Bike Checks
Everyone should get their bike AND HELMET checked. Helmets, in particular, fail the most. They are too big or too small, not certified, or have unnoticed cracks or holes. Also, kids this age are growing, crashing their bikes, riding a loaner or hand-me-down bike, etc.
Bike Check Dates for 2026
September 1st to September 26th
Bike Check Locations
All Sports Basement stores
Enjoy 20% off shopping on the day of your bike check!
Click for store locations and hours
Live in Peace - Partner Charity
2524 Pulgas Ave, East Palo Alto, near the Bay Trail. Parking is easier up front, but the shop is facing the back.
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10 am to 5:00 pm, and 10 am to 4:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Pre-Race Bike and Helmet Check Guidelines
Your child’s bike and helmet should be checked before they race.
Who should get a check?
- If your child has had a recent bike crash
- If your child has had a recent growth spurt
- If the bike has been in storage for a while
- If they are borrowing a bike or have a hand-me-down bike
- It's your first time doing our event
Please bring your child with their bike and helmet to one of the participating locations listed above for a bike and helmet check.
At the Pre-Race Bike Check, your child’s bike and helmet will be inspected for:
- General condition with an emphasis on tires and free movement of the chain ring system
- The ends of the handlebars have plastic plugs (called bar-end plugs)
- Bike helmets are approved by CPSC or SNELL (label inside)
- Helmets must fit properly, and the straps must be adjusted so that no more than two fingers can fit inside
- There are no overly sharp edges on the pedals that could cut a leg in a fall
- The brakes work
- No aero-bars or pursuit bars
If the bike is much too small or much too large for your child, it is up to the bike check technician to determine whether it poses a safety hazard. A small child on a bike who can’t touch the ground easily is unsafe. A helmet that is too big and wobbles around is unsafe. A helmet that is too small to cover the head is unsafe. Helmets that are too big or too small or not certified by SNELL or CPSC are the number one reason bike checks fail.
USA Triathlon rules specify that all bikes must have two wheels and each wheel must have a brake unless it's a youth bike with a coaster brake AND a single hand brake. Bikes with only coaster brakes (fixies) are not safe enough for a race. Also, motors are not allowed. Disc brakes are fine as are electronic shifters. This means:
NO FIXIES • NO UNICYCLES • NO RECUMBENTS • NO E-BIKES • NO SCOOTERS
We strongly recommend taking the bike to the pre-race inspection BEFORE the race (see the information above). Bike techs will be available on-site on race day if your child's bike develops issues.
NOTE: Please make sure your child’s footwear is suitable for running and riding. No flip-flops, sandals, or other open-toed shoes. We recommend shoes without laces, or purchase lace locks, as most falls during the race are caused by loose shoelaces.
