With most bikes now being purchased on the internet or from large retail outlets it is an unfortunate truth that I and many of my colleagues see many new bikes which are very poorly set up, often with potentially dangerous or damaging consequences. We regularly see bikes with forks fitted backwards, poor gear/brake setup, strange and sometimes dangerous cable runs, loose handlelbars, too tight or too loose components and even loose wheels!

It is also common to see badly fitted bikes with saddles too low or high, handlebars not straight or with bars and gear levers not set to the most safe and comfortable reach or orientation.