Dr Bike
Who is Dr Bike?
Dr Bike can check over your bike, making small adjustments and advising on more major repairs. You can also obtain information on cycling in central London. This service is free of charge.
Where and when are the sessions?
Westminster holds regular sessions from 4pm to 7pm on certain weekdays. The location rotates among Wellington Arch (Hyde Park Corner), Chelsea Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge. Upcoming sessions can be found here.
Dr Bike’s checklist
Front tyre Good tread. No splits. cracks or holes. Pumped hard. Valve straight
Front wheel True (not buckled). No broken/missing spokes. Good rim.
Front hub No wobble. Turns smoothly. Wheel securely fixed.
Front mudguard Firmly fixed. No sharp mudguard stays.
Front brake blocks Correctly fitted. Not worn away.
Front brake Firmly fixed. Correctly adjusted.
Front brake lever Comfortable position. Firmly fixed. Cable not frayed.
Headset/steering No wobble. Correctly adjusted.
Handlebars Not distorted. Ends protected.
Front forks Appear true and undamaged.
Frame Appears true and undamaged.
Rear brake lever Comfortable position. Firmly fixed. Cable not frayed.
Rear brake Firmly fixed. Correctly adjusted.
Rear brake blocks Correctly fitted and aligned. Not worn away.
Rear mudguard Safely fixed. No sharp mudguard stays.
Rear tyre Good tread. No splits. cracks or holes. Pumped hard. Valve straight. Rear wheel True. No broken/missing spokes. Good rim.
Rear hub No wobble. Turns smoothly. Wheel securely fixed.
Bottom bracket No wobble. Lock ring tight. Sufficiently lubricated.
Pedal cranks Straight.
Pedals Complete. Turning freely. Not bent.
Chainwheel Not bent. Teeth not worn.
Chainguard Firmly fixed. Not bent.
Chain Not too worn. Not slack. Lightly oiled not rusty.
Gears Properly adjusted. Lubricated sufficiently.
Saddle Safely fixed. Straight. comfortable height (unless BMX)Rack/carrier/bags etc. Firmly secured.
Front lamp (if carried) White. Firmly fixed. Good light to front.
Rear lamp (if carried) Red. Firmly fixed. Visible to rear.
Reflectors Clean and secure.
Lights & reflectors Correct height on bicycle.