Bicycle Inspection in China

Below are some of the most common standards which are used in the creation of AQI quality control standards and inspection procedures:

1. Assembly and full function checks

Assembly and full function inspection based on your instruction manual and bicycle checklist can help you verify that the bike is working properly and as described in the user manual.

After assembling S-1 or larger samples, the inspector should adjust some parts on the bicycle to determine stability and functionality, including:

• Chain adjustment
• Saddle adjustment
• Handlebar height adjustment

2. Riding test

Without some kind of “real” testing that simulates product functions, an effective product inspection cannot be completed. The quality control of bicycles also requires riding tests. Even if you have checked all the individual components of the bicycle, you still need to make sure that they can work together properly.

Bicycle importers can take several different ways to conduct cycling tests.

You may ask the inspector to ride a bicycle for 30 minutes to simulate long-distance riding. But in this case, you may have to test a smaller sample size to allow enough time during the inspection. Or, you might ask the inspector to ride a shorter distance of 200 meters on a larger S-4 sample.

Either way, the cycling test should include:

• Pedal vigorously and accelerate quickly
• Step on slowly, accelerate gently
• Make hard and soft turns (left and right)
• Hard brake and soft brake
• Ride at least three bumps

Before and after completing the riding test, the inspector should confirm that the bicycle is in the same condition.

If you want to inspect bicycles at their factory, you may need to notify the supplier in advance so they can ensure that there is enough driving space.

3. Noise and abnormal soundcheck

Inspectors should also use riding tests to monitor any abnormal sounds. The test does not require any equipment, the inspector only needs to listen to the problem. They can perform this check with the same sample size during and immediately after the riding test.

When checking for abnormal sounds, the inspector should:

• Use S-1 or larger sample
• One meter from the bike
• Spinning bicycle wheel
• Test in a quiet environment

The quieter the environment, the better. But it should be aimed at the test environment where the background noise is less than 60 decibels (dB).

4. Tire pressure check

Tire pressure can have a significant impact on the rider’s experience. Over-inflated tires transmit impact to the rider, thereby sacrificing speed and ride comfort. Under-inflated tires can make it more difficult for cyclists to pedal.

The CPSC tire pressure guidelines require you to ensure that the tire stays on the rim when inflated to 110% of the recommended pressure.

All the checks you need to do are:

• Tire pressure gauge (your factory should be able to provide it)
• Product specifications for optimal pressure levels

Use a tire pressure gauge to check tire pressure before and after riding the bicycle. You or your inspector should record the pressure on the bicycle test list so that you can clearly see whether the pressure has dropped significantly after riding. Perform this check on samples of AQL S-1 sample size or larger.

5. Torque checks on nuts and bolts

Torque checks on nuts and bolts to help ensure that all bicycle parts are properly secured.

Incorrect installation of bolts can cause problems for the rider. Too tight bolts will restrict movement. However, loose bolts can also turn a safe downhill from a hillside into a serious accident.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) bicycle testing standards clearly require importers to inspect fasteners: “The screws, bolts and nuts used to fasten the parts will not loosen, break or fail during the test.”

You do not need to perform a torque check on every nut and bolt on all bicycles manufactured. Since it can be very time consuming to perform a torque test on hundreds of bolts, you can consider a torque test on the S-1 sample size.

Some of the more important bolts and nuts to check to include:

• Crank bolts securing the crank to the axel of the bottom bracket
  Disc caliper bolts attaching the caliper to the frame or fork
  Rear derailleur bolts securing a mechanical type derailleur to the bike wheel
  Kickstand bolts attaching the kickstand to the bike
  Rear-wheel nuts holding the rear wheel onto the bike

Torque wrenches are standard equipment for bicycle manufacturers. But in any case, please confirm with your supplier before the inspection to ensure that the staff at the inspection site will use a torque wrench for this test.

6. Braking System On-site Tests

Brakes are an important part of bicycles in terms of function and safety. And unlike the seat or frame, it is difficult to evaluate the working condition of the brake only by visual inspection.

The braking system tests including

1. Braking system assembly check – is to verify that the bike has two independent brake systems: one for the front and one for the back.
2. Brake block and brake pad assembly security test – The brake block or pad’s friction material must remain securely attached to the holder, backing-plate, or shoe and should not fail after testing.
3. Hand-operated braking system strength test – will help ensure consumers can use the brakes with a reasonable force.
4. Braking distance test – verifies how long it takes the bike to come to a complete halt when traveling at a certain speed. A bike that can’t stop quickly may have unreliable brakes. CPSC bike testing standards require that bikes with both handbrakes and footbrake stop within 15ft (4.57m) when tested by a rider weighing at least 150lb (68.1kg).

Contact us for the Bicycle Inspection Checklist. or Get a Quote free from here.

Performance and reliability are critical to ensure consumer satisfaction. However, some reliability tests cannot be performed at the inspection site. It requires a specific environment and test equipment to ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements.

AQI Service Inspectors can randomly take samples in production according to customer requirements and forward them to tested by an accredited laboratory.