DC-Tri Commuter 2.3 User manual

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DC-Tri Commuter 2.3
Trike Owner’s Manual
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1st Edition,
November 2017
This manual meets EN Standards 14764, 14766 and 14781.
IMPORT AN T :
This manual contains important safety, performance and service information. Read it
before you take the first ride on your new Trike, and keep it for reference.
Additional safety, performance and service information for specific components such as
suspension on your Trike, or for accessories such as helmets or lights that you purchase,
may also be available. Make sure that your dealer has given you all the manufacturers’
literature that was included with
your Trike or accessories. In case of a conflict between the instructions in this manual
and information provided by a component manufacturer, always follow the component
manufacturer’s instructions.
If you have any questions or do not understand something, take responsibility for
your safety and consult with your dealer or the Trike’s manufacturer.
NOTE:
This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair or maintenance
manual. Please see your dealer for all service, repairs or maintenance. Your dealer
may also be able to refer you to classes, clinics or books on Trike use, service,
repair or maintenance.

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Contents
GENERAL WARNING
A special note to parents
1. First
A. Trike fit
B. Safety first
C. Mechanical Safety Check
D. First ride
2. Safety
A. The Basics
B. Riding Safety
C. Off Road Safety
D. Wet Weather Riding
E. Night Riding
F. Extreme, stunt or competition riding
G. Changing Components or Adding Accessories
3.Fit
A. Standover height
B. Saddle position
C. Handlebar height and angle
D. Control position adjustments
E. Brake reach
4. Tech
A. Wheels
1. secondary retention devices
2. Wheels with cam action systems
3. Removing and installing wheels
B. Seat post cam action clamp
C. Brakes
D. Shifting gears
E. Pedals
F. Trike Suspension
G. Tires and Tubes
5. Service
A. Service Intervals
B. If your Trike sustains an impact
Appendix A: Intended Use
Appendix B: Lifespan of your trike and its components
Appendix C: Coaster Brakes
Appendix D: Fastener Torque Specifications

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GENERAL WARNING:
Like any sport, riding involves risk of injury and damage. By choosing to
ride a Trike, you assume the responsibility for that risk, so you need to know
— and to practice — the rules of safe and responsible riding and of proper use and
maintenance. Proper use and maintenance of your Trike reduces risk of injury.
This Manual contains many “Warnings” and “Cautions” concerning the consequences of
failure to maintain or inspect your Trike and of failure to follow safe cycling practices.
•The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word WARNING indicates a
potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or
death.
•The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word CAUTION indicates a
potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury, or is an alert against unsafe practices.
•The word CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a situation which, if
not avoided, could result in serious damage to the Trike or the voiding of your warranty.
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 always repeat the warning
of possible injury or death.
Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition which can occur
while riding, this Manual makes no representation about the safe use
of the Trike under all conditions. There are risks associated with the use
of any Trike, which cannot be predicted or avoided, and which are the sole
responsibility of the rider.

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A special note for parents:
As a parent or guardian,
you are responsible for the activities and safety of your minor child, and that
includes making sure that the Trike is properly fitted to the child; that it is in
good repair and safe operating condition; that you and your child have learned
and understand the safe operation of the Trike; and that you and your child
have learned, understand and obey not only the applicable local motor
vehicle, Trike and traffic laws, but also the common-sense rules of safe and
responsible bicycling. As a parent, you should read this manual, as well as
review its warnings and the Trike’s functions and operating procedures with
your child, before letting your child ride the Trike.
WARNING: Make sure that your child always wears an approved
Trike/Bike helmet when riding; but also, make sure that your child
understands that a Trike/Bike helmet is for riding only, and must
be
removed when not riding. A helmet must not be worn while playing,
in play areas, on playground equipment, while climbing trees, or at
any time while not riding a Trike. Failure to follow this warning
could result in serious injury or death.

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1. First
NOTE: We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its entirety before your first ride. At
the very least, read and make sure that you understand each point in this section, and
refer to the cited sections on any issue which you don’t completely understand. Please
note that not all Trikes have all the features described in this Manual. Ask your dealer to
point out the features of your Trike.
A. Trike fit
1. Is your trike the right size? To check, see Section 3.A. If your Trike is too large
or too small for you, you may lose control and fall. If your new trike is not the
right size, ask your dealer how to adjust to suit or whether the trike is suitable
for you before you ride it.
2. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you? If not, see Section
3.C.
3. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not, you may be able to adjust
their angle and reach. See Section 3.D and 3.E.
4. Do you fully understand how to operate your new Trike? If not, before your first
ride, have your dealer explain any functions or features which you do not
understand.
B. Safety first
1Always wear an approved helmet when riding your trike, and follow the
helmet manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and care.
2Do you have all the other required and recommended safety equipment It’s
your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of the areas where you
ride, and to comply with all applicable laws.
3Do you know how to correctly secure your front and rear wheels? Check to
make sure. Riding with an improperly secured wheel can cause the wheel to
wobble or disengage from the Trike, and cause serious injury or death.
4Does your trike have suspension? If so, check Suspension can change the way
a Trike performs. Follow the suspension manufacturer’s instructions for use,
adjustment and care.
C. Mechanical Safety Check
Routinely check the condition of your Trike before every ride.
q Nuts, bolts screws & other fasteners: Because manufacturers use a wide variety
of fastener sizes and shapes made in a variety of materials, often differing by model and
component, the correct tightening force or torque cannot be generalized. To make sure
that the many fasteners on your Trike are correctly tightened, refer to the Fastener Torque
Specifications in Appendix D of this manual or 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 Trike mechanic
with a torque wrench should torque the fasteners on you Trike. If you choose to work on
your own Trike, you must use a torque wrench and the correct tightening torque

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specifications from the Trike 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.
WARNING: Correct tightening force on fasteners –nuts, bolts,
screws– on your Trike 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 loosen control and fall.
q 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 trike. Any loose parts or
accessories? If so, secure them. If you’re not sure, ask someone with experience
to check.
q Tires & Wheels: Make sure tires are correctly inflated. Check by putting one hand
on the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the trike
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.
q Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and
sidewall. Replace damaged tires before riding the trike.
q 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 trike to a qualified trike 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.
q 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: Trike wheel rims are subject to wear. Ask your dealer
about wheel rim wear. Some wheel rims have a rim wear
indicator, 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 lose control and fall.
q Brakes: Check the brakes for proper operation. Squeeze the brake levers. Are the
brake quick-releases closed? All control cables seated and securely engaged? If you
have rim brakes, do the brake pads contact the wheel rim squarely and make full
contact with the rim? Do the brakes begin to engage within an inch of brake lever
movement? Can you apply full braking force at the levers without having them touch
the handlebar? If not, your brakes need adjustment. Do not ride the trike until the
brakes are properly adjusted by a professional Trike mechanic.

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q Wheel retention system: Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured.
q Handlebar: Make sure the handlebar stem is parallel to the trike’s center line and
clamped tight enough so that you can’t twist them out of alignment.
q Handlebar ends: Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition.
If not, have your dealer replace them. Make sure the handlebar ends and extensions are
plugged. If not, have your dealer plug them before you ride. If the handlebars have bar
end extensions, make sure they are clamped tight enough so you can’t twist them.
WARNING: Loose or damaged handlebar grips or extensions can
cause you to lose control and fall. Unplugged handlebars or
extensions can cut you and cause serious injury in an otherwise
minor accident.
VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:
Please also read and become thoroughly familiar with the important
information on the lifespan of your Trike and its components .
D. First ride
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your first familiarization ride on your new
Trike, be sure to pick a controlled environment, away from cars, other cyclists, obstacles
or other hazards. Ride to become familiar with the controls, features and performance of
your new trike.
Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the trike).
Test the brakes at slow speed, putting your weight toward the rear and gently applying
the brakes, Sudden or excessive application of the front brake could pitch you over the
handlebars. Applying brakes too hard can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to lose
control and fall. Skidding is an example of what can happen when a wheel locks up.
If your trike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how the suspension responds to
brake application and rider weight shifts.
Check out the handling and response of the trike; and check the comfort.
If you have any questions, or if you feel anything about the trike is not as it should
be, consult your dealer before you ride again.
2. Safety
A. The Basics
WARNING: The area in which you ride may require specific safety
devices. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of
the area where you ride and to comply with all applicable laws,
including properly equipping yourself and your trike as the law requires.

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Observe all local Bike/Trike laws and regulations. Observe regulations
about Trike lighting, licensing of Trikes, riding on sidewalks, laws
regulating bike path and trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws,
special Trike traffic laws. It’s your responsibility to know and obey the
laws.
1. Always wear a cycling helmet which meets the latest certification
standards and is appropriate for the type of riding you do. Always follow
the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and care of your
helmet. Most serious Bike/Trike injuries involve head injuries which
might have been avoided if the rider had worn.
an appropriate helmet.
WARNING: Failure to wear a helmet when riding may result in serious
injury or death.
1Always do the Mechanical Safety Check (Section 1.C) before you get on a trike.
2Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your Trike: brakes
3Be careful to keep body parts and other objects away from the spinning wheels of
your Trike.
4. Always wear:
•Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip the floor. Make sure that shoe laces
cannot get into moving parts, and never ride barefoot or in sandals.
•Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that it can be tangled in the Trike or
snagged by objects at the side of the road or trail.
5. Protective eyewear, to protect against airborne dirt, dust and bugs — tinted
when the sun is bright, clear when it’s not.
6. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions. Higher speed means higher risk.
B. Riding Safety
1. Obey all Rules of the Road and all local traffic laws.
2. You are sharing the road or the path with others — motorists, pedestrians and
other cyclists. Respect their rights.
3. Ride defensively. Always assume that others do not see you.
4. Look ahead, and be ready to avoid:
•Vehicles slowing or turning, entering the road or your lane ahead of
you, or
•coming up behind you.
•Parked car doors opening.
•Pedestrians stepping out.
•Children or pets playing near the road.
•Pot holes, sewer grating, railroad tracks, expansion joints, road
or sidewalk construction, debris and other obstructions that
could cause you to swerve into traffic, catch your wheel or
cause you to have an accident.
•The many other hazards and distractions which can occur on a
Trike ride.
•Ride in designated bike/trike lanes, on designated trike paths or
as close to the edge of the road as possible, in the direction of

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traffic flow or as directed by local governing laws.
5. Stop at stop signs and traffic lights; slow down and look both ways at street
intersections. Remember that a Trike always loses in a collision with a motor
vehicle, so be prepared to yield even if you have the right of way.
6. Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping.
7. Never ride with headphones. They mask traffic sounds and emergency vehicle
sirens, distract you from concentrating on what’s going on around you, and
their wires can tangle in the moving parts of the Trike, causing you to lose
control.
8. Never carry a passenger, unless it is a small child wearing an approved
helmet and secured in a correctly a child-carrying trailer.
9. Never carry anything which obstructs your vision or your complete control of
the Trike, or which could become entangled in the moving parts of the Trike.
10. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another vehicle.
11. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you intend to do stunts, wheelies,
jumps or go racing with your trike despite our advice not to, read Section 2.F,
Downhill, Stunt or Competition Biking/Drifting , now. Think carefully about
your skills before deciding to take the large risks that go with this kind of
riding.
12. Don’t weave through traffic or make any moves that may surprise people with
whom you are sharing the road.
13. Observe and yield the right of way.
14. Never ride your Trike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. If possible, avoid riding in bad weather, when visibility is obscured, at dawn, dusk
or in the dark, or when extremely tired. Each of these conditions increases the risk
of accident.
C. Off Road Safety
1.We recommend that children not ride on rough terrain unless they are
accompanied by an adult.
2.The variable conditions and hazards of off-road riding require close attention and specific
skills. Start slowly on easier terrain and build up your skills. If your trike has suspension, the
increased speed you may develop also increases your risk of losing control and falling. Get
to know how to handle your trike safely before trying increased speed or more difficult
terrain.
3.Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan to do.
4.Don’t ride alone in remote areas. Even when riding with others, make sure that
someone knows where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
5. Always take along identification, so that people know who you are in case of an
accident; and take along some cash for food, a cool drink or an emergency phone call.
6. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride in a way that does not frighten or
endanger them, and give them enough room so that their unexpected moves don’t
endanger you.
7.Be prepared. If something goes wrong while you’re riding off-road, help may
not be close.
8.Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with your trike, read and
understand Section 2.F.

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Off Road respect
Obey the local laws regulating where and how you can ride off-road, and respect
private property. You may be sharing the trail with others — hikers, equestrians, or
cyclists. Respect their rights. Stay on the designated trail. Don’t contribute to erosion
by riding in mud or with unnecessary sliding. Don’t disturb the ecosystem by cutting
your own trail or shortcut through vegetation
or streams. It is your responsibility to minimize your impact on the environment.
Leave things as you found them; and always take out everything you brought in.
D. Wet Weather Riding
WARNING: Wet weather impairs traction, braking and visibility, both
for the rider and for other vehicles sharing the road. The risk of an
accident is dramatically increased in wet conditions.
Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your brakes (as well as the brakes of other
vehicles sharing the road) is dramatically reduced and your tires don’t grip nearly as well.
This makes it harder to control speed and easier to lose control. To make sure that you
can slow down and stop safely in wet conditions, ride more slowly and apply your brakes
earlier and more gradually than you would under normal, dry conditions.
E. Night Riding
Riding a Trike at night is much more dangerous than riding during the day. A rider is very
difficult for motorists and pedestrians to see. Therefore, children should never ride at
dawn, at dusk or at night. Adults who chose to accept the greatly increased risk of riding
at dawn, at dusk or at night need to take extra care both riding and choosing specialized
equipment which helps reduce that risk. Consult your dealer about night riding safety
equipment.
WARNING: Reflectors are not a substitute for required lights.
Riding at dawn, at dusk, at night or at other times of poor visibility
without an adequate Trike lighting system and without reflectors is
dangerous and may result in serious injury or death.
Trike reflectors are designed to pick up and reflect car lights and street lights in a way that
may help you to be seen and recognized as a moving bicyclist.
CAUTION: Check reflectors and their mounting brackets regularly to
make sure that they are clean, straight, unbroken and securely
mounted. Have your dealer replace damaged reflectors and
straighten or tighten any that are bent or loose.
The mounting brackets of front and rear reflectors are often designed as brake straddle
cable safety catches which prevent the straddle cable from catching on the tire tread if
the cable jumps out of its yoke or breaks.
WARNING: Do not remove reflectors or reflector brackets from

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your Trike. They are an integral part of the Trike’s safety system.
Removing the reflectors reduces your visibility to others using
the roadway. Being struck by other vehicles may result in
serious injury or death.
The reflector brackets may protect you from a brake straddle cable
catching on the tire in the event of brake cable failure. If a brake
straddle cable catches on the tire, it can cause the wheel to stop
suddenly, causing you to loosen control and fall.
If you choose to ride under conditions of poor visibility, check and be sure you comply with
all local laws about night riding, and take the following strongly recommended additional
precautions:
• Purchase and install battery or generator powered head and tail lights which
meet all regulatory requirements and provide adequate visibility.
• Wear light colored, reflective clothing and accessories, such as a reflective vest,
reflective arm and leg bands, reflective stripes on your helmet, flashing lights
attached to your body and/or your Trike ... any reflective device or light source that
moves will help you get the attention of approaching motorists, pedestrians and
other traffic.
• Make sure your clothing or anything you may be carrying on the Trike does
not obstruct a reflector or light.
• Make sure that your Trike is equipped with correctly positioned and
securely mounted reflectors.
While riding at dawn, at dusk or at night:
• Ride slowly.
• Avoid dark areas and areas of heavy or fast-moving traffic.
• Avoid road hazards.
• If possible, ride on familiar routes.
If riding in traffic:
• Be predictable. Ride so that drivers can see you and predict your
movements.
• Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.
• If you plan to ride in traffic often, ask your dealer about traffic safety classes or a
good book on Trike traffic safety.
WARNING: Although many catalogs, advertisements and articles
about bicycling /riding depict riders engaged in extreme riding, this
activity is extremely dangerous, increases your risk of injury or
death, and increases the severity of any injury. Remember that the
action depicted is being performed by professionals with many
years of training and experience. Know your limits and always wear
a helmet and other appropriate safety gear. Even with state-of-the-
art protective safety gear, you could be seriously injured or killed
when jumping, stunt riding, riding downhill at speed or in
competition.
WARNING: Trikes and Trike parts have limitations with regard to
strength and integrity, and this type of riding can exceed those

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limitations.
G. `Changing Components or Adding Accessories
There are many components and accessories available to enhance the comfort,
performance and appearance of your Trike. However, if you change components or add
accessories, you do so at your own risk. The Trike’s manufacturer may not have tested
that component or accessory for compatibility, reliability or safety on your Trike. Before
installing any component or accessory, including a different size tire, make sure that it is
compatible with your Trike by checking with your dealer. Be sure to read, understand and
follow the instructions that accompany the products you purchase for your Trike.
WARNING: Failure to confirm compatibility, properly install, operate
and maintain any component or accessory can result in serious injury
or death.
WARNING: Changing the components on your trike with other
than genuine replacement parts may compromise the safety of
your Trike and may void the warranty. Check with your dealer
before changing the components on your trike.
3. Fit
NOTE: Correct fit is an essential element of riding safety, performance
and comfort. Making the adjustments to your Trike which result in
correct fit for your body and riding conditions requires experience, skill
and special tools. Always have your dealer make the adjustments on
your Trike; or, if you have the experience, skill and tools, have your
dealer check your work before riding.
WARNING: If your Trike does not fit properly, you may lose control
and fall. If your new trike doesn’t fit, ask your dealer to exchange it
before you ride it.
A. Stand over height
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2. Step-through frame Trikes
Stand over height does not apply to Trikes with step-through frames. Instead, the limiting
dimension is determined by handlebar height and brake/ control reach capability and
range. If you are unable to see over handle bars or reach brake controls or use handlebars
with full range, then the trike is too large for you and smaller trike is required.
B. Handlebar height and angle
Your trike is equipped either with a “threadless” stem,
which clamps on to the outside of the steerer tube, or
with a tube by way of an expanding binder bolt. If you
aren’t absolutely sure which type of stem your trike has,
ask your dealer.

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If your trike has a “threadless” stem (fig. 6) your
dealer may be able to change handlebar height by
moving height adjustment spacers from below the
stem to above the stem, or vice versa. Otherwise, you’ll
have to get a stem of different length or rise. Consult
your dealer. Do not attempt to do this yourself, as it
requires special knowledge.
If your trike has a “quill” stem (fig. 7) you can ask
your dealer to adjust the handlebar height a bit by
adjusting stem height.
Some Trikes are equipped with an adjustable angle stem. If your Trike has an adjustable
angle stem, ask your dealer to show you how to adjust if. Do not attempt to make the
adjustment yourself, as changing stem angle may also require adjustments to the
Trike’s controls.
WARNING: Always tighten fasteners to the correct torque. Bolts
that are too tight can stretch and deform. Bolts that are too loose
can move and fatigue. Either mistake can lead to a sudden failure of
the bolt, causing you to lose control and fall.
Your dealer or local bike mechanic can also change the angle of the handlebar or bar
end extensions.
WARNING: An insufficiently tightened stem clamp bolt, handlebar
clamp bolt or bar end extension clamping bolt may compromise
steering action, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Place
the front wheel of the Trike between your legs and attempt to twist
the handlebar/stem assembly. 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, the bolts
are insufficiently tightened.
D. Control position adjustments
The angle of the brake and throttle control levers and their position on the handlebars
can be changed they can also be swapped to suit left or right handed use by a bike
mechanic or dealer upon request. If you choose to make your own control lever angle
adjustment, be sure to re- tighten the clamp fasteners to the recommended
manufacturer’s instructions.
WARNING: The shorter the brake lever reach, the more critical it is
to have correctly adjusted brakes, so that full braking power can be
applied within available brake lever travel. Brake lever travel
insufficient to apply full braking power can result in loss of control,
which
may result in serious injury or death.
4. Tech

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It’s important to your safety, performance and enjoyment to understand how things
work on your Trike. We urge you to ask your dealer how to do the things described in
this section before you attempt them yourself, and that you
have your dealer or bike mechanic check your work before you ride the trike. If you have
even the slightest doubt as to whether you understand something in this section of the
Manual, talk to your dealer.
A. Wheels
Trike wheels are designed to be removable for easier transportation and for repair of a
tire puncture. In most cases, the wheel axles are inserted into slots, called “dropouts” in
the fork and frame, but some suspension mountain trikes use what is called a “through
axle” wheel mounting system.
Wheels are secured:
• Hex nuts or hex key bolts which are threaded on to or into the hub axle (bolt- on wheel,
fig. 10)

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A . Rear Wheels- Drifting Sleeve
Trike wheels are designed to use the drifting sleeve accessory- to install
simply deflate the rear wheel and place drifting sleeve over and re-inflate.
DO NOT REMOVE REAR WHEEL TO PLACE
DRIFTING SLEEVES – as the wheels are fixed
using fastenings that require the use of
appropriate torque for tightening.
A wide variety of fastener sizes and shapes made in a variety of materials, often
differing by model and component, the correct tightening force or torque cannot be
generalized. To make sure that the many fasteners on your Trike are correctly
tightened, refer to the Fastener Torque Specifications in Appendix D of this manual or
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 bike mechanic with a torque wrench can torque the fasteners
on you Trike.
Your Trike may be equipped with a different securing method for the front wheel than
for the rear wheel. Discuss the wheel securing method for your Trike with your dealer.
It is very important that you understand the type of wheel securing
method on your Trike, that you know how to secure the wheels correctly,
and that you know how to apply the correct clamping force that safely
secures the wheel. Ask your dealer to instruct you in correct wheel
removal and installation, and ask him to give you any available
manufacturer ’s instructions.
WARNING: Riding with an improperly secured wheel can allow the
wheel to wobble or fall off the Trike, which can cause serious injury
or death. Therefore, it is essential that you:
1. Ask your dealer to help you make sure you know how to install
and remove your wheels safely.
2. Understand and apply the correct technique for clamping your
wheel in place.
3. Each time, before you ride the trike, check that the wheel is
securely clamped.
4. The clamping action of a correctly secured wheel must
emboss the surfaces of the dropouts.
Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices
Most Trikes have front forks which utilize a secondary wheel retention device to reduce the
risk of the wheel disengaging from the fork if the wheel is incorrectly secured. Secondary
retention devices are not a substitute for correctly securing your front wheel.
Secondary retention devices fall into two basic categories:
a. The clip-on type is a part which the manufacturer adds to the front wheel

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hub or front fork.
b. The integral type is molded, cast or machined into the outer faces of the front
fork dropouts.
Ask your dealer to explain the particular secondary retention device on your trike.
WARNING: Do not remove or disable the secondary retention device.
As its name implies, it serves as a back-up for a critical adjustment.
If the wheel is not secured correctly, the secondary retention device
can reduce the risk of the wheel disengaging from the fork.
Removing or disabling the secondary retention device may also void
the warranty.
Secondary retention devices are not a substitute for correctly
securing your wheel. Failure to properly secure the wheel can
cause the wheel to wobble or disengage, which could cause you to
loose control and fall, resulting in serious injury or death.
CAUTION: If your trike is equipped with a front disk brake, be careful
not to damage the disk, caliper or brake pads when re-inserting the
disk into the caliper. Never activate a disk brake’s control lever
unless the disk is correctly inserted in the caliper.
(1)
C. Brakes
There are three general types of Trike brakes: rim brakes, which operate by squeezing
the wheel rim between two brake pads; disc brakes, which operate
by squeezing a hub-mounted disc between two brake pads; and internal hub brakes. All
three can be operated by way of a handlebar mounted lever.
WARNING:
1. Riding with improperly adjusted brakes, worn brake pads, or
wheels on which the rim wear mark is visible is dangerous and
can result in serious injury or death.
2. Applying brakes too hard or too suddenly can lock up a wheel,
which could cause you to lose control and fall. Sudden or
excessive application
of the front brake, may pitch the rider over the handlebars, which
may result in serious injury or death.
3. Some Trike brakes, such as disc brakes (fig. 11) and linear-
pull brakes (fig. 12), are extremely powerful. Take extra care in
becoming familiar with these brakes and exercise care when
using them.
4. Some Trike brakes are equipped with a brake force modulator, a
small, cylindrical device through which the brake control cable runs
and which is designed to provide a more progressive application of
braking force. A modulator makes the initial brake lever force more
gentle, progressively increasing force until full force is achieved. If
your trike is equipped with a brake force modulator, take extra care

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in becoming familiar with its performance characteristics.
5. Disc brakes can get extremely hot with extended use. Be careful
not to touch a disc brake until it has had plenty of time to cool.
6. See the brake manufacturer ’s instructions for operation and
care of your brakes, and for when brake pads must be replaced. If
you do not have the manufacturer ’s instructions, see your dealer
or contact the brake manufacturer.
7. If replacing worn or damaged parts, use only manufacturer-
approved genuine replacement parts.
Brake controls and features
Make sure that your hands can reach and squeeze the
brake levers comfortably. If your hands are too small to
operate the levers comfortably, consult your dealer
before riding the trike. The lever reach may be
adjustable; or you may need a different brake lever
design.
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F. Trike Suspension
Many Trikes are equipped with suspension systems. There are many different
types of suspension systems — too many to deal with individually in this Manual.
If your Trike has a suspension system of any kind, be sure to read and follow the
suspension manufacturer’s setup and service instructions. If you do not have the
manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealer or contact the manufacturer.
WARNING: Failure to maintain, check and properly adjust the
suspension system may result in suspension malfunction, which may
cause you to lose control and fall.
If your trike has suspension, the increased speed you may develop also increases your
risk of injury. For example, when braking, the front of a suspended trike dips. You could
lose control and fall if you do not have experience with this system. Learn to handle
your suspension system safely.
WARNING: Changing suspension adjustment can change the
handling and braking characteristics of your Trike. Never change
suspension adjustment unless you are thoroughly familiar with the
suspension system manufacturer ’s instructions and
recommendations, and always check for changes in the handling
and braking characteristics of the Trike after a suspension
adjustment by taking a careful test ride in a hazard-free area.
Suspension can increase control and comfort by allowing the wheels to better follow

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the terrain. This enhanced capability may allow you to ride faster; but
you must not confuse the enhanced capabilities of the Trike with your own
capabilities as a rider. Increasing your skill will take time and practice. Proceed
carefully until you have learned to handle the full capabilities of your trike.
WARNING: Not all Trikes can be safely retrofitted with some types
of suspension systems. Before retrofitting a Trike with any
suspension, check with the Trike’s manufacturer to make sure that
what you want to do is compatible with the Trike’s design. Failing to
do so can result in catastrophic frame failure.
G. Tires and Tubes
Tires
Trike tires are available in many designs and specifications, ranging from general-
purpose designs to tires designed to perform best under very specific weather or
terrain conditions. If, once you’ve gained experience with your new trike, you feel
that a different tire might better suit your riding needs, your dealer can help you
select the most appropriate design.
The size, pressure rating, and on some high-performance tires the specific
recommended use, are marked on
the sidewall of the tire. The part of
this information which is most
important to you is Tire Pressure.
WARNING: Never inflate a
tire beyond the maximum
pressure marked on the
tire’s sidewall. Exceeding
the recommended
maximum pressure may
blow the tire off the rim,
which could cause damage
to the trike and injury to
the rider and bystanders.
The best and safest way to inflate a Trike tire to the correct pressure is with a Trike
pump which has a built-in pressure gauge.
WARNING: There is a safety risk in using gas station air hoses or
other air compressors. They are not made for Trike tires. They move
a large volume of air very rapidly, and will raise the pressure in your
tire very rapidly, which could cause the tube to explode.
Tire pressure is given either as maximum pressure or as a pressure range. How a tire
performs under different terrain or weather conditions depends largely on tire
pressure. Inflating the tire to near its maximum recommended pressure gives the
lowest rolling resistance; but also produces the harshest ride. High pressures work
best on smooth, dry pavement.
Very low pressures, at the bottom of the recommended pressure range, give the best

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performance on smooth, slick terrain such as hard-packed clay, and on deep, loose
surfaces such as deep, dry sand.
Tire pressure that is too low for your weight and the riding conditions can cause a
puncture of the tube by allowing the tire to deform sufficiently to pinch the inner
tube between the rim and the riding surface.
CAUTION: Pencil type automotive tire gauges can be inaccurate and
should not be relied upon for consistent, accurate pressure readings.
Instead, use a high quality dial gauge.
Ask your dealer to recommend the best tire pressure for the kind of riding you will
most often do, and have the dealer inflate your tires to that pressure. Then, check
inflation as described in Section 1.C so you’ll know how correctly inflated tires should
look and feel when you don’t have access to a gauge. Some tires may need to be
brought up to pressure every week or two, so it is important to check your tire
pressures before every ride.
Some special high-performance tires have unidirectional treads: their tread pattern is
designed to work better in one direction than in the other. The sidewall marking of a
unidirectional tire will have an arrow showing the correct rotation direction. If your
trike has unidirectional tires, be sure that they are mounted to rotate in the correct
direction.
2. Tire Valves
There are primarily two kinds of Trike tube valves: The Schraeder Valve and the Presta
Valve. The bike pump you use must have the fitting appropriate to the valve stems on
your Trike.
The Schraeder valve (fig. 18a) is like the valve on a car tire. To inflate a
Schraeder valve tube, remove the valve cap and clamp the pump fitting onto
the end of the valve stem. To let air out of a Schraeder valve, depress the pin
in the end of the valve stem with the end of a key or other appropriate
object.
WARNING: We highly recommend that you carry a spare inner tube
when you ride your trike. Patching a tube is an emergency repair.
If you do not apply the patch correctly or apply several patches,
the tube can fail, resulting in possible tube failure, which could
cause you to loose control and fall. Replace a patched tube as
soon as possible.

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5. Service
WARNING: Technological advances have made Trikes and Bike
components more complex, and the pace of innovation is increasing.
It is impossible for this manual to provide all the information
required to properly repair and/or maintain your Trike. In order to
help minimize the chances of an accident and possible injury, it is
critical that you have any repair or maintenance which is not
specifically described in this manual performed by your dealer.
Equally important is that your individual maintenance requirements
will be determined by everything from your riding style to
geographic location. Consult your dealer for help in determining your
maintenance requirements.
WARNING: Many Trike service and repair tasks require special
knowledge and tools. Do not begin any adjustments or service on
your Trike until you have learned from your dealer or bike
mechanic, how to properly complete them. Improper adjustment or
service may result in damage to the Trike or in an accident which
can cause serious injury or death.
If you want to learn to do major service and repair work on your trike:
1. Ask your dealer for copies of the manufacturer’s installation and service
instructions for the components on your trike, or contact the component
manufacturer.
2. Ask your dealer to recommend a book on Bike/Trike repair.
3. Ask your dealer or bike mechanic about the availability of Bike repair courses in
your area.
We recommend that you ask your dealer to check the quality of your work the first time
you work on something and before you ride the trike, just to make sure that you did
everything correctly. Since that will require the time of a mechanic, there may be a
modest charge for this service.
We also recommend that you ask your dealer or bike mechanic for guidance on
what spare parts, such as inner tubes, light bulbs, etc. it would be appropriate for
you to have once you have learned how to replace such parts when they require
replacement.
A. Service Intervals
Some service and maintenance can and should be performed by the owner, and
require no special tools or knowledge beyond what is presented in this manual.
The following are examples of the type of service you should perform yourself. All
other service, maintenance and repair should be performed in a properly equipped
facility by a qualified Trike mechanic using the correct tools and procedures specified
by the manufacturer.