What’s an M Check – and Why Should You Do One?
If you’ve ever wondered whether your bike is safe to ride but didn’t fancy stripping it down in the garage, the M Check is your new best mate. It’s a simple, step-by-step way to inspect your bike from top to tail (or technically, from rear wheel to front wheel) – and the best part? You can do it yourself at home in 5–10 minutes.
At Dropbar Bike Repair, we love the M Check because it’s an easy habit that helps you spot issues before they become expensive problems. It’s ideal before a big ride, after your bike’s been in storage, or just as a regular safety check.
So, let’s break it down.
What Is an M Check?
An M Check is a visual and manual safety check that follows an “M” shaped path across your bike – from the rear wheel, up to the saddle, down to the bottom bracket, up to the headset and handlebars, and down again to the front wheel.
It’s a smart and systematic way to make sure nothing's loose, worn out, or unsafe.
How to Do an M Check – Step by Step
Here’s what to look at along each part of the “M” path:
Rear Wheel & Tyre
Tyre pressure – is it firm? (Check sidewall for recommended PSI)
Tyre condition – look for cuts, cracks, or worn tread
Wheel true – spin it; does it wobble?
Spokes – give a few a gentle squeeze; they should feel tight and evenly tensioned
Quick release or thru-axle – is it tight and properly closed?
Rear brake – squeeze the lever; does the brake bite? Look for pad wear
Cassette and derailleur – check for grime, damage or bent hangers
Saddle & Seatpost
Saddle height and angle – is it still in the right position?
Seatpost bolt – make sure it’s snug (but not overtightened)
Give it a wiggle – the saddle shouldn’t move side to side
Bottom Bracket & Cranks
Cranks – spin freely and smoothly, with no side-to-side play
Bottom bracket – listen/feel for creaks or grinding
Pedals – are they spinning freely and securely attached?
Frame & Chain
Chain wear – is it clean, lubricated, and not stretched?
Frame check – especially carbon frames – look for cracks, dings, or damage
Bottle cages, bolts & accessories – give them a quick tighten
Handlebars & Headset
Bar and stem bolts – check they’re tight (don’t overtighten – use a torque wrench if you have one)
Handlebar tape or grips – secure and not torn
Headset – pull the front brake and rock the bike forward; any knocking or play?
Cables or hoses – check for fraying, kinks, or rubbing
Front Wheel & Brake
Tyre and wheel – same checks as the rear wheel
Quick release or axle – is it done up tight?
Front brake – squeeze the lever; pads should contact evenly, no rubbing
Forks – look for any movement, cracks or weird noises when you bounce the bike
Why Should I Do an M Check?
Because bikes, like people, need a bit of routine care to stay healthy. A regular M Check can help you:
Spot wear before it causes failure (like a worn brake pad or a cracked tyre)
Save money by catching issues early
Avoid breakdowns mid-ride – or worse, crashes
Understand your bike better – so you know what feels right (or doesn’t)
It’s also great peace of mind. If you’ve done an M Check and everything’s in order, you can roll out knowing your bike’s ready to go.
How Often Should I Do an M Check?
We recommend:
Before every big ride or race
Once a month if you ride regularly
After a crash, bump, or unusual noise
After washing or transporting your bike
You don’t need to be a mechanic to do it – just a bit of curiosity and a few minutes of your time.
Need Help or Spotted a Problem?
If your M Check turns up something odd – a knock, a loose bolt, or a weird noise – don’t ignore it. Bring it into Dropbar Bike Repair in Watford and we’ll take a look. No pressure, no hard sell – just honest advice and expert servicing. Give us a call on 01923590216 or drop us an email at hello@dropbarbikemechanics.com.
We believe every rider should feel confident in their bike, and an M Check is a brilliant habit to build.
Have a look at our checklist image below. You can print it out and stick it on the garage wall to ensure you always do a check before you leave the house.
