Operating instructions

Components made of carbon have like all lightweight
components only a limited service life. Therefore, to
be on the safe side it is recommended that you re-
place AX-Lightness (a) and engage handlebars, stems
and headsets depending on use at regular intervals
(e.g. every three years), even if they were not involved
in an accident or similar incident.
Make sure the clamping areas are absolutely free
of grease and other lubricants, especially when the
clamping surfaces are made of carbon or carbon--
bre reinforced plastics! Grease will penetrate the
surface of the AX-Lightness and engage carbon com-
ponent and undermine the stability of joined parts
by reducing the coecient of friction. Once greased,
AX-Lightness and engage carbon components may
never again ensure reliable clamping!
When you install AX-Lightness and engage carbon
components, apply AX-Lightness carbon assembly
paste (b) to interconnecting surfaces to increase fric-
tion. This will allow you to tighten bolts to low and
therefore gentle torque values. If any notches, tears,
dents or discolorations etc. are visible on your AX-
Lightness and engage carbon component, or if it
makes creaking or cracking noises, do not use the
bicycle until the component has been replaced! Af-
ter undue stress, a crash or other major impact, re-
place the component or have it inspected by an AX-
Lightness and engage dealer.
If you have AX-Lightness or engage carbon road han-
dlebars, do not use clip-on or aero parts, unless the
handlebars are especially reinforced for these parts.
Please note that rims with carbon braking surfaces (c)
need special brake pads. AX-Lightness and engage
recommend that you use BBB brake pads, models
BS-03AC for Shimano and SRAM brakes and BS-03CC
for Campagnolo brakes or Ashima cork carbon brake
pads.
You need to get used to the braking response of car-
bon rims. A carelessly actuated front wheel brake
(d)
can lead to a fall. Before you set o for the rst time
be sure to practise using the brakes o public roads.
Cleaning and care
Clean the AX-Lightness and engage tyres, wheels,
handlebars, stem, grips, grip tape as well as fork,
headset, seat post and your saddle with water and a
soft rag at regular intervals
(e). If necessary, use a non
abrasive soap to remove grime. You may add a little
washing-up liquid for cleaning and removing tough
stains, such as oil or grease, from hard surfaces. Do
not use degreasing agents, which contain organic
solvents (such as acetone, trichloroethylene, methyl-
ene). Chemicals of this sort may damage the nish or
substructure of the material.
After your AX-Lightness and engage bicycle has dried,
you should apply a wax based polish to painted, car-
bon and metal surfaces (exception: braking surfaces
and saddles)
(f). Polish the AX-Lightness and engage
components after the wax has dried. With this treat-
ment your AX-Lightness and engage wheels, fork,
headset, handlebars, stem and seat post will keep
their nice appearance for years.
a
While cleaning your AX-Lightness and
engage bicycle and components, watch
out for cracks, scratches, dents, as well as
for deformed or discoloured material. If you
are in doubt contact your AX-Lightness and
engage dealer and have the damaged com-
ponents replaced at once.
g
Make absolutely sure to keep the braking
surfaces or rotors free of cleaning agent,
grease or oil. Otherwise the braking per-
formance might be drastically reduced or
even rendered ineective.
a
Be sure to never store the AX-Lightness and
engage handlebars, stem, wheels, tyres,
fork, seat post, saddle, frame and headset
in the blazing sun or near a source of heat.
When storing your bicycle for the winter
period, make sure the tyres have enough
pressure.
a
Check the tyre pressure (g) at regu-
lar intervals and follow the recom-
mendations of AX-Lightness and
engage.
a
Do not use any aggressive agents,
such as benzine, thinners, etc., for
the cleaning of AX-Lightness and
engage wheels and tyres.
10 11
a
b
c
d
f
e
g