Bike Friday Silk User manual

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Using Your Bike Friday®
Silk
Green Gear Cycling, Inc.
3364 W 11th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402
800-777-0258 USA & Canada
[phone] Int’l • [phone] Fax
www.bikefriday.com • [e-mail]
version 6/4/13

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Table of Contents
Congratulations / If You Need Help 4
A Word on Safety / Your Tools 5
Anatomy of a Bike Friday Silk 6
Anatomy of a Bike Friday Silk: Closeup 7
Quick Folding your Silk 8-9
Using a Quick Release 10-11
Getting Started 12
Unpacking: From a Box 13
Unpacking: From a TravelCase 14-15
Unfolding Silk Frame 10
Assembly: Folding Seat Mast 16
Easy Pack Mast 17
Remove Fork Spreader 17
Install Wheel QR 17
Front Brake, Disc 18
Front Brake, Caliper Brake 10
Front Brake, Linear Pull/V-Brake 20
Adding Brake Cable Slack 21
Reconnect V-Brake 21
Mount the Stem 22
Tighten the Stem 22
Adjustable Stem 23
Insert Handlebars 23
Set Handlebar Height 24
Tighten Handlebars 24
Install Seatpost 25
Tighten Seatpost 25
Install Pedals 26-27
Quick Folding your Silk 28
Packing in TravelCase: 29
Remove Accessories 29
Remove Pedals 29
Remove Seatpost 29
Open Front Brake 30
Remove Front Wheel 31
Install Fork Spreader 31
Remove Handlebars, 2 bolt 31-32
Table of Contents
Remove Stem/Stem Riser 32
Packing Materials 33
Align Cranks 34
Install Foam 34
Fold Silk 34
Place Silk in Case 35
Add Accessories 36-37
Adjusting Threadless Headset 38
Adjusting Rear Dropouts 39
Fit Stem Adjustment 40
Packing Folding Stem 41
Accessories: Travel Trailer Parts and Build 42-44
Rear Rack 45-46
Front Rack 47-48
Internal Hub Information 49
Bike Friday Service Overhauls 49
Bike Friday Service 50
More Maintenance Tips and Information 51-53
Airport and Travel Tips 54
Warranty Information 55-56
Your Personal Notes 57

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Extra Accessories
We also sell an extensive line of bicycle and travel accessories.
Whether you are riding the local back roads or venturing into
foreign lands we have the gear you need. Call us for information
on spare tires, tubes, replacement parts, fenders, racks, bags,
or other items to complete your Travel System. You can purchase
these products from our online store:
store.bikefriday.com
Congratulations!
You have just purchased the nest travel bicycle available today.
Your bike has been carefully designed and constructed for your
personal travel needs. All of our bikes are manufactured in our
Eugene, Oregon factory by real cyclists who care about our cus-
tomers and our products.
Please take your time reviewing this manual and, if possible,
watch the video before you assemble your new Bike Friday. You
will nd your new bicycle simple and reliable anywhere you go!
More Information
To check out our products, nd other useful information, dis-
cover Bike Friday events and Yak with other Bike Friday owners
on the bulletin board, go to our main website at:
www.bikefriday.com
Blue skies and happy trails from the team at Green Gear Cycling
If You Need Help . . .
If you need technical assistance with any Green Gear® Cycling
product, or are unclear on the proper operation of your Bike
Friday, please call us and a Service Technician will help you get
back on the road. Our toll-free number in the US and Canada is
800-777-0258; international is [phone]. Normal business
hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to
4 p.m. Saturdays, Pacic Time. You can also email service ques-
tions to [e-mail].
Because we understand the needs of world travelers, we offer
24-hour technical support in emergencies. If necessary, please call
our regular number and our answering service can forward you to
a Service Technician on call.
Welcome to the Community A Word on Safety
Bicycles are a lot of fun, but improper use can result in
harm. Please, always ride safely!
• Always wear a helmet.
• Follow the rules of the road, and be courteous.
• Use front and rear lights after dark.
• Dress appropriately for the weather, the season, and lighting-
conditions. Be seen!
• Always carry a spare tube, patch kit, pump and a tool kit.
• Keep your bicycle in good shape.
• Check your tire pressure before every ride.
• Make sure all quick releases are secure.
• Have your bicycle routinely serviced for trouble-free travels.
Your Tools
All Bike Friday bicycles are delivered with a combi-
nation 5/6mm S-wrench [right] that is attached to
your water bottle cage. This wrench should get your
new bike on the road (along with your own pedal
wrench). Leave it in your bottle cage so that you
always have it handy.
All bikes ordered with
a TravelCase™ suitcase
also come with a tool
pouch [right]. In the
tool pouch you will nd
some cotton gloves to
keep your hands clean,
a folding tool set, and
a 4mm ball-end driver.
The ball-end driver is
perfect for mounting
bottle cages, racks, and
other accessories.
We also sell more extensive tool kits for home repair work. We
encourage you to learn how to work on your own bike. If you
are not familiar with bicycle maintenance, consider taking a local
class. It will improve your condence and self-sufciency as you
venture across the globe.

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Anatomy of a Silk Anatomy of a Silk: Closeups

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Quick Folding your Silk
Quick Fold
Your Silk can be put in the
“Quick Fold” position, ideal for
quickly stashing the bike in a
trunk or corner of a room.
1) Open (release) the rear end
quick release.
NOTE: Depending on your
crankset, you may need to put
your left (non drive side) crank
arm down to the 6 o’clock posi-
tion prior to folding the bicycle.
2) Grasp the bike by the stem
and seatpost.
3) Lift the bicycle straight up
and the rear wheel will swing
downward and forward. NOTE:
The rst few attempts might
be stiff, but it will loosen over
time.
4) With the goal of moving the
rear wheel forward toward
the front wheel, you can use
your foot to assist the rear
wheel’s movement forward.
Be gentle however, you never
want to force things.
Quick Fold [continued]
5) Loosen the quick release
or clamp bolt and remove the
stem riser.
6) Keep it in your hand.
7) Fold the seatmast down-
ward, gently pushing the
water bottle cage to the side.
8) Place the handlebars on
top and parallel to the main
frame. Use the velcro strap to
secure your bike.
Unfolding From the Quick Fold
Reverse the operations of put-
ting the Silk in Quick Fold.
Quick Folding your Silk

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Using a Quick Release
Using Those Nifty Quick Releases
On a cold and snowy day in the 1927 Gran Premio della Vittoria,
a tired and numb Tullio Campagnolo struggled with the frozen
wing nuts on his rear wheel while trying to change gears. In a
moment of frustration and inspiration Campagnolo envisioned
the modern quick release. The bicycle world was transformed.
The quick release is one of those simple but great inventions that
really makes life better. However, if used incorrectly, you can
potentially endanger yourself. Although a reliable and safe prod-
uct, some people have been injured because they didn’t know
how to properly use this elegant device. Your Bike Friday Silk
has several of them. If you are not familiar with their operation,
PLEASE study these directions carefully. If you are still unclear on
their operation, call us or contact your favorite local bike shop
before you ride!
Quick Release Operation
A quick release is a simple cam with a lever that swings through an
arc that is square to the axle. As the lever moves, the cam clamps
the wheel to the frame, or secures the frame joint. It is not a wing
nut to be rotated around the axle.
The tension on the quick release is controlled by how tight the
knurled nut on the other end is set. Only wheel quick releases
have the small cone-shaped springs. Note that the small ends of
the springs face toward the center of the hub.
Quick Release Maintenance
We recommend adding a few drops of light oil to the lever where
it enters the cap several times per year. This will keep your quick
release working smoothly for years to come.
Open
Closed
Knurled Nut
(adjust tightness here)
QR
(Loose)
(Starts
getting
tight
here)
(Stiff)
Springs
Cam
Using a Quick Release
Double-Check!
Ideally, the quick release
lever should be facing the
rear, or upward. Levers
that are facing forward can
catch on any number of
things and be accidentally
opened.
Fig. 3 Closed QR points toward rear.
Adjust Knurled Nut
With the wheel installed and
the axle properly seated in
the frame (or the frame
joint closed), position the
quick release lever so that it
is in line with the axle. Then
turn the knurled nut on the
other side clockwise until
it is snug. When the quick
release is properly adjusted, you should be able to freely swing
the quick release lever for the rst half of its arc, at which point
the lever should offer resistance.
Fig. 1 Quick release operation.
Continue Closing QR
Using the palm of your hand
press the quick release
lever through the rest of its
arc until the lever is closed
and parallel to the wheel.
You should feel very rm
resistance when the quick
release is properly adjusted
(the lever may even leave a
light imprint in the palm of your hand).
Fig. 2 Setting quick release tightness.

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Getting Started
Where to Begin
Opening your box or TravelCase for the rst time might present an
intimidating sight, particularly if you ordered many extra travel
accessories with your Bike Friday Silk. Don’t worry, we work hard
to keep our products simple and with a little practice you will nd
that using your new bicycle will become second nature to you.
We recommend nding a quiet area with access to the video,
these instructions, and some room to spread out. This manual will
address the fundamentals: packing and assembly tips and tech-
niques that are common to all of our bikes. However, because this
bike has been custom built for you, you might discover that your
bike was packed at the factory slightly differently than the one in
this manual. Wherever possible, we mark any packing materials
unique to your bike.
You do not, however, have to repack your bike in exactly the same
fashion. You might nd a better way of stowing your accessories
and we encourage you to experiment. If you discover a particularly
good way of doing things, let us know. Some of our best ideas have
come from members of the Bike Friday family. If you encounter
difculties assembling your bike and the manual and video do not
help, please call us. Our goal is to get you on the road so that you
can enjoy your custom built Bike Friday Silk.
Illustrated Accessories
We offer a wide range of accessories for our bicycles. Your bicycle
might or might not have the various accessories that are featured
in this manual. If any questions arise as to your specic bicycle,
feel free to contact us.
Bike Friday bicycles do not normally come with saddle or ped-
als, unless you specically ordered them from us. However, this
manual shows them both to illustrate packing details.
Whether your own bike has drop handlebars or H-bars, V-brakes or
side-pull brakes, the assembly and packing steps are generally the
same. Because of component differences, wrench sizes and the
number of bolts per clamp etc., might vary from the illustrations.
Unpacking from a Box
Your Silk should only require minimal assembly. It will take
approximately 15-45 minutes and require a basic level of techni-
cal skill. You will need a 5/6mm hex wrench (included), a 15mm
open wrench or pedal wrench, and a pair of scissors (or better
yet wire cutters, snips or diagonal cutters) to cut zip ties securing
the frame to the cardboard. Take care not to damage the frame
while cutting zip ties. Note: Depending on the components you
have purchased with your Bike Friday, your specic model might
require other tools for adjustments.
IF YOU ARE UNPACKING FROM A TRAVELCASE
PLEASE BEGIN WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE 14.
Unpacking: From a Box
Opening the Box.
Open the box and remove the front wheel and cardboard “shelf.”
Set this beside the box. Cut the various zip ties securing the
wheel and stem to the “shelf,” and then the zip ties securing the
frame.
NOTE: If your Silk has a disc brake, as you unpack the bike, be
careful when handling the wheels because the rotors can be dam-
aged accidentally if you are not careful.
NEXT STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE 16:
ASSEMBLY: UNFOLD SEAT MAST
Fig. 4 Silk packed in its box.

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Unpacking: From a TravelCase
Open the TravelCase
Start by removing some of
the obviously loose items
from the case. These items
would include water bottle,
accessible felt pouches, etc.
Set these items aside.
NOTE: If your Silk has a disc brake, as you unpack the bike, be
careful when handling the wheels because the rotors can be dam-
aged accidentally if you are not careful.
Fig. 5 Fully equipped travel bicycle.
Crush Protector
Remove the upper cup and
dowel of the crush protec-
tor. The crush protector
is the PVC dowel with the
plastic at caps on the
ends. This piece of the
packing system is essential
to the protection of the
bicycle when traveling by
preventing crushing of the
case.
Fig. 6 Remove crush protector.
Remove Wheels and Bars
With the crush protector
removed, remove the front
wheel and put it nearby.
Pull the handlebars out of
the case.
Fig. 7 Remove front wheel and bars.
The Goodie Bag
There might be a better
name for this pouch, but
we always have called it
the Goodie Bag. This bag
holds a variety of miscel-
laneous loose items for
your new bike. This might
include technical literature
that came with your compo-
nents, spare spokes, etc. The component literature is not required
reading, but we supply it for those who are technically inclined.
Fig. 8 The goodie bag.
Remove the Tool Pouch
The tool pouch comes in a
blue felt bag with a cord
around it. Inside is a tool
set. Note: You will nd
a combination 5/6mm S
wrench attached to your
water bottle cage for quick
road-side adjustments in
addition to your tool pouch. Fig. 9 The tool pouch.
Stand Up the Bike Frame
At this point you should be
able to stand up the still
folded bike in the case.
If you purchased a Travel
Trailer (the long felt bag
with an S bend), then set it
aside. Remove the various
packing materials that you
can while the bike is in the
folded/standing up position.
Mechanic’s Tip: The packing materials are easily lost, store them
in your TravelCase when they are not being used.
Fig. 10 Stand up bike frame.
Unpacking: From a TravelCase

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Unfold Your Bike
Lift your bike out of the
TravelCase and unfold it.
The rear end of the bike will
swing out until the rear end
fork tips engage the rear
quick release. Make sure the
quick release is in the open
position. As you are unfold-
ing the bike, be aware of
the cable housing — you want to avoid it getting hung up on the
left crank arm.
Fig. 11 Unfold your bicycle.
Assembly: Unfold Seat Mast
Secure the Seat Mast
(Folding Mast)
With the seat mast upright,
close the quick release.
Fig. 13 Secure seat mast.
Unfold the Seat Mast
(Folding Mast)
With the rear end engaged,
lift the seat mast from its
folded position along the
mono tube and pull it fully
upright. The small fork tips
on the seat mast hinge will
overlap the rear end fork
tips.
Fig. 12 Engage rear end hinge tips.
UNFOLD
BIKE FRIDAYS COME WITH TWO TYPES OF MAST:
FOLDING AND EASY PACK.
Folding Mast instructions below; Easy Pack Mast on Page 17
Remove the Fork Spreader
The PVC tubing in between
your fork legs is intended to
help prevent frame damage
when traveling. It is held in
place with the front wheel
quick release. Open the
quick release, unthread the
knurled nut, and put the
fork spreader in the tool
pouch for future use. Fig. 15 Remove fork spreader.
Secure the Seat Mast
(Easy Pack, telescoping)
Rather than a hinged seat
mast, the Easy Pack Seat
Mast bicycle models have a
sleeved seat mast that tele-
scopes out of the lower seat
tube. For the Easy Pack Seat
Mast bicycles, the lower
quick release only clamps
the rear end. A separate
seatpost collar with its own
quick release is provided
on the seat tube secures
the seat mast. Both quick
releases must be closed for
safe riding.
Fig. 14a Easy Pack quick release.
Assembly: Easy Pack Mast
Install Wheel QR
Now install the quick release
from the fork spreader on
the front wheel. Make cer-
tain that there is only one
spring per side and that the
small end of the spring is
pointing to the center of the
hub on each side. Loosely
thread on the knurled nut
for now.
Fig. 16 Quick release spring and nut.
Fig. 14 Easy Pack into sleeve.

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Install the Front Wheel
Make certain the wheel is
fully seated in the fork drop-
outs and securely close the
quick release lever, as illus-
trated in the quick release
section [page 11]. The quick
release levers (front and
rear) are to be placed on the
non-drive side of the bicycle.
Fig. 17 Insert quick release in wheel.
Assembly: Wheel, Brakes
Connect the Front Brake
There are several possible congurations of front brakes. The
406 wheel size Silk is available with disc, roller, V-brake, or lin-
ear pull (front only) and the 451 wheel size is available with disc
or caliper brakes. Please read directions specic to the brake
type that appear on the following pages.
Disc Brakes
When inserting the front wheel into the fork, ensure the disc
rotor (on wheel) ts nicely into the slot on the caliper (installed
on fork). You will want to avoid the rotor getting hung up or
caught on some part of the caliper as you are installing the
wheel into the fork to prevent rotor damage.
Fig. 18 Disc brake rotor and slot. Fig. 19 Disc rotor slips into slot.
Caliper Brakes
The release lever on the brake must be in the open position in
order for your inated tire to be able to pass through the brake
pads. Once the wheel has been installed into the fork, the
release lever on the brake MUST be closed. The closed posi-
tion can be identied by opening and closing the lever, paying
attention to the lever position when the brake pads are at their
closest point to the rims within the range of travel. Most cali-
per brakes have a small lever for release, some have a release
mechanism built into the barrel adjuster (where the housing
enters the caliper brakes).
OPEN
CLOSED
Fig. 20 Brake quick release open. Fig. 21 Brake quick release closed.
Assembly: Caliper Brakes

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Linear Pull Brakes/ V-Brakes
To close the V-brake to the
riding position, while facing
the brake, with your left hand
(index nger and thumb),
grab the noodle carrier and
with your right hand grab the
noodle and slip the noodle tip
into the slot on the noodle
carrier.
Mechanic’s Tip: Sometimes
the cable housing can come
unseated either where it
enters the noodle or where
the housing enters the brake
lever barrel adjuster. If the
housing is unseated, it will
not be possible insert the
noodle tip into the noodle
holder. In fact, it will make
the process quite frustrat-
ing; make sure the housing is
properly seated.
Fig. 22 V-brake open.
Fig. 23 Grab the noodle carrier.
Fig. 24 Slip noodle into slot.
Fig. 25 V-brake closed.
NOODLE
NOODLE
CARRIER
Assembly: Linear Pull, V-brake Assembly: Brakes
Adding Cable Slack
to V-Brakes
(if necessary)
To increase slack in the brake
cable, you can turn the bar-
rel adjuster on the brake
lever. The barrel adjuster
is the knurled bolt that the
cable housing goes through
as it enters the brake lever.
Turn this adjuster clockwise
(inward toward the brake
lever) to loosen the cable.
Conversely, if you want to
bring the brake pads closer to the rim to compensate for cable
stretch from use, unscrew the barrel adjuster away from the brake
lever. Note: Some models may have a lock nut on the adjuster,
which will need to be loosened rst.
Fig. 26 Brake barrel adjuster.
Barrel
Adjuster
Re-connect the V-Brakes
First check to ensure that the brake housing is properly seated. If
you have a V-brake, before closing it check to make certain that
the housing is properly seated into its ferrules at both ends. With
the brake open, the housing can slip to the side and keep the
brake from closing properly. Check where the brake lever barrel
adjuster and the housing enters the noodle.
Close the V-Brake
Close the V-brake in the reverse order of opening it. [See brake
instructions on page 20.]
ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK YOUR BRAKES BEFORE RIDING.

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Assembly: Mount the Stem
Stem Safety Check
If you look carefully at the
base of your stem, you will
see a pin hidden under the
clamping collar. This pin
must engage the slot in the
back of the fork’s steerer
tube (the threaded part
sticking up). Additionally,
the stem should be fully
seated onto the fork steerer
tube. Fig. 27 Stem pin.
Mount the Stem
Slide the bottom of the stem
into the fork steerer tube,
keeping the stem’s quick
release assembly [or bolt
shown in photo, right] for-
ward so the hidden stem pin
will engage the slot in the
fork. Gently press the stem
all the way down. You should
feel it “bottoming out.” Fig. 28 Stem into fork steerer tube.
Tighten the Stem
Tighten the quick release securely. It
is irrelevant whether the lever is on
the left or right side of the stem. Also,
some stem models will have a bolt [in
photo, right] instead of a quick release
to save weight.
Fig. 29 Tighten the stem.
Stem
Pin
If you have purchased a BF Folding
Stem, please review the instructions
specic to this stem type found on
page 42.
Adjustable Stem Option
If you have purchased one
of our adjustable stems,
set your desired handle-
bar height using the clamp
directly above the stem col-
lar. You might choose to pre-
cisely set the height once,
or vary it according to your
riding needs; in either case
be certain this bolt is tight
before riding your bike.
Also, be aware of the minimum insertion mark [See below].
For Fit Stem instructions, see page 41.
Fig. 30 Stem riser upper binder bolt.
Mechanic’s Tip:
The minimum insertion mark is QUITE
important. It indicates the minimum
amount of overlap of the two tubes that is
safe, any amount of overlap less than this
(if the entire minimum insertion mark is
showing) is NOT SAFE.
Fig. 31 Hash marks.
Insert the Handlebars
To facilitate packing, some Bike Friday bicycles have separating or
split, two-part handlebars. Make certain the attached cables are
not tangled or wrapped around the frame or fork. Insert the left
handlebar into stem clamp, then the right bar.
Fig. 32 Unsplit bars. Fig. 33 Split bars.
Assembly: Handlebars
Binder
Bolt

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Set the Handlebar Position
or Angle
With the handlebars in the
stem clamp, press them
rmly together to ensure
they are fully seated. Cus-
tom stems for drop bars
have a large window to
allow you to center the split
bar. Other handlebar types
have a small button screw on the stem clamp to keep the bars
centered. For the angle of the bars, experiment with what feel
appropriate.
Mechanic’s Tip: For at bars, the angle of the brake lever should
allow your hands and wrists to use them while maintaining a
straight line of your arm through your wrist/ngers. What you
want to avoid is a bend or angle in your wrist while using the
brakes; this causes unnecessary stress on the joint.
Fig. 34 Correct wrist position.
Tighten Handlebars
Using a 4/5/6mm hex/
Allen wrench, tighten the
handlebar clamp securely.
If you have a 4-bolt face
plate (four bolts are used
to secure the stem face
plate and handlebars to the
stem), avoid over tightening
either the top or the bottom
(relative to each other). The
gap between the stem and the faceplate should be the same on
the top as on the bottom.
Fig. 35 Tighten handlebars.
Double Check your Steering System
Now is a good time to double check your
steering system. Stand in front of your
bike with your front wheel between your
legs. Try to push, pull, and twist the bars
to make sure everything is secure, that
the bars do not turn independent of the
fork/front wheel.
Fig. 36 Check steering.
Assembly: Handlebars
Install the Seatpost
Remove the packing materi-
als from your seatpost and
insert the seatpost into the
frame. Make sure the nose
of the saddle is pointed for-
ward and tighten the seat-
mast collar bolt. Once you
have your saddle height set,
try adding a piece of elec-
trical tape to the seat post
or use a permanent marker
to mark your saddle height for quick re-assembly. If you did not
purchase a saddle with your bike now would be a good time to
install your own saddle.
Fig. 37 Install seatpost into frame.
Tighten the Seatpost
Some bikes have a seatpost
shim — a split aluminum
sleeve inside the seat mast
used to decrease the inside
diameter of the tube).
Whenever you install the
seatpost, make certain the
seatpost shim has its slot
alighed with the slot on the
seat mast. Also make sure
the seat mast collar has its
slot aligned with the slot in the seat mast. Tighten the seatpost
collar clamp. Do not over tighten; the bolt could break.
Fig. 38 Tighten the seatpost.
Assembly: Seatpost
Set the Correct Saddle Height
A good starting point is to sit on the bike with your heel on the
pedal at the lowest point. Adjust the saddle height so that your
leg is straight. Then, when you are correctly pedaling with the
ball of your foot on the pedal, your leg should have a slight
bend. This is your goal: a slight bend in the knee when the ped-
als are at the 6 o’clock position. NOTE: Never raise your saddle
past its maximum insertion line (the hash marks on the seatpost
3” from the bottom). See page 23 for minimum insertion marks.

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Install the Pedals
Bike pedals have two differ-
ent thread directions. The
right pedal has a right-hand
thread, and the left pedal
has a left-hand thread.
Thread the right pedal in a
clockwise direction; thread
the left pedal in a counter-
clockwise direction. Pedals
are usually stamped with an
R or L on the pedal axle near
the threads. A little grease
is always a good idea on
pedal threads.
Figs. 39 Pedal tightening.
Loosen
Tighten
Installing Pedals
Mechanic’s Tip: The quick and easy way to remember which way
to thread your pedals on is applicable to either of the side of the
bike [SEE PHOTO BELOW].
You can put a wrench on the pedal and the pedal up to the threads
on the crank, and using a back pedaling motion will screw the
pedals on.
Note: We recommend starting thread engagement with your hands
instead of a wrench (see below), so use this tip as a practical way
to know which way to begin threading the pedals. This would be
in contrast to a literal following of the tip, which would suggest
using a wrench to begin thread engagement.
Thread in the Pedals
Using your nger, start the pedal threads into the proper crank
arm. Be careful not to cross-thread the pedals! Once the pedal
threads are started, you may use a wrench to nish threading
them in, and then tighten securely.
Mechanic’s Tip: The threads on a pedal are steel (hard) and the
threads on a crank arm are aluminum (soft). It is very important
that the pedal is tightly secured to the crank arm. If the pedals
are not tightly secured, the “slop or play” in the connection will
allow the steel threads to rip out the aluminum crank threads.
[CONTINUED ON PAGE 27]
Assembly: Pedals
Additionally, your bicycle may have shipped with a set of pedal
washers. For some cranks, the use of the washer in between the
pedal and the crank arm creates a more solid and secure base
or foundation for the pedal to contact the crank arm with. If
included, use them!
Double Check Your Bike Friday!
At this point your bike should be ready to ride. However, before
you ride away, be sure to double-check your assembly. Are the
handlebars tight? How about the stem and pedals? Are the quick
releases all secure?
Although we always inate the tires at the factory, check your tire
pressure for proper ination. Under-inated tires not only wear
faster and are more prone to ats, but they also add drag.
Be sure to have at least the 5/6mm S wrench in the mono tube
bottle cage for quick roadside adjustments. If you have the fold-
ing tool, take it with you. You will probably want to stop and
adjust saddle height, and perhaps a few other items during your
rst ride or two.
Assembly: Pedals

28 29
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Fold the Rear End
Fold it until the rear wheel is
resting against the front wheel.
Remove the Stem/ Stem Riser
Your stem should lift out of the
frame with the quick release
open (or the bolt loosened).
Fold the Seatmast
Fold the mast, forward next to
the mono frame. We use nylon
water bottle cages so that you
can gently bend the cage to the
side to accommodate the seat-
mast.
Nest the Handlebars
Place the handlebar across the
top of the mono tube and seat
mast. The stem portion should
be on the right side of the bike.
Quick Folding your Silk
As you might already know, your Bike Friday conveniently packs
into a hard shelled airline accepted suitcase. As you pack your
bike more often and become more familiar with the process, your
packing times will likely decrease over time. Expect to spend
between 10-60 minutes packing your bike in a TravelCase (once
you are familiar with the process).
Remove the Pedals
Loosen your pedals with
a pedal wrench. The right
pedal unthreads in a coun-
ter-clockwise direction and
the left pedal un-threads
in a clockwise direction.
(Remember that both ped-
als turn toward the rear of
the bike.) Place the pedals
in the blue felt bag labeled
“pedals.” Fig. 40 Remove pedals.
Remove the Seatpost
Loosen the seat mast clamp-
ing collar and remove the
seat post. The saddle can
remain attached to the seat-
post. The seatpost shim (and
collar) should remain in the
seat mast. Place the seat-
post (and attached saddle)
in its felt bag. If you have
an Easy Pack Mast remove it
and place in its bag. Fig. 41 Remove the seatpost.
Packing: Into a TravelCase
Packing your Silk into a TravelCase
Remove your Accessories
Before disassembling and packing your Bike Friday Silk, remove
all extra accessories including racks. Items that may remain on
the bike include your cycle computer mount, pump and mono
tube mounted bottle cage. (The seat mast bottle cage needs to
be removed.)

30 31
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Open the Front Brake
If you have a caliper (side
pull) brake, simply ip
up the small lever on the
side of the brake.
Figs. 42 Brake open (left), closed (right).
If you have V-brakes, grasp
the noodle carrier with your
left hand, and with your
right hand, grasp the noodle
and move the noodle tip up
and to the left of the car-
rier, moving the noodle out
of the slot in the carrier.
If you cannot release the
noodle from the noodle
holder, then the brake cable
may need to be loosened a
bit.
See instructions to add
some slack to the cable on
page 21.
Figs. 43 Grab the noodle and release
from the noodle carrier.
Packing: Brakes
OPEN
CLOSED
Remove the Front Wheel
After removing the front
wheel, close the brake
again. Remove the quick
release from the axle by
undoing the knurled nut. Be
careful not to lose the small
cone-shaped springs. Put
the quick release through
the fork spreader (the short
PVC dowel), and thread on
the knurled nut again. Both
small cone shaped springs
should be on the quick
release shaft (with the cone points oriented inward).
Fig. 44 Remove the front wheel.
Install the Fork Spreader
Slip the fork spreader
between the dropouts on
the fork, and lightly tighten
the quick release. The fork
spreader will help prevent
damage to your fork when
traveling.
Fig. 45 Install fork spreader.
Remove the Handlebars
For “split” bars (bars that
the two halves separate
from the center), loosen
the handlebar clamp bolts
on the stem, and pull the
bars apart. Depending on
the model of stem, there
might be either one, two,
or four bar clamp bolts. Let
the bars hang to the side for
now. On bicycles equipped
with at bars, H-bars, STI
Touring bars, etc., there will be a small button-head screw in the
center of the clamp. Do not loosen or remove this screw; it holds
the black sleeve into the stem/stem face plate.
Fig. 46 Remove handlebars, 2 bolts.
Packing: Front Wheel

32 33
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Remove the Handlebars
For non-split bars (and
Ahead stems), unscrew the
bolts that secure the stem
face plate (two or four
bolts). Set the bars aside
and reinstall the face plate
and bolts into the Ahead
stem.
Fig. 47 Remove handlebars, 4 bolts.
Remove Stem/Stem Riser
Open the stem quick release
at the bottom of the stem
(or loosen the clamp bolt),
and remove the stem. Put
the stem into the red felt
bag and set aside. NOTE:
Do not loosen the two bolts
that are part of the thread-
less headset.
Fig. 48 Remove stem riser.
Adjustable Stem Note
If you have an adjustable stem
or a t stem, leave the middle
bolt tight to keep your stem
height set properly. Only loosen
the lower clamp or quick release
for packing purposes.
Fig. 49 Adjustable stem bolt.
Packing: Handlebars
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES !
Installing Packing Materials
At this point you should
install on the bike the
various packing protection
pieces (packing materi-
als). The various covers and
sleeves should be labeled.
Because each bike is custom
built and outtted, there
will be some variation in
the selection of the packing
materials. Pieces included
might be:
• Seat mast cover - felt bag
• Crank arm cover - blue vinyl sleeve
• Chain stay cover - clear vinyl tube
• Steerer tube cover - short piece of clear vinyl tube
• Main frame (mono tube) cover - blue vinyl sleeve
• Stem cover - felt bag
• Tripod cover - blue vinyl
• Back of the lower seat tube (right below the rear end quick
release piece of foam strapped on)
• Disc brake rotor - blue felt bag
Generally, there is extra room in the case to accommodate some
accessories such as clothing, shoes, etc. As you travel with your
bike and gain experience in your customized packing process, you
might discover that some of the original pieces are unnecessary.
You might also feel that you need some extra protection with new
accessories. Feel free to experiment and let us know if you have
a great idea.
Preparing the Frame for the TravelCase
Open your rear end frame quick release and fold the seat mast
down to the mono tube. We use nylon bottle cages to allow you
to gently bend the cage to the side as the seat mast folds past it.
For Easy Pack Models, your seat mast will pull out of the frame
instead of folding forward. Loosen the quick release (or bolt
depending on your model) securing the mast, remove it from the
frame and place it in its felt bag. Set this aside for now.
Fig. 50 Packing materials.
Packing: Materials

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Align the Cranks
The non-drive side crank should
be at 12 o’clock and the drive side
crank should be set at the 6 o’clock
position.
Fig. 51 Align the cranks.
Install the Foam Block
We supply a webbing strap
to secure this foam block to
the back side of the lower
seat tube. The purpose of
this block is to prevent the
chainring from contacting
and bearing the weight of
the bike in the Southeast
corner of the TravelCase.
As you move the folded bike
into the TravelCase, make
sure this foam block is pro-
viding the intended benet;
if it is not, you may need to
adjust the location of the
foam block slightly.
Fig. 52 Install the foam block.
Fold Your Silk
To fold your bike, turn your
fork to the left 90 degrees
while picking up the bike by
the mono tube. With a new
bike, the rear end hinge may
be a bit stiff and require a
light shaking of the bike or
pushing lightly on the rear
wheel to make it fold. Fold
the bike as far as it will go
with the rear wheel swinging past the fork. Note: For 451 wheels,
depending on the volume/size, you may need to deate the rear
tire in order for it to t.
Fig. 53 Fold your Silk.
Packing: Cranks and Foam
Place Silk in TravelCase
The rear wheel should be in the upper left (West). The drive side
crank should be on the bottom right (Southeast) of the case.
Note: Here is how we describe the space in a TravelCase.
North: Farthest away from you, 12 o’clock, near main hinge.
South: Closest to you, near main latch.
West: Side the telescoping handle is on, 9 o’clock.
East: Side the wheels are on, 3 o’clock.
Top layer (Top): The layer nearest the opening.
Lower layer (Bottom): The layer farthest from the opening, the
bottom panel of the case.
Packing: Place Silk Inside

36 37
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Add accessories to the TravelCase
[SEE PHOTOS ON PAGE 37]
[PHOTO 1]
• TravelTrailer Wheel: Underneath rear wheel, center of case.
[PHOTOS 2-4]
• Travel Trailer Tongue: Non-hitch end (curvy end) goes into the
Northwest corner underneath the rear wheel, above the fork.
The straight (hitch) end will continues under the rear wheel
and runs along the South edge of the suitcase with the hitch
ending up in the Southeast corner of the TravelCase.
• Saddle: The nose should be pointed to South with the seatpost
below the non-drive side crank arm headed West.
• Stem: Northwest corner under the rear wheel.
• Pedal and Tool Bag: North
[PHOTOS 5-6]
• Trailer Wheel: Let air out of tire and place wedge between the
Northern edge of the suitcase and the non-drive side chainstay.
• Handlebars: There is some variability in terms of placement of
handlebars, focus on the Western hemisphere.
• Drop Bars: West corner on top of rear wheel. It may be neces-
sary to tuck the drop portion and lever of drop bars in the
spokes.
• Flat Bars: South edge of case.
[PHOTOS 6]
• Front Rack: East edge, on top of everything
[PHOTOS 7]
• Front Wheel: East on top of everything.
• Folding Rear Rack: Far East side on top of everything
[PHOTOS 8-10]
• Crush Protector: Do not forget to run this through the spokes
of both wheels and then attach the ange. Double check
everything else in the suitcase is underneath the plane of the
ange (not as tall).
Mechanic’s Tip: The t of the Silk inside the TravelCase is tight.
The cases are exible and therefore you might need to ex the
edge of the case a bit to be able shut it. The case is surprisingly
resilient to minor changes in shape.
Packing: Add Accessories
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Packing: Add Accessories

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Using Your Adjustable Rear Dropouts
Our adjustable rear dropout is designed specically for the Silk.
It allows you to remove and reinstall the wheel without having to
re-tension the belt each time.
Determining Belt Tension
Proper belt tension is about ½-inch of deection (placing your
nger on the midpoint of the upper half of the belt and pushing
down). The goal is to have enough tension so avoid slipping. For
Gates CenterTrack, use slippage as your guide.
Making Adjustments to Your Dropout
The aluminum dropouts on your Silk adjust in small steps. Each
adjusting step is 1.25mm. Looking at the dropouts, you see upper
and lower notched slots with a bolt in each. Each notch is a step.
Each bolt can be positioned anywhere along the slot, in those
notches, one step at a time. Adjustments are made by alternately
stepping in one slot (while pivoting on the other) and then step-
ping on the other slot while pivoting in the rst.
Adjusting Treadless Headset
Adjusting 1¼ Threadless Headset
While the Bike Friday threadless
headset appears a bit different
than some, the concept is the same.
Headset adjustment is achieved by
increasing or decreasing preload on
the bearings via a single hex bolt.
Directly below the stem riser base
is the [1] locking headset spacer. It
looks like a seatpost collar binder.
This piece locks down onto the
steerer tube allowing the [2] headset spacer adjuster to push off
the locking spacer and apply downward pressure on the headset
(bearing preload).
The locking headset spacer bolt should never be loosened for
adjustments; it should only be loosened if disassembly of the fork
and headset is required.
To adjust the headset, simply tighten the bolt on [2] head-
set spacer adjuster to increase preload or unscrew the bolt to
decrease preload. Make small adjustments; start with ¼ turns of
the bolt. The headset spacer adjuster is a two-piece par that is
internally cone shaped so the more you tighten the bolt the more
the clamp squeezes the cone.
Fig. 54 Threadless headset.
1
2
Determine if you need to
increase or decrease tension
(determine which way you
want to move the aluminum
dropout).
• Determine which bolt is
the pivot and which the
step.
• Move in the desired
direction.
Theory:
• Determine which way to move the dropouts. Moving them
closer to the crank will decrease belt tension. Moving the
dropouts further from the crank will increase tension.
• Look at the upper and lower bolt. The bolt that is slightly
closer to the direction you want to move is the pivot bolt. It
can be either bolt. If this is the upper bolt, then the lower bolt
becomes the step bolt. Remove the step bolt. Pivot (rock) the
aluminum dropout on the loosened pivot bolt, in the desired
direction, and reinstall the removed step bolt. If this is not
enough movement of the dropout, then you will need to repeat
the process EXCEPT the original pivot bolt becomes the step
bolt while the original step bolt becomes the pivot.
Application:
• A 5mm hex wrench is required. A 15mm (or adjustable) wrench
is also recommended.
• Determine which way you are stepping or rocking the alumi-
num dropout. If the upper bolt is the pivot (it is incrementally
farther in the direction you want to go) slightly loosen this
bolt, on both sides of the bike, using the 5 mm hex wrench.
• Fully remove the other bolt (both sides of the bike). Note
which notch (or step) it was in; the bolt will be going back into
the next hole over.
• Pivot the dropout in the direction you want. The easiest way to
rotate the aluminum part back is with a 15mm (or adjustable)
wrench on the axle nuts. Use the wrench on the axle to put
tension on the belt while you insert the previously removed
step bolt into the hole. Repeat on the other side.
• Tighten all four bolts.
Fig. 55 Adjustable rear dropouts
Adjusting Rear Dropouts