THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY, PERFORMANCE AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION. READ THE MANUAL BEFORE TAKING YOUR FIRST RIDE ON YOUR NEW BICYCLE,

Transcription

1 THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY, PERFORMANCE AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION. READ THE MANUAL BEFORE TAKING YOUR FIRST RIDE ON YOUR NEW BICYCLE, AND KEEP THE MANUAL HANDY FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

2 CORRECT Correct FITTING Make sure your helmet covers your forehead Correct Incorrect INCORRECT FITTING Forehead is exposed and vulnerable to serious injury

3 Personal Care from Congratulations on your new purchase! Our Service Department is dedicated to your satisfaction with Pacific Cycle and its products. For questions regarding performance, assembly, operation, parts or returns, contact the experts at Pacific Cycle directly by calling toll free :00am - 5:00pm Central Time Monday thru Friday or by customerservice@pacific-cycle.com 2

4 The following manual is only a guide to assist you and is not a complete or comprehensive manual of all aspects of maintaining and repairing your bicycle. The bicycle you have purchased is a complex object. We recommend that you consult a bicycle specialist if you have doubts or concerns as to your experience or ability to properly assemble, repair, or maintain your bicycle. You will save time and the inconvenience of having to go back to the store if you choose to write or call us concerning missing parts, service questions, operating advice, and/or assembly questions. SERVICE CALL TOLL FREE Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time Service s cker loca on (Opposite side of the serial number) 4902 Hammersley Road Madison, WI Customer Service P.O. Box E. Radio Tower Lane Olney, IL Serial number loca on (Bike shown upside down) 3

5 ABOUT THIS MANUAL It is important for you to understand your new bicycle. By reading this manual before you go out on your first ride, you ll know how to get better performance, comfort, and enjoyment from your new bicycle. It is also important that your first ride on your new bicycle is taken in a controlled environment, away from cars, obstacles, and other cyclists. GENERAL WARNING Bicycling can be a hazardous activity even under the best of circumstances. Proper maintenance of your bicycle is your responsibility as it helps reduce the risk of injury. This manual contains many Warnings and Cautions concerning the consequences of failure to maintain or inspect your bicycle. Many of the warnings and cautions say you may lose control and fall. Because any fall can result in serious injury or even death, we do not repeat the warning of possible injury or death whenever the risk of falling is mentioned. A SPECIAL NOTE FOR PARENTS It is a tragic fact that most bicycle accidents involve children. As a parent or guardian, you bear the responsibility for the activities and safety of your minor child. Among these responsibilities are to make sure that the bicycle which your child is riding is properly fitted to the child; that it is in good repair and safe operating condition; that you and your child have learned, understand and obey not only the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle, and traffic laws, but also the common sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling. As a parent, you should read this manual before letting your child ride the bicycle. Please make sure that your child always wears an approved bicycle helmet when riding. WARNING! This bicycle is intended for use as a pedal power bicycle only. It is not designed, intended, or suitable for use with the installation of an internal combustion engine. 4

6 1 PARTS IDENTIFICATION Single Speed Bicycle Multi Speed Bicycle 2 BEFORE YOU RIDE Warning, Note to parents Fit Helmets, Protective Gear & Clothing Safety Checklist Riding Safety Operation Security Maintenance Storage 3 ASSEMBLY Tools Handlebar Front Wheel Saddle Pedals Adjustments Final Check 4 MAINTENANCE Scheduled Inspection How to fix a flat tire Troubleshooting 5 WARRANTY Take notice of this symbol throughout this manual and pay particular attention to the instructions blocked off and preceded by this symbol. 5

7 SINGLE SPEED BICYCLE Get to know the parts of your bicycle. This will help with assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Single speed bicycles vary greatly. Your model may have additional accessories such as fenders, bags, carriers, etc. Note that smaller children s bicycles also contain training wheels. PARTS IDENTIFICATION Seat Rear reflector Seat post binder bolt or quick-release skewer Seat stay Training wheel bracket Rear sprocket Handlebar grip Brake control cable Head set Head tube Top tube Down tube Seat post Rear brake lever Handle bar Front reflector Handlebar stem Front brake Brake pad Front fork Front hub Spokes Wheel reflector Seat tube Chain wheel Chain Crank arm Pedal Tire valve Training wheel Chain stay Rim Tire 1.1 6

8 MULTI SPEED BICYCLE Get to know the parts of your bicycle. This will help with assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Multi speed bicycles vary greatly. Your model may have additional accessories such as fenders, bags, carriers, etc. Gear control cable Freewheel Seat Rear reflector Seat post Quick release Rear Brake Shi lever Handlebar stem Head set Head tube Top tube Down tube Handlebar Brake lever Brake control cables Front reflector Front brake Front fork PARTS IDENTIFICATION Wheel reflector Spokes Rim Seat tube Tire Seat stay Front derailleur Chain wheel Bo om Bracket Axle Chain stay Chain Rear derailleur Pedal Crank arm Tire valve Front hub 1.2 7

9 SIZING GUIDE & CHART When choosing the correct size bicycle, there are some guidelines that will help you determine the correct fit. It is important that you are able to safely mount and dismount the bicycle, and that while riding you are comfortable and can operate the brakes, steering and pedal without any added difficulty. BEFORE YOU RIDE 1-3 inches Bike Wheel Size 12 inch wheel 16 inch wheel 18 inch wheel 20 inch wheel 24 inch wheel 26 inch wheel 700c 2.1 Your Approx. Height inches tall inches tall inches tall inches tall inches tall inches tall inches tall The first rule is when standing over the bicycle, in front of the seat, straddling the top tube of the bicycle, you should have a minimum of 1-3 inches of clearance. For ladies frames, pretend there is a top tube, because although you may be able to straddle the frame, you must also be able to reach the handlebars. Bicycles get longer as well as taller as you go up in size. Wheel size is a good starting point, but bicycles vary, so only use wheel size to get started, after that, check that the rider can safely reach the handlebars while still bending the elbows at least 10 degrees. The saddle height is adjustable, so there is a range of riders that will fit each bicycle. Note that the correct height for the saddle is not determined by foot to floor, but by foot to pedal. The leg should be almost completely straight when the pedal is in the down most position. Just a slight bend in the knee. This may put the rider in a position where their feet can not touch the ground easily. The rider can simply move forward of the saddle while mounting and dismounting the bicycle. The saddle can be adjusted lower if the rider is uncomfortable this high, but note that riding is more difficult with the saddle too low, as the legs are in an unnatural position. It is common for younger riders who want to feel secure to be able to touch the ground easily, or any rider who is not comfortable with not being able to touch the ground. In this case start off with the saddle lower, and raise the seat as confidence in riding is gained. Do not raise the seat so much that the knees lock straight when pedaling or you have to move forward of the saddle to pedal. This is unsafe and the bicycle can not be controlled in this condition. Make sure that while riding you can see ahead of you clearly, steer and brake with no difficulty reaching the brake levers or operating foot brakes. Also be sure you can mount and dismount the bicycle quickly if the need arises. Please refer to the separate adjustment areas of this manual for seat and handlebar adjustments (p. 26 and p. 30) *Note that some bicycles such as folding bicycles may have smaller wheels but still fit adults. 8

10 Saddle Height Handlebar stem height about the same as seat height In order to obtain the most comfortable riding position and offer the best possible pedaling efficiency, the seat height should be set correctly in relation to the rider s leg length. The correct saddle height should not cause leg strain from over-extension, and the hips should not rock from side to side when pedaling. While sitting on the bicycle with one pedal at its lowest point, place the ball of your foot on that pedal. The correct saddle height will allow the knee to be slightly bent in this position. If the rider then places the heel of that foot on the pedal, the leg should be almost straight. (Fig. 2.2) 2.2 Knee slightly bent Pedal at bo om posi on Under no circumstances should the seat post extend from the frame beyond its Minimum Insertion or Maximum Extension mark. If your seat post extends from the frame beyond these markings, the seat post or frame may break, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Prior to your first ride, be sure to tighten the saddle adjusting mechanism properly. A loose saddle clamp or seat post binder can cause damage to the bicycle or can cause you to lose control and fall. Periodically check to make sure that the saddle adjusting mechanism is properly tightened. BEFORE YOU RIDE RIDING POSITION Arms not overextended Reach To obtain maximum comfort, the rider should not overextend his or her reach when riding. To adjust this distance, the position of the seat can be altered in relation to the seat post. (Refer to p.30 on how to adjust the seat clamp.) (Fig. 2.3, 2.4)

11 BEFORE YOU RIDE Handlebar binder bolt Exceeds 2 1/2 (64mm) Stem wedge Stem wedge bolt Maximum height/ minimum inser on mark 2.5 Handlebar Height Maximum comfort is usually obtained when the handlebar height is equal to the height of the seat. You may wish to try different heights to find the most comfortable position. Threadless headsets and clamp-on stems are not adjustable. Please refer to assembly-adjustments (p. 27) for instructions on installation. The stem s Minimum Insertion mark must not be visible above the top of the headset. If the stem is extended beyond this mark, the stem may break or damage the fork s steer tube, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Failure to properly tighten the stem binder bolt, the handlebar binder bolt, or the bar end extension clamping bolts may compromise steering action, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Place the front wheel of the bicycle between your legs and attempt to twist the handlebar/stem assembly using a reasonable amount of force. If you can twist the stem in relation to the front wheel, turn the handlebars in relation to the stem, or turn the bar end extensions in relation to the handlebar, you must tighten the appropriate bolts accordingly. 10

12 HELMETS, PROTECTIVE GEAR & CLOTHING Helmets A WORD TO PARENTS REGARDING CHILDREN AND HELMETS: Many states have passed helmet laws regarding children. Make sure you know your states helmet laws. It is your job to enforce these rules with your children. Even if your state does not have a children s helmet law, it is recommended that everyone wear a helmet when cycling. When riding with a child carrier seat or trailer, children must wear a helmet. Correct 2.6 It is strongly advised that a properly fitting, ASTM or SNELL approved, bicycle safety helmet be worn at all times when riding your bicycle. In addition, if you are carrying a passenger in a child safety seat, they must also be wearing a helmet. The correct helmet should: be comfortable have good ventilation fit correctly Incorrect cover forehead Always wear a properly fitted helmet which covers the forehead when riding a bicycle. Many states require specific safety devices. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of the state where you ride and to comply with all applicable laws, including properly equipping yourself and your bike as the law requires. Reflectors are important safety devices which are designed as an integral part of your bicycle. Federal regulations require every bicycle (over 16 ) to be equipped with front, rear, wheel, and pedal reflectors. These reflectors are designed to pick up and reflect street lights and car lights in a way that helps you to be seen and recognized as a moving bicyclist. Check reflectors and their mounting brackets regularly to make sure they are clean, straight, unbroken and securely mounted. BEFORE YOU RIDE Incorrect

13 BEFORE YOU RIDE 2.8 Choosing Riding Clothing and Protective Gear When choosing to ride a bicycle, the riders should always consider the clothing they will wear. Any loose clothing parts or strings can get caught in a bicycles moving parts and cause an accident. Be sure there are no loose cords, strings, over sized cuffs or pant legs. Loose pants should be tied or tucked into a sock. A leg band is often used to keep pants from getting caught in the chain of the bicycle. Be sure shoelaces are tied tightly, and do not hang out. (Fig. 2.8) Dress for the weather keeping in mind that when cycling, the wind can be colder than just walking or standing. Reflective clothing is always recommended for cycling. Avoid wearing all black, or dark clothes. A brightly colored jacket or shirt is a great way to help motorists and others see you. Choosing to wear protective gear is the riders or parents responsibility and is highly recommended. Protective gear is available to cover knees and elbows, backs and shoulders and more. Use of protective gear can greatly reduce injuries while riding. If protective gear is worn, be sure that it does not interfere with steering, braking and pedaling. Know your own abilities, and do not ride beyond them. (Fig. 2.9)

14 SAFETY CHECKLIST Before every ride, it is important to carry out the following safety checks: Brakes Ensure front and rear brakes work properly. Ensure brake shoe pads are not overly worn and are correctly positioned in relation to the rims. Ensure brake control cables are lubricated, correctly adjusted and display no obvious wear. Ensure brake control levers are lubricated and tightly secured to the handlebar. Wheels and Tires Ensure tires are inflated to within the recommended pressure as displayed on the tire sidewall. Ensure tires have tread and have no bulges or excessive wear. Ensure rims run true and have no obvious wobbles or kinks. Ensure all wheel spokes are tight and not broken. Check that axle nuts are tight. If your bicycle is fitted with quick release axles, make sure locking levers are correctly tensioned and in the fully closed position. Steering Ensure handlebar and stem are correctly adjusted and tightened, and allow proper steering. Ensure that the handlebars are set correctly in relation to the forks and the direction of travel. Check that the headset locking mechanism is properly adjusted and tightened. If the bicycle is fitted with handlebar end extensions, ensure they are properly positioned and tightened. BEFORE YOU RIDE Chain Ensure chain is oiled, clean and runs smoothly. Extra maintenance is required in wet or dusty conditions. 13

15 Bearings Ensure all bearings are lubricated, run freely and display no excess movement, grinding or rattling. Check headset, wheel bearings, pedal bearings and bottom bracket bearings. BEFORE YOU RIDE Cranks and Pedals Ensure pedals are securely tightened to the cranks. Ensure cranks are securely tightened to the axle and are not bent. Derailleurs Check that front and rear derailleurs are adjusted and function properly. Ensure shift levers are securely attached. Ensure derailleurs, shift levers and control cables are properly lubricated. Frame and Fork Check that the frame and fork are not bent or broken. If either are bent or broken, they should be replaced. Accessories Ensure that all reflectors are properly fitted and not obscured. Ensure all other fittings on the bike are properly and securely fastened, and functioning. Ensure the rider is wearing a properly fitted helmet. 14

16 +/ 5 degrees of ver cal 2.10 Reflectors 16 and under bicycles are considered sidewalk bicycles, and may not be fitted with reflectors. These bicycles should not be ridden on streets, at night or unattended by an adult. All other bicycles are supplied with one front (white), one rear (red), two wheel (white), and four pedal (orange) reflectors. These are an important safety and legal requirement, and should remain securely fitted and in good, clean condition at all times. Periodically, inspect all reflectors, brackets and mounting hardware for signs of wear or damage. Replace immediately if damage is found. Front & rear reflectors should be mounted so that they are within 5 degrees of vertical (when looking at them from the side of the bike, while the bike is on level ground). The front reflector should aim forward (when viewed from above), and the rear reflector should aim straight back (when viewed from above). Wheel reflectors should be checked to be sure they are tight, and should be kept clean. BEFORE YOU RIDE 15

17 BEFORE YOU RIDE RIDING SAFETY General Rules When riding obey the same road laws as all other road vehicles, including giving way to pedestrians, and stopping at red lights and stop signs. For further information, contact the Road Traffic Authority in your State. Ride predictably and in a straight line. Never ride against traffic. Use correct hand signals to indicate turning or stopping. Ride defensively. To other road users, you may be hard to see. Concentrate on the path ahead. Avoid pot holes, gravel, wet road markings, oil, curbs, speed bumps, drain grates and other obstacles. Cross train tracks at a 90 degree angle or walk your bicycle across. Expect the unexpected such as opening car doors or cars backing out of concealed driveways. Be extra careful at intersections and when preparing to pass other vehicles. Familiarize yourself with all the bicycle s features. Practice gear shifts, braking, and the use of toe clips and straps, if installed. If you are wearing loose pants, use leg clips or elastic bands to prevent them from being caught in the chain. Wear proper riding attire and avoid open toe shoes. Don t carry packages or passengers that will interfere with your visibility or control of the bicycle. Don t use items that may restrict your hearing. Do not lock up the brakes. When braking, always apply the rear brake first, then the front. The front brake is more powerful and if it is not correctly applied, you may lose control and fall. Maintain a comfortable stopping distance from all other riders, vehicles and objects. Safe braking distances and forces are subject to the prevailing weather conditions. 16

18 Wet Weather In wet weather you need to take extra care. Brake earlier, you will take a longer distance to stop. Decrease your riding speed, avoid sudden braking and take corners with additional caution. Be more visible on the road. Wear reflective clothing and use safety lights. Pot holes and slippery surfaces such as line markings and train tracks all become more hazardous when wet. Night Riding IT IS RECOMMENDED TO NOT RIDE AT NIGHT Check your local laws regarding night riding; Many areas require the use of lights for night riding in addition to a full set of CPSC compatible reflectors. Ensure bicycle is equipped with a full set of correctly positioned and clean reflectors. Refer to p. 15 of this manual. Use a properly functioning lighting set comprising of a white front lamp and a red rear lamp. If using battery powered lights, make sure batteries are well charged. Some rear lights available have a flashing mechanism which enhances visibility. Wear reflective and light colored clothing. Ride at night only if necessary. Slow down and use familiar roads with street lighting, if possible. BEFORE YOU RIDE 17

19 Rules for Children BEFORE YOU RIDE To avoid accidents, teach children good riding skills with an emphasis on safety from an early age. Children should be supervised by an adult. 1. Many states require that children wear a helmet while cycling. Always wear a properly fitted helmet. 2. Do not play in driveways or the road. 3. Do not ride on busy streets. 4. Do not ride at night. 5. Obey all the traffic laws, especially stop signs and red lights. 6. Be aware of other road vehicles behind and nearby. 7. Before entering a street: Stop, look left, right, and left again for traffic. If there s no traffic, proceed into the roadway. 8. If riding downhill, be extra careful. Slow down using the brakes and maintain control of the steering. 9. Never take your hands off the handlebars, or your feet off the pedals when riding downhill. The Consumer Protection Safety Commission advises that the riding of small wheel diameter bicycles at excessive speeds can lead to instability and is not recommended. Children should be made aware of all possible riding hazards and correct riding behavior before they take to the streets. Do not leave it up to trial and error. 18

20 2.11 BRAKE OPERATION There are 2 types of braking systems for bicycles; Foot operated and hand operated. Foot Operated Brakes Foot operated brakes allow the rider to pedal forward to accelerate the bicycle, and pedal backwards to brake. The harder you push back on the pedals, the more braking force is applied to the rear wheel. In most cases a foot operated brake is strong enough to lock up (stop the wheel from turning) the rear wheel and cause the tire to skid. While this will decelerate the bicycle quickly, it will also cause unnecessary wear on the tire, and terrain, and can cause a loss of steering control. It is recommended to practice braking so that you have control over how quickly the bicycle comes to a stop. It is also important to know the environment that you are riding on. For example, a dry paved road is very predictable when stopping. But if you add rain, gravel, snow or any thing else, the rider needs to be extra careful, and allow extra stopping distance, and slow down before turning. The rider should also be careful as terrain changes to keep the bicycle at a controllable speed. Some models may have a combination of foot and hand operated brakes. It is OK to operate them at the same time or independently. However, if the bicycle is equipped with a front wheel hand brake, be careful to use front and rear brake simultaneously, and avoid locking up the front wheel, as this can cause a loss of steering control, and cause a crash. See hand operated brakes (p. 20) for more detail. BEFORE YOU RIDE 19

21 BEFORE YOU RIDE 2.12 Hand Operated Brakes Hand operated brakes have a separate hand lever to operate front and rear brakes. Front hand brake levers are located on the left side of the handlebar, and rear hand brake levers are located on the right side of the handlebar. Hand operated brakes may be used alone or on some models in conjunction with foot operated brakes. It is OK to operate one brake at a time, or all together, depending on your style, comfort, and riding conditions, however, be careful to pay close attention to front brakes locking up; If the front brake is applied too quickly or too hard, the front wheel can stop turning resulting in a front pitch over or cause the bicycle to lose steering function leading to a crash. To best avoid this, apply the front and rear brakes simultaneously, while shifting your body weight back slightly to compensate for braking force. As terrain changes, the rider must practice and learn how each bicycle will respond in a new terrain or weather change. The same bicycle will react differently if it is wet, or if there is gravel on the road etc. Always test the brakes and be sure you feel comfortable with the reaction. If the riding conditions are too steep (off road for example) and you are unsure, dismount the bicycle and walk past the questionable terrain before riding again. Remember that as you apply the brakes your weight will want to shift forward, and the wheels will want to stop. See Assembly and Maintenance for further information on brake adjustment. (Fig. 2.12) 20

22 GEAR OPERATION Multi speed bicycles can have internal or derailleur gear systems. 1 2 AVOID THESE GEARS! 2.13 WARNING: Improper shifting can result in the chain jamming, or becoming derailed resulting in loss of control or a crash. Always be sure the chain is fully engaged in the desired gear before pedaling hard. Avoid shifting while standing up on the pedals or under load. To shift properly, pedal the bicycle with little pressure on the pedals, and move the shifter (1) gear at a time, ensuring that the chain is fully engaged in that gear before applying more pressure on the pedals. For bicycles with 3 front chain rings; avoid Cross Chaining, which is the position when the chain is in the smallest cog in the rear combined with the inner or smallest chain ring in the front, or the largest cog in the rear and the outer or largest chain ring in the front. These gear positions put the chain at the most extreme angle and can cause premature wear to the drivetrain. Bicycles with 3 front chain rings have enough gear overlaps that these gears are not needed. (Fig. 2.13) BEFORE YOU RIDE 2.14 Internal Gears (no derailleur) An internal gear system is one where the gears are housed within the rear hub of the bicycle. With internally geared bicycles, it is recommended to STOP pedaling while you shift gears. The bike may be sitting still or rolling to shift. Shifter designs vary, you will either twist or operate a push button to change gears. The shifter will indicate either low to high or a series of numbers from 1 up. Low or 1 is the lowest gear. This is used for slower riding, hill climbing, or to allow for easier pedaling. It is recommended to start off in this gear and move through the gears as speed increases as needed, or comfortable. It is OK to ride the whole time in only one gear if this is comfortable. Backpedaling should have no effect on an internally geared bicycle (unless it is equipped with foot activated brakes), however, backpedaling should not be necessary when riding, and invites the possibility of clothing being caught in the chain, and should be avoided. See Assembly and Maintenance for further information on proper gear adjustment. (Fig. 2.14) 21

23 Freewheel cogs Front derailleur Derailleur control cable External Gears (derailleur equipped bicycles) Derailleur equipped bicycles all have a rear derailleur. Some may also have a front derailleur offering more gear choices. The right side shifter will operate the rear derailleur, and the left side (if equipped) will operate the front derailleur. On derailleur equipped bicycles, it is important to be pedaling forward when shifting gears. This allows the chain to derail from one gear to the next. Operating the shifter while sitting still or not pedaling can cause damage to the system, and can be dangerous, as the chain may jam and cause the bike to become unstable. (Fig. 2.15) BEFORE YOU RIDE Rear derailleur Guide pulley Front chainwheels Crank arm Pedal 2.15 Avoid back pedaling on any bicycle with derailleurs. Backpedaling can derail the chain and cause it to jam or fall off the gears. When shifting gears, make sure you pedal forward until the gear has completely changed. (At least one full rotation of the pedals.) Failure to do so, may result in the chain not engaging properly the next time you pedal forward, or falling off altogether causing a possible danger when you attempt to pedal again. Remember always pedal through the gear change on a derailleur equipped bicycle. Rear Shifter The rear shifter (right) will have an indicator that reads either low to high or a series of numbers from 1 up. Low or 1 is the lowest gear. This is used for slower riding, hill climbing, or to allow for easier pedaling. It is recommended to start off in this gear and move through the gears as speed increases as needed, or comfortable. It is OK to ride the whole time in only one gear if this is comfortable. Shift only while pedaling forward and seated. When shifting, lessen the pressure exerted on the pedals during the shift. Once you have successfully shifted gears, it is OK to start to pedal hard if desired. Pedaling hard while shifting can cause the chain to skip and not engage the appropriate gear. Backpedaling should be avoided on derailleur bikes because the chain can jam and cause the bike to become unstable. See Assembly and Maintenance for further information on proper gear adjustment. (Fig. 2.16)

24 2.17 Front Shifter Note that not all models have a front shifter. The front (left) shifter will have an indicator that reads either low to high or a series of numbers from 1 up. Low or 1 is the lowest gear. The front shifter acts much like the rear shifter, but the change between gears is greater. This means that one shift at the rear derailleur will be a subtle change in pedaling speed, but one shift at the front derailleur will be a large change in pedaling speed. Think of the front shifter as a range, low and high or low, medium, and high. Low is used for slower riding, hill climbing, or to allow for easier pedaling. It is recommended to start off in this gear and move through the gears as speed increases as needed, or comfortable. It is OK to ride the whole time in only one gear if this is comfortable. Shift only while pedaling forward. When shifting, lessen the pressure exerted on the pedals during the shift. Once you have successfully shifted gears, it is OK to start to pedal hard if desired. Pedaling hard while shifting can cause the chain to skip and not engage the appropriate gear. Backpedaling should be avoided on derailleur bikes because the chain can jam and cause the bike to become unstable. (Fig. 2.17) SECURITY You just bought a new bicycle! Don t lose it. It is advisable that the following steps be taken to prepare for and help prevent possible theft: Maintain a record of the bicycle s serial number, generally located on the frame underneath the bottom bracket. Register the bicycle with the local police and/or bicycle registry. Invest in a high quality bicycle lock that will resist hacksaws and bolt cutters. Always lock your bicycle to an immovable object if it is left unattended. Keep in mind that individual parts of a bicycle may be stolen. Most commonly, if you lock just a wheel or just the frame, other parts may be removed from the bicycle. Although it is impossible to lock all the parts, it is suggested to lock the major components if possible. Use a lock that is long enough to lock the frame and both wheels if possible. Some models with quick release front wheels allow the front wheel to be placed beside the frame so a smaller lock can be used to lock all 3 components. Be aware that a quick release seatpost can be stolen. It is recommended to remove the seatpost and saddle and carry it with you if you believe that this is a risk. BEFORE YOU RIDE

25 BEFORE YOU RIDE BASIC MAINTENANCE The following procedures will help you maintain your bicycle for years of enjoyable riding. For painted frames, dust the surface and remove any loose dirt with a dry cloth. To clean, wipe with a damp cloth soaked in a mild detergent mixture. Dry with a cloth and polish with car or furniture wax. Use soap and water to clean plastic parts and rubber tires. Chrome plated bikes should be wiped over with a rust preventative fluid. Store your bicycle under shelter. Avoid leaving it in the rain or exposed to corrosive materials. Riding on the beach or in coastal areas exposes your bicycle to salt which is very corrosive. Wash your bicycle frequently and wipe or spray all unpainted parts with an anti-rust treatment. Make sure wheel rims are dry so braking performance is not affected. After rain, dry your bicycle and apply anti-rust treatment. If the hub and bottom bracket bearings of your bicycle have been submerged in water, they should be taken out and re-greased. This will prevent accelerated bearing deterioration. If paint has become scratched or chipped to the metal, use touch up paint to prevent rust. Clear nail polish can also be used as a preventative measure. Regularly clean and lubricate all moving parts, tighten components and make adjustments as required. (Refer to Parts 4 and 5 of this manual for further details). STORAGE Keep your bicycle in a dry location away from the weather and the sun. Ultraviolet rays may cause paint to fade or rubber and plastic parts to crack. Before storing your bicycle for a long period of time, clean and lubricate all components and wax the frame. Deflate the tires to half pressure and hang the bicycle off the ground. Don t store near electric motors as ozone emissions may effect the rubber and paint. Don t cover with plastic as sweating will result which may cause rusting. Please notice that your bicycle warranty does not cover paint damage, rust, corrosion, dry rot or theft. 24

26 TOOLS FOR ASSEMBLY Your new bicycle was assembled and tuned in the factory and then partially disassembled for shipping. You may have purchased the bicycle already fully assembled and ready to ride OR in the shipping carton in the partially disassembled form. The following instructions will enable you to prepare your bicycle for years of enjoyable cycling. For more details on inspection, lubrication, maintenance and adjustment of any area please refer to the relevant sections in this manual. If you have questions about your ability to properly assemble this unit, please consult a qualified specialist before riding. If you need replacement parts or have questions pertaining to the assembly of your bicycle, call the service line direct at: SERVICE & TECHNICAL SUPPORT CALL TOLL FREE Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time Tools Required: Phillips head screw driver 4mm, 5mm, 6mm and 8mm Allen keys Adjustable wrench or a 9mm, 10mm, 14mm and 15mm open and box end wrenches A pair of pliers with cable cutting ability ASSEMBLY To avoid injury, this product must be properly assembled before use. If your bicycle was obtained assembled, we strongly recommend that you review the complete assembly instructions and perform checks specified in this manual before riding. We recommend that you consult a bicycle specialist if you have doubts or concerns as to your experience or ability to properly assembly, repair, or maintain your bicycle. 25

27 GETTING STARTED Open the carton from the top and remove the bicycle. Remove the straps and protective wrapping from the bicycle. Inspect the bicycle and all accessories and parts for possible shortages. It is recommended that the threads and all moving parts in the parts package be lubricated prior to installation. Do not discard packing materials until assembly is complete to ensure that no required parts are accidentally discarded. Assemble your bicycle following the steps that pertain to your model. (Fig. 3.2) NOTE: Your bicycle may be equipped with different style components than the ones illustrated. 3.2 HANDLEBAR ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY Incorrect Correct Remove all protective packaging from the handlebar assembly if not already done. Turn the fork of the bicycle to face forward. Note that forward means that the wheel mounting slots are in the furthest forward position. So the wheel axle will be in front of the fork when assembled. (Fig. 3.3) Check handlebar stem clamp bolts to be sure they are properly tightened, and handlebar can not move. The angle of the handlebar can be adjusted. To adjust; loosen all of the handlebar stem clamping bolts, and rotate the handlebar to the desired angle. Be sure that the handlebar stays centered in the stem. Retighten the bolts a LITTLE at a time being sure that the gap between the stem cap and stem stays even. Repeat tightening each bolt a little bit until handlebar is secure. (Fig. 3.4) Models with gear and/or brake cables: Locate the handlebar assembly. If your model bicycle comes equipped with gears and/or handbrakes, you will need to be sure that the brake cables and shift cables are properly routed. Position the handlebar assembly as if you were going to install it, and take a look at the cables. They should run in a smooth arc from the shifter or brake lever to the front brake or cable stop on the frame. If they are twisted or kinked, the shifting and braking will not work. Rotate the handlebars around until the cables are taking the smoothest route. (Fig. 3.5)

28 There are 2 basic types of handlebar mounting; Quill and Threadless. Quill Stems This is a handlebar assembly that has a wedge shaped part at the bottom of the stem that is inserted into the fork steer tube. Loosen the center bolt enough so that the wedge and stem can slide into the fork steer tube. Lower the stem until the mark that says minimum insertion is not visible. Tighten the stem center bolt so that the handlebar assembly is in line with the fork. If needed, you can re-check this after the front wheel is installed, and re-adjust. (Fig. 3.6) Pinch bolt(s) Top cap Threadless Stems This is a handlebar assembly that has a open ended stem with 1 or more pinch bolts that goes outside of the fork steer tube. For this system it is important not to disassemble the headset and lose any parts. Be sure that the end of the fork is on the ground or being held with your free hand, because once you loosen the top cap, the fork assembly may fall out of the frame. Loosen the top cap of the fork steer and remove any cardboard packing, the top cap, and bolt. Set these aside so you can easily retrieve them. While holding the fork assembly in place, slide the handlebar assembly onto the fork tube. Replace the top cap and bolt. Tighten the top cap bolt only until the handlebar assembly and fork have no free play, but so that the handlebar assembly and fork can still freely turn left and right. Then tighten the pinch bolt(s) evenly with the handlebar assembly facing forward. If needed you can re-check this after the front wheel in installed, and re-adjust. (Fig. 3.7) ASSEMBLY 3.8 NOTE: Comfort Series bicycles may be equipped with a stem that has an adjustable angle. In addition to the normal assembly, these stems will require angling the stem to the desired position, and securely tightening the angle bolt located in front of the stem bolt. Failure to do this may cause loss of steering control. (Fig. 3.8) If the stem is not inserted at least the Minimum Insertion mark, it is possible to over-tighten the stem bolt and damage the fork steerer tube. If these instructions are not followed, it could cause an unsafe condition and risk injury to the rider. Check steering tightness prior to riding by straddling the front wheel. Try turning the handlebar. If you can turn it without turning the front wheel, the stem is too loose. Re-align the handlebar with the front wheel and re-tighten the stem bolt. 27

29 Retaining washer FRONT WHEEL There are two types of front wheel hubs; Nutted and quick release. ASSEMBLY Axle nut Fork drop out Axle Cone nuts Hub Step retaining washer 3.9 Nutted Front Wheels Loosen the axle nuts on the front wheel. If there is a washer inside of the axle nut, it belongs outside of the fork dropouts. If the washer has a hook or a step, be sure that it engages the fork before tightening the axle nuts. Slide the front wheel between the fork dropouts. If the wheel has a hook shaped washer, be sure that the hook is hooked into the hole above the wheel slot. If there is a step washer, be sure the step fits into the key hole at the top of the wheel slot. Tighten the two outer axle nuts evenly; Tighten one side part way, then tighten the other side and repeat until both sides are tightened securely. Be sure that the wheel is centered between the fork legs. If it is off center, loosen the axle nut on the side that has a smaller gap between tire and fork leg, and use your hand to push the wheel to a centered position; hold the wheel with one hand, and tighten the axle nut and check again. Repeat if needed to be sure the wheel is centered and securely tightened. (Fig. 3.9) 28

30 Quick Release Wheels 1. Locate the quick release skewer from the small parts carton of your bicycle. Some tire tread patterns have a direction, so compare your front tire and rear tire of the bicycle so that both tread patterns face the same way. (Fig. 3.10) 2. Unscrew the lock nut from the quick release skewer, remove outer spring and slide the skewer through the front wheel axle so that the handle is on the left side of the bike (the side opposite the chain). (Fig. 3.11) Close Install spring and then start to thread the lock nut back onto the skewer, but do not tighten too far. 4. Slide the wheel into the fork wheel slots and be sure that the wheel is centered. 5. Inspect the handle, note that there s an open and a closed position. Move the handle so it is in the open position. With one hand on the handle and one hand on the lock nut, start to hand tighten the lock nut until you start to feel some resistance with the fork. 6. Try to close the handle. If it closes easily, open it up, and tighten the lock nut further. If it is too difficult to close, open the handle up, and loosen the lock nut a little and try again. 7. The quick release handle should be difficult to push closed with your palm, but should be possible. Practice opening and closing the handle until you feel comfortable. DO NOT attempt to tighten the wheel by turning the handle to tighten; the handle is for closing, the lock nut (opposite side) is for adjusting the tension. (Fig. 3.12) Next go back and check that the handlebars are perpendicular to the front wheel, go back to handlebar assembly and re-adjust if needed. All quick release levers should be inspected before every ride to be sure they are fully closed and secure. Failure to properly close a quick release lever can cause loss of control of the bicycle resulting in injury or death. Make sure the wheel is properly seated and the quick release is properly closed. ASSEMBLY

31 SADDLE ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY The saddle assembly should be adjusted with the saddle centered on the rails and level. Locate the saddle assembly and insert into the frame. It is recommended to add some grease to all threads and binders on a bicycle, especially on the outside of the seat post. Otherwise it may corrode over time, and not be able to be adjusted again. Bolted Seat Clamp If your bicycle has a seat clamp with a bolt, adjust seat to desired height, and tighten the clamp so that the saddle may not turn left or right, or move up or down. Be sure that the seat post is inserted far enough into the frame to hide the Minimum insertion mark on the seat post. Riding a bicycle with the seat post above this line is dangerous and can cause injury to the rider or damage to the bicycle or create an unstable riding position causing an accident. (Fig. 3.13) 3.13 Quick Release Seat Clamp If your bicycle has a seat clamp with a quick release, adjust seat to desired height, and tighten the quick release clamp so that the saddle may not turn left or right, or move up or down. If the saddle moves after locking the quick release lever, open the lever, and tighten the adjusting nut further, then close the quick release lever again. Be sure that the seat post is inserted far enough into the frame to hide the Minimum insertion mark on the seat post. Riding a bicycle with the seat post above this line is dangerous and can cause injury to the rider or damage to the bicycle or create an unstable riding position causing an accident. Rails Seat clamp Seat post Quick release Adjus ng nut The seat post must be inserted so that the minimum insertion mark cannot be seen. The quick release mechanism must be tightened securely to prevent a sudden shift of the seat when riding. Failure to do this may cause loss of bicycle control.

32 Dust cap PEDALS AND CRANKS Attachment of an incorrect pedal into a crank arm can strip pedal threads and cause irreparable damage. Before your first ride, please check to ensure your pedals are attached correctly. Look for the letters R for right, and L for left, stamped on each pedal spindle. Start each pedal spindle by hand to avoid stripping the threads. (Note that the right hand pedal attaches to the chainwheel side crank arm with a right-hand (clockwise) thread. The left pedal attaches to the other crank arm and has a lefthand (counter-clockwise thread). Tighten with a 15mm narrow open ended wrench. It is very important that you check the crank set for correct adjustment and tightness before riding your bicycle ASSEMBLY 31

33 ASSEMBLY Cable adjus ng barrel Handlebar Center bolt (fixing nut in back) Brake arm Grip Brake lever Cable head Ferrule Cable anchor nut Cable adjus ng barrel Brake shoe FRONT BRAKE CAUTION: Improper use of the front brake may cause front wheel to lock up resulting in loss of directional control or front pitch over. Determine which type of brake your bike is equipped with and refer to the appropriate assembly instructions below. *Additionally some freestyle models may be equipped with a cable detangler. See assembly steps for cable detangler. Caliper Brake If the brake cable is not connected at the brake lever, slide the head of the brake cable into the brake lever per the diagram, and thread the cable through the slot in the brake lever so the cable end rests squarely in the adjustment barrel or cable end rests in the recess of the brake lever. (Fig. 3.16) Brake adjustment If the brake cable is disconnected at the caliper, thread the brake wire through the adjustment barrel, loosen the cable anchor bolt until you can see a hole through the anchor bolt for the cable wire to attach, thread the cable wire through the cable anchor and snug the cable anchor by hand. (Fig. 3.17) Check to be sure the cable is seated in the brake lever. Loosen the cable anchor bolt just enough to allow the cable wire to move freely. With your left hand squeeze the caliper brake until both brake pads contact the rim. While holding the brake closed with your left hand, use your right hand to pull the brake cable tight (through the cable anchor) again inspecting that the cable end is seated in the brake lever, and the barrel adjuster of the brake. Tighten the cable anchor as much as you can by hand, and then while still squeezing the brake, tighten the cable anchor fully with a wrench. (Fig. 3.18)

34 Brake pad aligned with the rim surface Brake pad aligned with Pad the and rim surface rim should be parallel Check the brake pads to be sure they are square to the rim, and do not contact the tire when the brake is applied. Adjust brake pads if needed. Then squeeze and release the brake several times squeezing as hard as you can. After this the cable may stretch and need to be tightened further. If so, repeat cable tightening steps. (Fig. 3.19) 1-2 mm Pad and rim should be parallel 1-2 mm Rim Correct Incorrect 3.19 Equal space between the brake and the rim Centering brake If you squeeze the brake and one side moves more than the other, or one side does not move at all, then the brake is not centered, or the wheel is not centered. First determine if the wheel is centered. Look at the gap between the tire and the fork or frame on either side. If it is not even, loosen wheel axle nuts and center the wheel, then proceed to centering the brake. (Fig. 3.20) If the brake is not centered; loosen the nut on the back of the brake. Squeeze the brake and hold the brake lever closed, while re-tightening the lock nut on the back of the brake. Watch the brake, if it begins to shift or rotate, then release the brake lever, and use your hand to rotate the brake caliper back until both sides of the brake move equally. Sometimes it is necessary to over rotate the brake slightly, so that as you tighten the locknut, the brake will end up centered. Repeat the steps until the brake is centered. Brake is correctly adjusted when: The brake pads do not drag on the rim when the brake is open. Both brake pads move away from the rim equally when the brake is released. When the brake is applied, the brake pads contact the rim before the brake lever reaches about 1/3 of the way to the handlebar. (Fig. 3.21) After adjusting brake, squeeze the brake lever as hard as you can several times and re-inspect the brake pads, centering, and brake lever travel. If the brake pads are no longer square to the rim, repeat brake pad adjustments. Be sure that brake pads return to a centered position by spinning the wheel and listening for the brake pad rubbing the rim on either side. Readjust as needed. Check that the brake cable tension allows the brake lever about 1/3 of the travel before the brake pads contact the rim. If the cable has stretched or slipped, readjust brake cable tension by loosening cable anchor bolt and pulling more cable through the anchor or use brake adjustment barrels for fine tuning brake cable tension. ASSEMBLY

35 FRONT Cable end cap To tension spring Cable anchor bolt Spring tension nut REAR A Brake cable Brake cable 5mm Allen bolt Brake pads Housing barrel Cable carrier To tension spring 3.23 U-Brake If the brake cable is not connected at the brake lever, slide the head of the brake cable into the brake lever per the diagram, and thread the cable through the slot in the brake lever so the cable end rests squarely in the adjustment barrel or cable end rests in the recess of the brake lever. (Fig. 3.16) Brake adjustment Check to be sure the cable is seated in the brake lever. Loosen the cable anchor bolt just enough to allow the cable wire to move freely. With your left hand squeeze the caliper brake until both brake pads contact the rim. While holding the brake closed with your left hand, use your right hand to pull the brake cable tight (through the cable anchor) again inspecting that the cable end is seated in the brake lever, and the barrel adjuster of the brake. Tighten the cable anchor as much as you can by hand, and then while still squeezing the brake, tighten the cable anchor fully with a wrench. ASSEMBLY Straddle cable Cable anchor To tension spring 5mm Allen bolt 20mm Hook cable end To tension spring Spring tension nut 3.24 REAR B Brake housing Frame housing stop Brake cable Cable anchor Seat Tube Brake housing Frame housing stop Cable anchor 34 To tension spring Spring tension nut 5mm Allen bolt To tension spring 3.25