Operation Manual

p. 4
tightened, refer to the torque specifications in the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the
component in question. Correctly tightening a fastener requires a calibrated torque wrench. A professional
bicycle mechanic with a torque wrench should torque the fasteners on you bicycle. If you choose to work on
your own bicycle, you must use a torque wrench and the correct tightening torque specifications from the
bicycle or component manufacturer or from your dealer. If you need to make an adjustment at home or in
the field, we urge you to exercise care, and to have the fasteners you worked on checked by your dealer as
soon as possible. Note that there are some components which require special tools and knowledge. In
Sections 3 and 4 we discuss the items which you may be able to adjust yourself. All other adjustments and
repairs should be done by a qualified bicycle mechanic.
WARNING: Correct tightening force on fasteners –nuts, bolts, screws– on your bicycle is important. Too
little force, and the fastener may not hold securely. Too much force, and the fastener can strip threads,
stretch, deform or break. Either way, incorrect tightening force can result in component failure, which can
cause you to loose control and fall.
 • Makesurenothingisloose.Liftthefrontwheeloffthegroundbytwoorthreeinches,thenletitbounceon
the ground. Anything sound, feel or look loose? Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Any loose
parts or accessories? If so, secure them. If you’re not sure, ask someone with experience to check.
 • Tires & Wheels: Make sure tires are correctly inflated (see Section 4.G). Check by putting one hand on the
saddle, one on the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the bike while
looking at tire deflection. Compare what you see with how it looks when you know the tires are correctly
inflated; and adjust if necessary.
 • Tiresingoodshape?Spineachwheelslowlyandlookforcutsinthetreadandsidewall.Replacedamaged
tires before riding the bike.
 • Wheelstrue?Spineachwheelandcheckforbrakeclearanceandside-to-sidewobble.Ifawheelwobbles
side to side even slightly, or rubs against or hits the brake pads, take the bike to a qualified bike shop to have
the wheel trued.
CAUTION: Wheels must be true for rim brakes to work effectively. Wheel trueing is a skill which requires
special tools and experience. Do not attempt to true a wheel unless you have the knowledge, experience and
tools needed to do the job correctly.
 • Wheelrimscleanandundamaged?Makesuretherimsarecleanandundamagedatthetirebeadand,ifyou
have rim brakes, along the braking surface. Check to make sure that any rim wear indicator marking is not
visible at any point on the wheel rim.
WARNING: Bicycle wheel rims are subject to wear. Ask your dealer about wheel rim wear. Some wheel
rims have a rim wear indicator which becomes visible as the rim’s braking surface wears. A visible rim wear
indicator on the side of the wheel rim is an indication that the wheel rim has reached its maximum usable
life. Riding a wheel that is at the end of its usable life can result in wheel failure, which can cause you to
loose control and fall.