike check in order that the athlete will ensure before race day that the bike will pass. This list is not exhaustive and other safety checks may be performed. We highly recommend taking your bike to a shop for a tune up well before the triathlon. At the very least please ensure you check your bike for the following and correct any problems before race day. Your bike is your responsibility and we only CHECK for obvious problems that would endanger yourself or others. Our advice is to arrive a little earlier at bike check and avoid the last minute panic rush. Please help us ensure race day (especially bike check) goes smoothly for everyone.

Important note: We will be enforcing the bike check rules consistantly and rigorously. If your bike fails to pass, and is deemed unsafe by the mechanics, you will not be allowed to race using that bike. There is no appeal process to the Race Directors, or to OAT. There are no refunds if your bike fails the safety check.

Repairs may or may not be available on site. We will not take mechanics away from bike check to perform repairs. We want to ensure that the 95% of people who arrive with bikes in good order are not delayed entering transition.

Check handlebars for tightness. Do they spin in the stem?
handlebars and aerobars must be plugged or covered.
Are the brake levers on tight with no movement?
Brake levers should not be able to touch the handlebar when brakes are applied.
Aerobars, if you have them, must be on secure (no movement)
Stem must be tightly bolted on with no spin movement.
Brakes must not touch the rim when released.
Brakes must be tight enough to lock the wheels.
Saddle and seatpost must be tightly secured. Bike check will try and move them.
Wheels should be straight and have no play in the hub. (No lateral movement)
Tires should not have any holes or excessive wear (cracks, etc)
Quick releases properly done up and secure.
If using tubular tires, they must be glued on properly.
Everything should be on securely and no unnecessary accessories that are unsafe or may fall off.

One thing the bike check VOLUNTEERS often hear is "but I always ride with it like that and it�s okay." Unfortunately we cannot overlook the safety checks because you will not be on the course alone and other people�s safety is involved.

If you have any questions about your bikes ability to pass through bike check please take it to a shop and ask. It would be a shame to waste all your hard effort and training by being refused entry.

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