Buddy Bike BB102-AL-7.14C User manual

Owner’s Manual
BIKE MODELS: BB102-AL-7.14C, BB102-AL-7.14E, BB104-AL-27.14, BB104-AL-NU.14 (2014 V.2)
Please read every word of this manual
BEFORE you ride your Buddy Bike!
Because your safety is most important to us it is our policy that a trained
professional assemble and adjust your Buddy Bike. Any Buddy Bike that is not
assembled by a professional at a bike shop will not be covered by the Limited Warranty.

2 3
For your protection it is important to keep a record of the serial number of your bicycle and the
date and place of purchase. The serial number can be found under the Rear Bottom Bracket
Shell where the rear rider crank joins the bike where the Chain Stay is welded. Please fill out
the information below and keep it for your records.
Your name:
Bike serial number:
Bike model:
Bike color:
Date of purchase:
Dealer name:
Dealer address:
Dealer phone number:
To activate your warranty, please fill out and return the enclosed Warranty Registration card
along with a copy of your purchase receipt to:
Buddy Bike, LLC
2775 Sunny Isles Boulevard, Suite 118
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
ATTN: Warranty Registration
Table of Contents
HELMETS AND SAFETY...................................................................................................... 4
MAXIMUM WEIGHT.............................................................................................................. 4
HOW TO RIDE YOUR BUDDY BIKE....................................................................................4
KICKSTANDS (sold separately)............................................................................................ 5
FOLD-OUT FOOT PEGS (sold separately)........................................................................... 6
PRACTICE BRAKING AND SAFE SPEED CONTROL......................................................... 6
HOW AND WHEN TO SHIFT GEARS................................................................................... 7
HOW TO FIT YOUR BUDDY BIKE TO YOUAND YOURS...................................................8
SEAT ADJUSTMENTS.......................................................................................................... 8
HANDLEBAR ADJUSTMENTS ............................................................................................. 8
BRAKE LEVER ADJUSTMENTS ........................................................................................ 10
REMOVE CABLE STRETCH.............................................................................................. 10
ADJUST THE ROLLER BRAKE CABLE..............................................................................11
BRAKE MAINTENANCE......................................................................................................11
HUB CABLE ADJUSTMENT FOR BUDDY BIKE FAMILY ..................................................13
LEARN TO USE QUICK RELEASE DEVICES ................................................................... 13
WHEEL AND TIRE MAINTENANCE ................................................................................... 14
CHAIN MAINTENANCE...................................................................................................... 16
BUDDY BIKE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.......................................................................17
LIMITED WARRANTY......................................................................................................... 18
A NuVinci N360 CVP Drivetrain manual is included with Buddy Bike Sport Deluxe models
only. See the enclosed manual for further care and instructions.

4 5
The correct way to wear a helmet
Wear the helmet flat atop your head, not tilted back at anangle!
Make sure the helmet fits snugly and does not obstruct your field of vision.
The chin strap should fit securely and the buckle should stay fastened.
Figure 1
Pedals are connected and work simultaneously
Start riding with the pedals at the 2 o’clock position
TOP TUBE
Figure 2
Figure 3A - YCD-20 Kickstand
Figure 3B - Pletscher Kickstand
Congratulations! You have purchased the Buddy Bike, the alternative tandem bicycle!
Now you and your loved one can enjoy safe cycling and quality time together. You can ride
with any youngster old enough to sit on a bicycle seat or with another adult. With a maximum
weight capacity of 380 pounds, the Buddy Bike is the ideal family bike that can be enjoyed by
riders of most ages, sizes and abilities.
Read every word of this manual BEFORE you ride your Buddy Bike!
This manual includes tips on how to ride your Buddy Bike safely, instructions on basic bike
maintenance to keep your bike in safe operating condition and a Maintenance Schedule.
Please note that some maintenance should only be performed by a professional bike me-
chanic.
HELMETS AND SAFETY
Always wear a helmet! This means adults too!
Your head is too precious to risk especially if
you are riding with a child who may require spe-
cial assistance. Adjust your helmet as shown
in Figure 1 so it offers maximum protection.
Use a helmet that bears a CPSC, ANSI or
Snell safety label. Please practice safe cycling.
For safe cycling information visit our web site:
buddybike.com/BikeSafety.html
MAXIMUM WEIGHT
The combined weight of captain and stoker
should not exceed 380 pounds. As you mount
or pedal do not bear down hard on the handle-
bars as if you were doing pushups. However,
should the handlebars move up or down as
you mount or ride the Buddy Bike tighten all
the handlebar clamp bolts with a 6 mm Allen
wrench to 150—225 inch/pounds as soon as
possible, as shown later in this manual in “HOW TO FITYOUR BUDDY BIKE TO YOUAND
YOURS.” Better yet, stop at the nearest bike shop and have a pro do it.
HOW TO RIDE YOUR BUDDY BIKE
Before you start the practice rides that get you familiar with your Buddy Bike’s steering,
braking and shifting performance, please adjust the seats, handlebars and brake levers to fit
your body, as shown later in this manual in “HOW TO FIT YOUR BUDDYBIKETO YOUAND
YOURS.” Practice riding your Buddy Bike in a traffic-free area until the rear rider (“captain”)
and the front rider (“stoker”) are both thoroughly familiar with its braking, steering and shifting.
For the Captain
Start with the captain riding alone. Straddle the top tube (the tube from the rear seat to the
fork column (Figure 2) with one foot on the ground, the other foot on a pedal at the 2 o’clock
position. Hold the captain’s handlebar (Figure 5) firmly. Push off with the foot on the ground
and, at the same time, press down hard on that pedal, hoist your body up onto the seat and
KEEP PEDALING. The momentum will help keep the bicycle balanced.
For Both Riders
Captain and stoker should practice the
start-off procedure above until they are
comfortable with the procedure. When
braking to a stop, reverse the mounting
and start-off instructions given above
so you are ready to take off again, say
from a stoplight. At this point both rid-
ers should have one or both feet on the
ground and be straddling the bicycle.
Pedaling Techniques
Captain’s and stoker’s pedals are con-
nected by a bicycle chain (Figure 2) and
the pedals move simultaneously. As one
rider pedals, the other rider must also
pedal. Verbal communication on a tandem is important. Both riders should work together
or balance and steering may be affected. Advise your stoker if you will pedal, coast or stop.
For stoker’s with disabilities, the captain should maintain a
slow, steady pace for stoker to work at keeping their feet on
the pedals.
SAFETY NOTE: If your stoker is not able to maintain his/her
feet on the pedals, talk to your bike shop professional about
adding toe clips, cages, velcro exerciser or other adaptive
pedals to your Buddy Bike.
Steering Techniques
The Buddy Bike has a much shorter wheelbase than conven-
tional tandems and it is unique in that both sets of handlebars
(Figure 5) turn as the bicycle is steered. The captain leans
into the direction of the turn, moves the handlebars to turn
and the stoker’s handlebars will move in the same direction.
The stoker should balance in the same direction. Whenever
possible, the captain should tell the stoker when a turn is
about to be made.
KICKSTANDS (sold separately)
Kickstands available for the Buddy Bike include YCD-20
bi-pod spring kickstand (Figure 3A) and Pletscher bi-pod
kickstand (Figure 3B). Once assembled, to lower either kick-
stand, lift the bicycle off the ground by the rear seat and use
your foot to push the kickstand down then gently lower the
bike. To raise the kickstand, lift the bicycle off the ground by
the rear seat and use your foot to sweep the kickstand back-
ward. The kickstands are intended to hold and balance the
bike while it is not being ridden. Raise the kickstand before
either rider mounts the bicycle.
DO NOT mount the bicycle while it is balanced on the
kickstand. The kickstand is intended to support the
weight of the bike only, no riders.

6 7
Figure 4A
Figure 4B
Figure 4C
STOKER HANDLEBARS
CAPTAIN HANDLEBARS
DBA
C
E
Figure 5
Figure 7A
Figure 7B
Figure 6
A
A
Figure 7C
FOLD-OUT FOOT PEGS (sold separately)
To install the fold-out foot pegs (Figure 4A): 1) remove the adhe-
sive from the padded tape sections and press to the inside curve
of each foot peg; 2) with the pegs folded up, position the pegs on
the small down tube in front of the front rider seat and 3) use the
included screws to secure the pegs to the tube. The foot pegs
should be positioned above the path of the pedals so the stoker’s
feet will be safely out of the pedal motion path.
While the stoker is pedaling, fold the pegs up (Figure 4B). For
smaller riders, fold each peg down (Figure 4C) so they can rest
their feet out of the way of the pedal motion path.
PRACTICE BRAKING AND SAFE SPEED CONTROL
First, be aware that the right side of a bicycle is the side to your
right as you sit on the seat. Figure 5 was taken from riders’ point
of view. The brake lever on the left side of the captain’s handle-
bar (D in Figure 5) is for the front brake. The brake lever on the
right side of the captain’s handlebar (C in Figure 5) is for the
rear brake. The brake lever on the right stoker’s handlebar (E in
Figure 5) is an additional rear wheel brake. The stoker’s brake
provides additional braking power and a sense of control for the
stoker but may not stop the bike if used alone. (Not available on
model BB102-AL-7.14E)
CAUTION: Your Buddy Bike can go faster than single bikes.
The Buddy Bike weighs 41-45 pounds (varies by bike model)
without accessories. That’s 23 pounds or less for each of you.
The rider on a typical bike (excluding road bikes) has to push its
33 pounds alone. You also have half the wind resistance faced
by a single biker as the captain is shielded from wind by the
stoker. For these reasons your Buddy Bike is easier to pedal,
so travel at a speed that lets you slow down or stop quickly and
safely in an emergency.
As you practice riding the Buddy Bike in a safe place try stopping
at various speeds. Note how many feet it takes to stop at each
of these speeds. Use the captain’s brakes alone then combined
with the stoker’s brake. Use this information to keep your speed
under control. Go slower in traffic as you may need to make
a sudden, unexpected stop.
Look as far ahead as pos-
sible, be alert as you approach
parking lot driveways, children
and others on foot, bicycles,
skate boards, etc. Watch out
for school and other buses ap-
proaching a stop. When you
come to a stop, both captain
and stoker should extend one
foot to the ground, and then
both feet if you have to wait for
a stoplight.
On the flats, the captain can usually control speed by applying both brake levers. Apply the
rear brake lever first, then the front brake lever. On a downhill ride or in an emergency situ-
ation use both captain’s and stoker’s brakes to slow or to stop. Both riders should practice
braking on the flats and on downhill runs until you both are thoroughly familiar with the brak-
ing power and speed control of the brakes.
SAFETY NOTE: When it’s raining, your brakes may lose some stopping power. It will take
longer to stop when wheel rims are wet. In wet conditions, apply brakes sooner than you
would in dry conditions. Both captain and stoker should use both sets of brakes, even at
low speeds. Reduce speed in wet weather and beware of slippery surfaces. For more safe
cycling information visit our web site: buddybike.com/BikeSafety.html.
HOW AND WHEN TO SHIFT GEARS
Buddy Bike Family (BB102-AL-7.14C and 7.14E)
Buddy Bike Family is equipped with a Shimano NEXUS
INTER 7 hub. Gears can be changed at anytime, even at
a stop. To shift, rotate the gripshift on the right of the cap-
tain’s handlebar (A in Figure 6). The 7 speed gear combi-
nations gives you a range of choices for easy pedaling. By
turning the gripshift toward you, select gear 6-7 for pedal-
ing downhill. While on level roads or paths use gears 3-5.
Upon pedaling uphill, turn the gripshift away from you to
gear 1 or 2. By selecting the proper gear, you can make
pedaling comfortable and easier for both riders.
Buddy Bike Sport (BB104-AL-27.14)
Buddy Bike Sport is equipped with a Shimano Deore 27
speed hub. This bike includes a derailleur. It is best to shift
gears while pedaling. To shift the gears, push the bottom
lever to lower the gear and pull the top lever to shift to a
higher gear on the left side (Figure 7A) or right side (Fig-
ure 7B) of the captain’s handlebar. The Deore hub is con-
sidered a professional level component. The shifters are
not numbered or marked so practice shifting until you are
comfortable with the procedure and various gear levels.
Buddy Bike Sport Deluxe (BB104-AL-NU.14)
Buddy Bike Sport Deluxe is equipped with a NuVinci N360
continuously variable planetary drivetrain. Since there are
no fixed gears, you will adjust the hub ratio as determined
by your comfort level. Ratio changes can be made at any
time including pedal-free or under heavy load. Change the
ratio of the N360 by turning the gripshift on the right of the
captain’s handlebar (A in Figure 7C). The shifter display
indicates ratio as a simple graphic; a hill for slower speeds
and a flat for faster speeds.A NuVinci N360 CVPDrivetrain
manual is included with Buddy Bike Sport Deluxe models
only. See the manual for further care and instructions.

8 9
Figure 8 - Torque Wrench
Figure 12
Figure 9
Figure 11
minimum
insertion
4 inches
100 mm
SEAT
POST
B
C
A
Figure 10
A
A
B
Figure 14
A
B
2” MIN
A
C
CD*
D*
*BOLTS UNDER HANDLEBAR
Figure 13
HOW TO FIT YOUR BUDDY BIKE TO YOU AND YOURS
Before you go off for your first practice rides, have your bicycle dealer inspect the Buddy Bike
and make the following handlebar and seat adjustments for your riding comfort and safety. If
you make adjustments yourself, use a torque wrench (Figure 8). Use the torque wrench on
all applicable nuts and bolts noted throughout this manual
so you are sure they are safely tightened.
SEAT ADJUSTMENTS
You can move each seat in five directions, up or down, closer
to or farther from the handlebars, and tilted for comfort.
Seat Height
Adjust seat height for both riders so the knee is slightly bent
when one pedal is at the 6 o’clock position (Figure 9). To ad-
just seat height, turn the seat post quick release lever, (A in
Figure 10) to the OPEN position. Move the seat up or down
until the rider’s knee is bent (Figure 9). Tighten the seat post
quick release lever to the closed position, with the end of this
lever facing toward the rear. (Be sure to read “LEARN TO USE
THE FRONT WHEELAND SEAT QUICK RELEASES” section
later in this manual).
SAFETY NOTE: Keep at least 4 inches of the seat post inside
the seat tube (Figure 11).
Seats to handlebar distance
The seat should be close enough to the handlebars so the rid-
ers can reach them without strain. To move the seat toward or
away from the handlebars, simply loosen the seat clamp bolts
that hold the seat on the seat post (Figure 12), and move the
seat toward to or away from the handlebars, until the rider has
a slight bend at the elbows.
Seat Tilt
Reduce pressure on the hands by tilting each seat so its nose
points slightly upward (B in Figure 10). To make these adjust-
ments, loosen the seat clamp bolts (C in Figure 10) with a 5
mm Allen wrench, slide the seat forward or back as necessary
and tilt it as noted above. Tighten the clamp bolts to 180—250
inch/pounds with a torque wrench (Figure 8).
HANDLEBAR ADJUSTMENTS
Adjust both handlebars so they can be reached without strain.
Move the handlebars up or down, tilt (rotate) them and move
them closer to or further away from the rider as needed for
comfort.
Captain’s Handlebar
The captain’s handlebar shown in Figure 5 is the lon-
gest bar on the Buddy Bike. Loosen clamp bolts (A in
Figure 13) with a 5 mm Allen wrench. Tilt the captain’s
handlebar up or down until the captain can ride with a
comfortable bend of his upper body while sitting on the
rear seat. Once the handlebar is at a convenient angle,
tighten these bolts to 150—225 inch/pounds.
CAUTION: The handlebar stem supports both captain
and stoker handlebars. The stem is held by two clamp
bolts (A in Figure 14). The stem must always be in
the position shown in Figure 14, all the
way down to the fork bearing locknut
(B in Figure 14). Do not loosen these
bolts to raise the handlebars. Han-
dlebar height can only be adjusted
as shown above.
Stoker’s Handlebar
(Not available on model BB102-AL-7.14E)
The stoker’s handlebar (Figure 5), is
adjustable to three different positions,
tilt, distance from the stoker’s seat and
up or down.
SAFETY NOTE: A bike shop profes-
sional should adjust the stoker handlebars to accommodate the reach of the stoker. For your
stoker’s safety, do not rotate the handlebars to closer than a 90 degree angle and keep at
least 2 inches of the stoker’s handlebar stem INSIDE the handlebar tubes (Figure 13).
Tilt: Loosen clamp bolt (B in Figure 13)with a 6 mmAllen wrench, and rotate the handlebar
until the stoker can reach it without strain and with ease. Tighten this bolt to 150—225 inch/
pounds.
Distance from Seat: Loosen clamp bolts (C in Figure 13) with a 6 mm Allen wrench and
move the stoker’s handlebar closer to or away from the stoker’s seat until it can be reached
in comfort. Tighten these bolts to a torque of 150—225 inch/pounds.
Up or Down: Loosen clamp bolts (D in Figure 13) with a 5
mmAllen wrench and rotate the stoker’s handlebar to move it
up or down to suit the stoker’s arm length. Tighten these bolts
to 150—225 inch/pounds.
CAUTION: Before your first ride and every four to six
months thereafter (depending on ride frequency), stand
in front of the Buddy Bike, hold the front wheel be-
tween your knees, grasp the captain’s handlebar and ro-
tate it firmly from side to side. If the handlebar moves
but the wheel does not, retighten the clamp bolts (A in
Figure 13) with a 4 mmAllen wrench to a torque of 180—250
inch/pounds. These two handlebar stem bolts (A in Figure
14) hold both stoker and captain handlebars securely on the
fork steerer tube.

10 11
CABLE
CLAMP
BOLT
Figure 16
Figure 17 - Family bike rear brakes
Figure 15
BAC
D
Figure 19 - Adjust Roller Brake Cable
Depress brake lever
about 10 times
NOTE: If the brake cable is not run
in, it will need to be adjusted again
after only a short perioed of use.
Cable adjusting bolt
Cable adjusting bolt
Both ends of the
outer casing should
be securely inserted
B
A
Figure 20
B
A
Figure 18 - Sport model stoker brake
BRAKE LEVER ADJUSTMENTS
There are two adjustments for each brake lever,
one for hand reach and one for finger fit.
Hand Reach: You should be able to grasp brake
levers quickly from a hand rest position on the
handlebars. Rotate each brake lever until you can
do so. Loosen the brake lever clamp bolt (D in
Figure 15), with the 5 mm Allen wrench shown,
and rotate the lever on the handlebars to a quickly
reachable position. Tighten the clamp bolt to 44—
60 inch/pounds.
Finger Fit: If the brake lever begins to apply braking
force as soon as you depress it, adjust its “reach” with
a 2 mmAllen wrench (Ain Figure 15), until your fingers
can safely and comfortably apply force to the brakes.
The brake lever can be safely depressed up to about
one inch from the handlebar. If the brake lever comes
any closer the brake cable has stretched. Cable stretch
reduces braking power and response, so remove this
stretch.
REMOVE CABLE STRETCH
NOTE: New cables will stretch and require adjustment.
Cable Stretch at Brake Levers
Loosen cable slack adjuster locknut, (C in Figure
15)a few turns. Turn slack adjuster (B in Figure
15) counterclockwise until slack is removed. Tight-
en locknut (C in Figure 15) against the brake body.
Repeat if the brake lever still comes more than an
inch from the handlebars. Make this adjustment on
all brake levers as necessary.
Cable Stretch at the Brakes
Buddy Bike Family
(BB102-AL-7.14C and 7.14E)
Captain V Brakes (Front & Rear): If cable slack
can’t be removed at brake levers, reverse the ad-
justments in Step 1 above so the cable is as slack
as possible. At captain’s brake loosen the cable
clamp bolt (Figure 16) with a 5 mm Allen wrench
while holding brake shoes against the wheel rim.
Pull out cable slack with a pair of pliers. Tighten
the cable clamp bolt to a torque of 44—60 inch/
pounds. Repeat as necessary.
Buddy Bike Sport
(BB104-AL-27.14 and BB104-AL-NU.14)
Captain Disc Brakes (Front & Rear):
Loosen the fix bolt on the front wheel disc brake (A
in Figure 21) and the barrel adjuster (B in Figure 21). Pull out cable slack with a pair of pliers.
Tighten the fix bolt and the barrel adjuster. Repeat for rear wheel disc brake.
Stoker Brake (Not available on BB102-AL-7.14E)
Stoker Caliper Brake (Rear): Loosen the fix bolt (Ain Figure 18) on the stoker caliper brake
on the rear wheel and the barrel adjuster (B in Figure 18). Pull out cable slack with a pair of
pliers. Tighten the fix bolt and the barrel adjuster.
ADJUST THE ROLLER BRAKE CABLE
1) check that the wheel does not easily turn while the brake cable is being pulled; 2) depress
the brake lever about 10 times as far as the grip in order to run in the brake cable; 3) check
that both ends of the outer casing are securely inserted into the cable adjusting bolts of both
the brake lever and brake arm. (Figure 19)
BRAKE MAINTENANCE
Brake shoes wear as they do on your car. Inspect them
every six months to make sure they are not worn and that
the brake shoes are properly aligned on the wheel rim for
maximum braking power. Brake shoe replacement is a pro-
fessional bike shop job. Follow these instructions for other
adjustments and maintenance:
Buddy Bike Family (BB102-AL-7.14C and 7.14E)
Captain V Brakes Shoe Adjustments: 1) Keep each
brake shoe at least 2 mm away from the tire. The brake
shoe must not rub on the tire, only on the rim. Make this
adjustment by loosening the brake shoe clamp bolt, (A in
Figure 20) with a 5 mm Allen wrench, move the shoe up or
down in the brake arm slot, tighten the clamp bolt to 50—70
inch/pounds of torque. 2) Adjust brake shoes so they are at
least 2 mm away from the wheel rim. Make this adjustment
by loosening the brake cable clamp bolt (Figure 16) with a

12 13
A
B
Figure 21
A
B
Figure 22
Figure 24
A
Figure 25
HUB CABLE ADJUSTMENT FOR BUDDY BIKE FAMILY (BB102-AL-7.14)
Set the gripshift dial to 4. Check to be sure that the red setting lines on the cassette joint bracket
and pulley are aligned.
Figure 23
Cable adjusting bolt
Set to 4
Note: This bike is equipped with the
cable adjusting bolt built into the
grip shift. Adjustment is made by
pulling and turning the spring
loaded adjusting bolt until the red
marks are lined up.
When Bicycle is Upside Down When Bicycle is Standing Up
The red set-
ting lines on
the cassette
joint are lo-
cated in two
places. Use
the one that
is easiest to
see.
The red setting lines should be straight The red setting lines should be straight
Pulley
Cassette joint
bracket Cassette joint
bracket
Pulley
5-mm Allen wrench and by moving the brake cable in or out of the cable clamp bolt. Tighten
the bolt to 44—60 inch/pounds.
Captain V Brakes Shoe Balance: Keep each brake shoe the same distance from the wheel
rim. Use a 2 mmAllen wrench in each brake arm to balance brake shoes for even clearance.
Buddy Bike Sport (BB104-AL-27.14 and BB104-AL-NU.14)
Captain Disc Brakes
Before each ride: Check cables for signs of wear or fraying. Squeeze the brake lever firmly
and check for proper brake function.Adjust for pad wear if necessary. Ensure rotors are free
of foreign substances and oils.
Pad break in: It may take anywhere from 20-40 complete stops to break in the brake pads.
You may begin to notice an increase in braking power after the first ride. Brake noise may
occur not only during the break-in period but off and on throughout the life of the brake pads.
Noise is dependent upon factors such as brake setup, rider weight, riding style, braking style
and riding conditions.
Care and cleaning: Extreme care must be taken when cleaning both the bike and its disc
brakes. We suggest that you take your bike to a bike shop mechanic to perform any disc
brake maintenance. Your bike shop mechanic may provide some of these adjustments:
spring tension adjustment, pad wear adjustment and pad replacement.
CAUTION: DO NOT touch the pads or the rotors with your fingers or the pads and rotors may
become contaminated. If you have to touch them for some reason, use powder free latex
gloves. Contamination of the pads and rotors may cause brake noise. To eliminate noise, you
can clean the rotors with rubbing alcohol.
Stoker Brake (Not available on BB102-AL-7.14E)
Stoker’s Caliper Brake Shoe Adjustments: The stoker brake is a standard brake caliper
on the rear wheel. Remove cable slack at the brake itself as described in the previous sec-
tion. Squeeze stoker’s brake lever hard. If the brake lever comes closer than one inch to the
handlebar, take the bike to a pro for brake lining replacement.
LEARN TO USE QUICK RELEASE DEVICES
Your Buddy Bike has quick release mechanisms on the wheels and
seat posts. They make it easier to remove and reinstall the wheels
and to move seats up and down to adjust for rider height. It is very
important to understand how to use the quick release, to insure that
the wheel is tightly and safely held in the fork, and that the wheel will
stay in place even if you should hit a bump or pothole.
A quick release is a cam action device, not a nut and bolt unit.
Use only your fingers to adjust and tighten the quick release. The
opening and closing lever of the quick release has an eccentric bump,
a cam on it, (Ain Figure 24) which is a powerful lever. This lever am-
plifies the turning force made by your hand as
you force the quick release lever to the closed
position (Figure 25).
You need to know how to remove and install
the front wheel to fix a flat or to carry the Bud-
dy Bike in your car, and how to reinstall it so
it will not pop out and cause loss of control.
Here’s how to make sure your wheels are se-
curely in place.

14 15
Figure 29
Figure 27
Figure 28
Figure 26
A
WHEEL AND TIRE MAINTENANCE
Before every ride make sure the front wheel
is securely clamped in the fork. Lift the bike
up a few inches and punch down hard on the
front tire with the side of your fist. Do this even
if you rode the Buddy Bike the day before. You
never know when someone has tampered
with, or accidentally turned, the quick release
lever to the OPEN position that could let the
wheel fall out.
Front Wheel Maintenance/Quick Release
To Remove the Front Wheel: On Buddy Bike
Family models the brake must be released to
remove the tire. Hold brake shoes against the wheel
rim while you pull the cable carrier up and out of the
slot in the crossbar (A in Figure 26). Open the brake
shoes far enough apart so you can remove the front
wheel (Figure 27). Turn the quick release lever to the
OPEN position (Figure 25) which is when the lever is
pointed toward the front of the Buddy Bike. Remove
the front wheel. Punch down on the tire if necessary.
To Install the Front Wheel: Replace the front wheel
in the fork dropouts. Be sure the tire is centered be-
tween the fork blades (Figure 28). Hold the wheel in
place while you tighten the quick release lever all the
way to the closed position (Figure 25). Check quick release
tightness. As you move the quick release lever toward the
rear of the bike, past the 12 o’clock position you should feel
increasing pressure. You should have a red pressure mark on
the palm of your hand from the force needed to close this lever
all the way. If you do not feel this pressure, readjust the quick
release mechanism as follows:
Adjust the Quick Release: Open the quick release lever past
the 12 o’clock position to around the 4 o’clock more open posi-
tion. Hold the adjuster nut with one hand and turn the quick
release lever counter clockwise as far as possible. Do not use
any tool on this adjuster nut. Use only your fingers! Turn the
quick release lever all the way to the closed position (Figure
25). Again, you must feel considerable turning resistance as
the lever moves past the
12 o’clock position to the
closed position.
Check Quick Release Tightness: See that the red mark
from tightening pressure is on the palm of your hand.
Punch down hard on the tire with the flat of your clenched
fist. The wheel should not fall out. Open the quick re-
lease, remove the wheel and inspect the fork dropouts.
You should see “bite” marks on the fork dropout made
by the sawtooth edges of the quick release (Figure 29).
Repeat these quick release adjustments and tightening
steps until you can see these “indents.” Replace the cable in the crossbar (Figure 26) as you
hold the brake shoes against the wheel rim.
Make sure the brake cable is correctly back in the crossbar slot. Squeeze the brake
lever as tightly as possible. If the lever drops to the handlebars, the cable has popped
out of the slot. Replace it and check again for correct placement.
CAUTION: The brake spring may also have popped off the brake arm (A in Figure 20). If
so, replace it behind the tab on the brake arm, as shown in Figure 20, where arrow A is the
brake spring, arrow B shows the brake arm with brake tab. This caution also applies to the
rear wheel.
Rear Wheel Maintenance/No Quick Release
If the rear wheel of your Buddy Bike does not have a quick release device. You will need a
15-mm wrench to remove the axle bolts and should carry one with you on long rides in for
emergency tire repair.
Buddy Bike Family (BB102-AL-7.14C and 7.14E)
Remove the Rear Wheel: Shift the chain to the small freewheel cog. Spread brake shoes as
explained above for front wheel removal (Figure 27). Use a 15 mm wrench and loosen both
axle bolts. Lift the chain off the small cog as you remove the wheel.
Install the Rear Wheel: Make sure the axle is all the way into the dropout slots, and that
the wheel is evenly spaced in the bike frame, similar to Figure 28. Tighten the axle bolts to
300—320 inch/pounds.
Buddy Bike Sport (BB104-AL-27.14 and BB104-AL-NU.14)
Remove the Rear Wheel: Removal and installation of the rear wheel has a few extra steps
because of the gear cluster. Just like the front wheel, you’ll need to deflate the tire. If you do
not wish to deflate the tire, it will be necessary to loosen the fix bolt (A in Figure 18). Next,
adjust your rear shifter until the chain is on the smallest sprocket. Then loosen the quick
release lever and carefully removed the wheel.
Install the Rear Wheel: To re-install the rear wheel, first place the chain back onto the
smallest sprocket, and then slide the axle evenly up into the rear dropouts. Tighten the quick
release lever the same way as the front wheel, with the lever on the left side of the bike. Make
sure the lever is safely tucked in between both of the left chain stays. Inflate the tire AFTER
it has been installed. Make sure the pads are lined up correctly with the rim and tighten the
fix bolt (A in Figure 18) if you removed it earlier.
Wheel Alignment
Wobbly wheels cut braking power. So keep both wheels running true. Wheels can lose
alignment over time as spokes stretch. Wheel alignment takes special tools and know-how
so have this done by a bike shop.
About Your Tires
Keep tires inflated to the pressure marked on the outer wall of the tire. Lower pressures can
cause a flat and will cause more rolling resistance. Higher pressures can cause a tube to
blow out. Correct pressure assures longest tire life. Repair tube punctures with a self-adher-
ing patch, follow instructions that came with them. Check inside the tire as well as outside to
find and remove what caused the flat.

16 17
1/2” 1/2” Figure 30
BUDDY BIKE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Follow this maintenance schedule to keep your Buddy Bike in safe operating condition.
Please note that we recommend some of this work be performed by a skilled bicycle
mechanic in a bike shop!
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
All handlebar bolts Check tightness with torque wrench 4 months See text or bike shop
Bottom bracket Disassemble, clean, relube Yearly Bike shop
Brake cables Check for slack, frayed cable 6 months Bike shop
Brake arms Check mounting bolt tightness 6 months Bike shop
Brake levers Check tightness on handlebars 6 months See text
Brake shoes Inspect for wear, alignment 6 months Bike shop
Chain* Check wear, clean, relube or replace 6 months Bike shop
Chainwheels Clean 4 months Bike shop
Gripshifter Disassemble, clean, relube (special
grease) 4 months Bike shop
Headset Check tightness, disassemble,
relube 9 months Bike shop
Pedals Disassemble, clean, relube 9 months Bike shop
Rear axle nut Check tightness 4 months See text
Tires Check tire pressure Weekly See text
Wheel alignment Check wheels for out of trueness 6 months Bike shop
Wheel hubs Disassemble, clean, relube 6 months Bike shop
CHAIN MAINTENANCE
Clean the chains every three to six months, more often if you have ridden over sand and dirt,
or through water and mud. You may leave the chain on and clean it using an environmentally
safe chain cleaning product and a brush. If you use a solvent such as kerosene to clean the
chain it would be best to remove the chain and dunk it into the solvent to avoid splashing the
solvent on the tire or brake shoes. To remove the chain you will need a chain rivet tool to push
a rivet out. It is best to leave chain removal to bike shop professionals.
Inspect the Chain for Wear Every 3 to 6 Months
Check for chain wear by measuring the distance between chain links (Figure 30). If the dis-
tance between links exceeds 1/2 inch, replace the chain. Use the correct replacement chain;
take the old one to a bike store to be sure. Better yet, have the shop replace the chain! Shift
to the small front and rear cogs before removing or replacing the chain. Install a new one,
or the cleaned old one, by threading the chain over the chainwheel, then in front of the top
derailleur wheel and in back of the bottom derailleur wheel. Join the chain with a rivet tool.
Maintain Correct Chain Tension that Connects Captain to Stoker’s Chainrings
Loosen the two 5 mm allen bolts under the stokers bottom bracket. Rotate the offcentric cam
forward so the chain has approximately 1/2” of play up and down. Then tighten the two 5
mm allen bolts. Check amount of play again after this procedure and adjust until it is correct.

18 19
2775 Sunny Isles Boulevard, Suite 118 • North Miami Beach, FL 33160
LIMITED WARRANTY
LIMITED WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS:
A) This warranty covers only the original retail purchaser and is not transferable.
B) This warranty does not include frame, fork or component failure due to or because of im-
proper use, pilot error, misuse, neglect, reckless or negligent riding, improper assembly,
improper maintenance, and professional or amateur racing including but not limited to
bicycle motorcross, stunt bicycling, bicycle trails, single trail mountain biking or similar
activities when in training for the same.
C) This warranty does not cover any personal injuries, damage or failure of the bicycle
if used in any competitive amateur or professional event including but not limited to
bicycle motorcross, stunt bicycling, bicycle trails, single trail mountain biking or similar
activities when in training for the same.
D) This warranty does not include shipping charges to or from Buddy Bike, LLC.
E) This warranty does not cover any personal injuries.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS OR LIMITED WARRANTY APPLI-
CABLE TO THE BUDDY BIKE. THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH HEREIN MAY NOT
BE EXTENDED, ENLARGED OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED BY ANY BUDDY BIKE DEAL-
ER, AGENT OR EMPLOYEE,AND BUDDY BIKE DOES NOTASSUME ANY LIABILITY OR
MAKE ANY WARRANTY EXCEPTAS STATED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
PARTS
Buddy Bike will repair or replace, at its option, defective parts for this bicycle at no charge,
for a period of one year after the date of original purchase. Parts subject to normal wear and
tear, including tires, tubes, saddle, pedals, handlebar foam/wrap and grips are not covered
by this one year period. Parts subject to normal wear and tear which are found to be defec-
tive by the purchaser within 30 days of purchase, including tires, tubes, saddle, pedals,
handlebar foam/wrap and grips will be replaced by Buddy Bike at no charge. This warranty
does not include dealer service charges for parts replacement or shipping charges to or from
Buddy Bike.
FRAME
All Buddy Bike frames and forks are guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of three (3) years from date of original purchase. A frame or fork
found defective in materials or workmanship will be repaired or replaced at Buddy Bike’s
option.
REGISTRATION
Please complete the included registration form and return to Buddy Bike within 60 days of
original purchase.
Buddy Bike, LLC
2775 Sunny Isles Boulevard, Suite 118
North Miami Beach, Florida 33160
ATTN: Warranty Registration

2775 Sunny Isles Boulevard, Suite 118
North Miami Beach, Florida 33160
T 786.489.BIKE (2453) • F 305.932.6585
Patent Number 5,503,419
www.buddybike.com
CUSTOMER SERVICE •ASSEMBLY SUPPORT
Shelley Patterson 786.489.2453 [email protected]
Please practice safe cycling.
For safe cycling information visit our web site:
www.buddybike.com/BikeSafety.html