EARLY RIDER T20 User manual

User Manual
Trail T20 T20HT T20W T24HT T24W

The Early Rider Explorers are a group of adventurers
who love getting out on their Early Rider bikes.
They also get special discounts on Early Rider
products and you’ll activate your bike’s warranty.
Thank you for choosing one of our awesome bikes!
They are brought to you by a small team of passionate
life-long bikers based in Henley-on-Thames, UK.
We simply love what we do and we hope that shows in the
amazing Early Rider bike you have selected. If you have any
questions simply speak to your retailer or drop us a line at:
[e-mail]
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REGISTER ONLINE
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IT’S EASY TO JOIN
1
ENJOY THE BENEFITS
Discounts, ideas and freebies!
2
Brake Lever
Headtube
Headset
Crank
Front Chainring
Chain
Cassette
Disc Brake
Seatpost Clamp
Saddle
Seatpost
Stem
Fork
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Your Early Rider will be fully assembled when purchased
from an Early Rider authorised dealer. These instructions
are intended to detail some important points vital for
the safe and ecient running of your bike and to run
through the adjustment of the bike to accommodate
your child’s development.
Please retain these instructions for future reference.
REgister your bike So, you’re ready for your first adventure.
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EARLYRIDER.COM/MANUALS
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T20 T24HT
T24W
EARLY RIDER TRAIL
Know your bike
M
M
T20HT W20

GET READY FOR YOUR FIRST RIDE
SEttING UP YOUR Bike
ADJUST THE SEATING POSITION
SEAT CLAMP
Sit your child on the bike. Adjust the saddle position
so that your child can support themselves with their
feet on the ground and their legs slightly bent.
They need to be comfortable and stable when they are
getting started on the bike. Once familiar with the bike,
you can begin to raise the saddle height to enable a little
extra pedal power, but be sure to do this only as your
child’s confidence develops.
Encourage your child to pedal with the ball of their foot.
In time you can get them to a riding position where the
leg is slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke for
optimum eciency.
1
Your seat post is marked to indicate the maximum
permissible height of the saddle. For safety reasons,
do not exceed the maximum extension mark.
Important Stuff
SEAT RAILS
Your Early Rider bike is equipped an anatomically correct
performance seat specially designed for children. It uses rails
together with a micro-adjust seatpost to give you precise
control over reach and angle. We recommend you work with
your child to find the perfect position.
To adjust simply loosen the allen key bolt under the seat at
the top of the seat post (see pic). Once loose you will be able
to move the seat backward and forwards and angle it up and
down. Once the desired position has been found just tighten
the bolt and you’re ready to ride!
T20 T20HT T20W T24HT T24W
T20 T20HT T20W T24HT T24W

GET READY FOR YOUR FIRST RIDE
CHECK YOUR WHEELS & TYRES
TYRES
Check your tyre pressure before riding, either by
hand or by using a pressure gauge. Your tyres
should be inflated to the pressure range indicated
on the tyre sidewalls. Under inflated tyres will increase
traction but will be harder to drive and will increase the
chance of punctures.
WHEELS
Spin the wheels to make sure the rims run true. If the wheels
become untrue, they can easily be repaired by an experi-
enced bike mechanic. It is possible that a light rubbing can
be heard when the wheel turns. This sound comes from light
contact between the disc and the brake pads, and will disap-
pear after the initial running-in period. If the wheel does not
turn freely or the sound does not disappear however, it would
be best to seek professional help.
3
SEttING UP YOUR Bike
ADJUST THE HANDLEBARS
The handlebars can be adjusted to suit the
rider. The height can be altered to find the most
comfortable riding position for your child.
STEM HEIGHT
Your Early Rider has a “threadless” headset system which
uses a series of spacers that can be placed above or below
the stem to alter the handlebar height (see maintenance -
‘headset’ for adjustment information).
2
T20 T20HT T20W T24HT T24W T20 T20HT T20W T24HT T24W

GET READY FOR YOUR FIRST RIDE
SEttING UP YOUR Bike
4B
CHECK YOUR BRAKES
DISC BRAKES
The T20W, T24HT and T24W are fitted with
SRAM hydraulic disc brakes. You can adjust the reach to
the lever using the Allen head screw. Check the brakes on
a regular basis for wear and for correct brake operation.
Squeeze the brakes before setting oon a ride to make
sure they are working correctly. If not, please refer to the
downloadable SRAM User Manual or contact your local
dealer.
Encourage your child to pull the brake lever smoothly and
gradually. Remember that braking will throw the rider’s
weight forward and so when the brakes are applied, extend
or tense the arms to resist this motion. Make sure your childs
knows which brake lever operates which wheel.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND MAINTENANCE TIPS,
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE SRAM DISC BRAKE USER GUIDE
FROM EARLYRIDER.COM/MANUALS
CHECK YOUR BRAKES
DISC BRAKES
Your EarlyRider is set up so the right hand
brake lever operates the front brake. If the
destination country drive on the right, the right hand brake
will operate the rear brake. Please check before the first ride.
The T20 and T20HT is fitted with TEKTRO cable-pull disc
brakes. You can adjust the reach to the lever using the allen
head screw as shown in the picture to the right to find the
perfect reach for your child’s hands. Squeeze the brakes
before setting oon a ride to make sure they are working
correctly. If not, please refer to the downloadable TEKTRO
User Manual or contact your local dealer.
Encourage your child to pull the brake lever smoothly and
gradually. Remember that braking will throw the rider’s
weight forward and so when the brakes are applied, extend
or tense the arms to resist this motion. Regularly inspect the
brakes for adjustment and wear and make sure your childs
knows which brake lever operates which wheel.
4A
T20 T20HT
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND MAINTENANCE TIPS,
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE TEKTRO USER GUIDE FROM
EARLYRIDER.COM/MANUALS

GET READY FOR YOUR FIRST RIDE
SEttING UP YOUR bike
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND MAINTENANCE TIPS,
PLEASE DOWNLOAD SUSPENSION USER GUIDES FROM
EARLYRIDER.COM/MANUALS
SUSPENSION FORK
Your Early Rider is fitted with a Suspension
Air fork. They’ve had the Air-pressure set
to suit the average weight of rider. At the top
you will see two adjustment knobs – Lock-out
and Pre-Load. You can use these to find the
best set up for your child and riding environment.
LOCK-OUT ADJUSTMENT
Use this for when road riding or smooth paths. This will ensure
that energy isn’t wasted through compression of the forks when
not needed.
PRE-LOAD ADJUSTMENT
This determines the compression of the fork when the rider
sits on the bike, together with the amount of force required
before the fork begins compressing. The easiest way to measure
this sag is to put a zip-tie around one stanchion and sit on the
bicycle in the normal riding position. Hop oagain and measure
the distance the zip-tie has moved up.
5AADJUSTING AIR PRESSURE
Consult the table on the rear of the
air chamber fork leg for a suggested
air pressure. Make sure the bike is level
and follow the instrcutions below:
1. Unscrew the valvecap on the left hand (pre-load) leg
and set aside.
2. Use a shock pump (not supplied), to pressurize the
fork to the desired level (upon removing the pump
you may loose air- this is air escaping from the pump
and doesn’t aect the pressure in the fork.
3. To decrease the air pressure, we would recommend
using the shock pump as the air chamber volume is
small and will allow better control.
5B
Ideal sag is when the fork compresses between 15-25% of
max travel when seated on the bike. If the distance is shorter
than 15%, It means the fork is too sti(You need to decrease
the air pressure). If the distance is longer than 25%, It means
the fork is too soft (You need to increase the air pressure).
REBOUND ADJUSTMENT (T24W)
The T24W uses an RST fork which has an additional rebound
adjustment located on the bottom of the damper leg. Adjust
this to control how quickly the fork springs back after
compression.
Changing suspension settings on the fork can change the
handling of the bike. Always check for changes in handling or
braking by taking a careful test ride after each adjustment
IMPORtant stuff
T20HT T24HT T24W

GET READY FOR YOUR FIRST RIDE & EVERY RIDE
INTENDED USE
The T20, T20HT, T20W, T24HT & T24W are children’s bikes.
As such, they are not indended for use by an adult. An adults
weight on the bike could result in damage to parts on the
bike including, but not exclusive to, the frame, forks, cranks
and wheel set.
Although we test our bikes beyond their intended usage
and weight, the maximum safe combined weight for rider +
luggage is as below:
T20, T20HT, T20W: 40kg
T24S & T24W: 50kg
The T20, T20HT, T20W, T24HT & T24W are designed to be
ridden on paved, unpaved, gravel roads and o-road trails
where a short loss of contact with the ground due to small
steps can occur. Avoid riding by any busy streets or highways and always
observe possible national legal requirements if riding on
public roads.
IMPORtant stuff
safety first
SEttING UP YOUR Bike
GEARS - SRAM TRIGGER
SHIFTERS
Shift gears by pushing the triggers with your
thumbs. To change to an easier gear, push
the largest trigger with your thumb (the one
nearest to you). To change to a harder gear, push the smaller
trigger with your thumb (the one furthest from you). When
approaching inclines shift down to an easier gear in good
time. The smoothest and fastest gear change happens when
changing gears while pedaling with low force.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND MAINTENANCE TIPS,
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE SRAM USER GUIDES FROM
EARLYRIDER.COM/MANUALS
6
Periodically check to make sure your gear hanger isn’t
bent. If it is, contact your Early Rider dealer or customer
support.
IMPORtant stuff
T20 T20HT T20W T24HT T24W

GET READY FOR YOUR FIRST RIDE & EVERY RIDE
Safety first
When riding a bicycle, a child should wear a correctly
fitted helmet at all times. Failure to do so may result in
serious injury. There, we’ve told you twice.
IMPORtant stuff
RIDING IN THE DARK
Your Early Rider Bike comes with a full set of reflectors. Keep
them on the bike and keep them clean; they will help your
child to be seen by others.
If you and your child will be riding in dull or dark conditions
we strongly recommend that you use a set of reliable battery
powered lights. We also strongly recommend your child
wears reflective clothing when riding, but especially in low
light conditions.
BAD WEATHER
Always be aware that brakes do not work as eciently in wet
weather as they do in the dry. Even well maintained brakes
will require more pressure on the lever and a longer distance
to stop.
Make sure to remind your child to familiarise themselves with
braking when they ride in variable conditions. Also remember
that visibility is reduced in the wet.
ALWAYS WEAR
A HELMEt!
PLEASE RIDE WITH CARE!
No matter how experienced your child is,
it’s worth spending some time allowing your
child to get used to riding their new bike in
a quiet, open area, free from trac.
The bike is built for speed and awesomeness.
Ensure that your child is properly
protected at all times and above all...

ENJOYING YOUR BIKE EVERY RIDE
Your Early Rider Bike is uniquely designed to be low maintenance but it will still benefit from care and attention.
CLEANING
Weather conditions are generally the biggest factor that
determine the frequency of cleaning and lubrication.
Cleaning your bike regularly means you are more likely
to notice any loose or worn components and possible
frame damage. A clean, well lubricated bike will also run
more smoothly and look great.
We recommend using a bicycle cleaner, a sponge and a
brush. Wash, rinse and dry before lubricating it.
DO NOT JET WASH as this may damage your bike’s
cartridge bearings.
LUBRICANTS
After cleaning your bike, it is advisable to spray with a water
dispersant, let it dry and then lubricate moving parts.
The drivetrain and gear cables will benefit from regular
lubrication with a suitable bicycle specific lubricant.
Component Lubricant Frequency
Chain Oil Weekly/after washing/rain
Gear Cables Oil Weekly/after washing/rain
Rear Derailleur Oil Weekly/after washing/rain
Suspension Forks Silicone spray Weekly/after washing/rain
Although the bike uses Stainless Steel hardware - a small squirt of
a water dispersant on all bolt heads will help stop corrosion and
keep the bolts looking like new.
simple maintenance
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
It is advisable to have your bike serviced regularly to keep it in good working order. If you consistently ride more or in poor
wether conditions, then you should check the bike more frequently.
Frame & Forks Check for damage, discolouring, dents or cracks before everyride
Tyres Check pressure, tread and sidewalls for damage before every ride
Brakes Check function before every ride, replace DOT 4 fluid in Hydraulic brakes annually
Bolts & Hardware Check bolts are tight weekly - spray with water dispersant after washing/rain
Brake Pads Check wear of brake pads weekly
Suspension forks Suggested service interval - every 6 months, see manufacturers guide
Bottom Bracket Check for play/damage monthly
Drivetrain Keep lubricated weekly, check for wear and replace if neccesary
Wheels Check for trueness and spoke tension weekly, chek for bearing play

ENJOYING YOUR BIKE EVERY RIDE
THREADLESS HEADSET
Your Early Rider bike uses a ‘threadless headset’.
Threadless headsets use a stem that clamps around an
unthreaded steerer tube of a fork. Adjustment of these
headsets (or re-tensioning after re-positioning of spacers
to adjust the stem height) is relatively straightforward –
threadless headsets can be adjusted with a simple allen key.
If the headset is loose, first loosen the stem bolts so that it
can move on the steerer. Tighten the bolt in the centre of the
top cap that sits on top of the stem until the play is taken up.
Do not over tighten this top bolt. Rock the bike back and
forth with the front brake on to check for play and tighten
a quarter turn until the play is eliminated. Then tighten the
stem bolts correctly ensuring that the stem is lined up with
the front wheel.
Correct tensioning of these bolts involves adding a half
turn to each bolt in turn until the correct level of torque is
reached. Rotate the bars from side to side – the headset
should feel smooth, not lumpy or sti. If it is, undo the
stem bolts and loosen the top cap bolt a quarter turn
and try again.
Bearing damage caused by lack of maintenance or by riding
the bike with a loose headset may mean that a smooth feel
is not possible – in this case please consult your local dealer
for advice.
simple maintenance
HEADSET & STEM
Although the bearings of a headset don’t rotate as frequently
as the other bearings on a bike they are among the most
important as they control the accurate steering of your bike.
A loose headset can quickly damage the bike making it hard
to control. Check your headset every time you ride. To check
headset tightness, put the front brake on and rock the bike
back and forth. If you feel movement tighten the headset.
WARNING! A loose headset can cause a serious
accident – ensure that any play here is eliminated
before the bike is ridden. Consult a dealer if in doubt.
IMPORtant stuff
T20 T20HT T20W T24HT T24W T20 T20HT T20W T24HT T24W

ENJOYING YOUR BIKE EVERY RIDE
simple maintenance
CABLE DISC BRAKES (T20, T20HT)
As with any cable brake there may be some stretching of the
cable during the first few rides. You can adjust this slack by
using the barrel adjusters on the brake lever and at the top of
the disc caliper.
BRAKE PAD WEAR ADJUSTMENT
Disc brake pads are subject to wear, depending on usage
and conditions. As the brake pads wear, turn the inboard
pad adjustment clockwise until the desired pad rotor gap
is achieved. You may need to balance this with the barrel
adjuster. Brake pads must be replaced if the total thickness of
the backing plate and pad is less than 3mm. We recommend
replacing pads with the same organic compound to maintain
performance.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND MAINTENANCE TIPS,
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE AVID BB5 USER GUIDE FROM
EARLYRIDER.COM/MANUALS
It is important that the parents or carers ensure that
the child is properly instructed in the use of the bicycle,
particular in the safe use of the braking systems.
IMPORtant stuff HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES (T20W,
T24HT, T24W)
Regularly check the brake hoses and connections for leaks
while pulling on the lever. In the case of brake fluid leakage,
contact your Early Rider dealer immediately. A leak in the
brake lines can render the brake ineective.
BRAKE PAD WEAR ADJUSTMENT
Disc brake pads are subject to wear, depending on usage
and conditions. Brake pads must be replaced if the total
thickness of the backing plate and pad is less than 3mm. We
recommend replacing pads with the same organic compound
to maintain performance.
You may periodically need to ‘centralise’ your brakes. To do
this, loosen the 2 caliper bolts so the caliper is free to move,
pull the brake lever to the handlebar and re tighten the
caliper bolts to 9-10Nm.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND MAINTENANCE TIPS,
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE SRAM DISC BRAKE USER GUIDE
FROM EARLYRIDER.COM/MANUALS
Disc brakes can reach a very high operating
temperature. Do not touch them, especially after a long
descent, as you can burn yourself.
IMPORtant stuff
T20 T20HT T20 T20HT
T20 T20HT
T20W T24HT T24W

ENJOYING YOUR BIKE EVERY RIDE
simple maintenance
WHEELS
The condition of your wheels is key. The best maintenance
for a wheel is preventative maintenance. Watch for these
potential usage-created problems:
DIRTY RIMS
Dirty or greasy rims can render your brakes ineective. Do not
clean greasy rims with solvents. Wipe your rims with a clean
rag or wash with soap and water, rinse and let air dry. When
lubricating your bike, be sure not to get oil on the braking
surfaces. If this happens, use a bike specific degreaser to
remove any traces of lubricant before riding or operating the
brakes as it’s easier to remove lubricants from the rims than
the pads.
BUCKLED WHEELS
Bike wheels withstand great forces and weight. Watch for
bent, loose or broken spokes that can cause your wheel to
go ‘out of true’. If your wheels rub noticeably on the brake
pads or you feel a pulsing or juddering when you brake,
your wheels may need truing. Because wheel truing is a
complicated procedure we recommend you take your bike to
an authorised Early Rider dealer if you feel the wheels need
some attention. This is always better done sooner rather
than later, as once a wheel looses it’s ‘balance’ or even spoke
tension, it will deteriorate to a point where it is not possible
to repair it.
ADJUSTING GEARS
The gears on the bike were carefully adjusted during
assembly and checked by your dealer. However, the cables
may stretch a little during the first few miles, making
gear shifting imprecise and often a noisy drivetrain. If this
happens, you may need to adjust the tension in the gear
cable. To do this, wind the barrel adjust anticlockwise on
the gear shifter by quarter of a turn until the gears function
properly and the noise dissapears.
Adjusting the rear derailleur accurately is a job for an
experienced mechanic. Sram has an extensive library of
instructions and techincal guides on their website or if you
have any problems, please consult your local dealer or
contact customer service.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND MAINTENANCE TIPS,
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE SRAM USER GUIDES FROM
EARLYRIDER.COM/MANUALS
T20 T20HT T20W T24HT T24W

ENJOYING YOUR BIKE EVERY RIDE
simple maintenance
SPARES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS
We carry a stock of replacment parts for your Early Rider
bike including grips, tyres and inner tubes. Please visit the
Early Rider website for a list of readily available parts.
www.earlyrider.com/collections/spares
If you can’t find what your looking or for any questions
regarding the compatibility of parts please contact our
customer services by phone or email.
FRAME NUMBER
Please keep a record of your frame number. The frame
number is located on the underside of the frame and consists
of letters and numbers stamped into the frame.
Frame
number
Never ride your bike with loose cranks or pedals as this
could damage your cranks which will never tighten up
properly again.
IMPORtant stuff
PEDALS
It is important to ensure your pedals are tight in the crank
before every ride. Using the bike when loose would result in
damage to the crank arm and possibly yourself!
NOTE: Remember that pedal threads are dierent from
left side to right side. The right side pedal has a right-hand
thread (removes counterclockwise, installs clockwise). The
left side pedal has a left-hand thread (removes clockwise,
installs counterclockwise). Our pedals are printed ‘L’ and ‘R’
for left and right.
TIGHTEN PEDALS
Using a 6mm Allen key and following the direction guide
above, locate the hex hole at the crank end of the pedal and
tighten the thread so it is locked in.
SPROCKET, CRANK & FREEWHEEL
These are components that come under significant stress.
The crank and front sprocket fit onto the bottom bracket
of your bike and is held on at either side by a bolt. These are
among the most important bolts to check regularly – once a
week. Make sure you have the right size tool (8mm Allen key)
to fit the bolt. Tighten to 35nm. It is not uncommon for the
cranks to settle on the axle of the bottom bracket during the
first few rides. This can cause the cranks to loosen (indicated
by a once a revolution creak or clicking sound under
pressure) and could permanently damage the cranks.
T20 T20HT T20W T24HT T24 W

THE SERIOUS STUFF
Warranty coverage on your Early Rider frame, forks and com-
ponents extends for ONE YEAR from the date of purchase while
owned by the original retail purchaser.
This warranty does not cover:
1. Normal wear and tear. Including consumables such as tyres,
grips, brake pads, inner tubes and cables.
2. Any damage, failure or loss caused by accident, misuse, neglect,
abuse, failure to follow instructions or warnings in the owners’
manual or manuals supplied with the bike referring to original
equipment fitted.
3. Any damage, failure or loss caused by use of bicycles for stunt
riding, acrobatics or other similar activities or in any other
manner for which they were not designed. Bending of frames,
forks, handlebars, seat posts or wheel rims can be a sign of
misuse or abuse.
4. The original owner shall pay all labour charges connected with
the repair or replacement of all parts. Under no circumstances
does this limited warranty include the cost of shipment or
transportation to or from an authorised Early Rider distributor
or retailer.
limited warranty
Useful product life cycle
Every Early Rider bike and frame set has a useful life cycle. The
useful life cycle is not the same as the warranty period. The warranty
identifies the period of time that Early Rider will replace the product
if this becomes necessary, this does not guarantee that the product
will last forever. The length of the useful life cycle will vary depending
on the type of bike, riding conditions and care the bike receives. Any
non-standard use can substantially shorten the useful product life cycle
of an Early Rider bicycle or frame set. All Early Rider bicycles and frame
sets should be annually checked by an authorised Early Rider dealer
for indications of potential failures including cracks, corrosion, dents,
deformation, paint peeling and any other indications of potential
problems, inappropriate use or abuse. These are important safety
checks and very important to help prevent accidents, bodily injury to
the rider and shortened useful product life cycle of an Early Rider
frame set.
As with all mechanical components, the bicycle is subjected to wear
and high stresses. Dierent materials and components might react to
wear or stress fatigue in dierent ways. If the design life of the compo-
nents has been exceeded, it may suddenly fail, possibly causing injuries
to the rider. Any form of crack, scratches, or change of colouring in
highly stressed areas indicate that the life of the component has been
reached and it should be replaced.
Limitations
Only bikes sold, assembled and collected from an authorised Early
Rider dealer will be eligible for warranty. The foregoing warranties are
in lieu of and exclude all other warranties not expressly set forth herein,
whether express or implied by operation of law or otherwise, including
but not limited to any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose. Early Rider shall in no event be liable for incidental
or consequential losses, damages or expenses in connection with its
bicycle products. Early Rider’s liability hereunder is expressly limited
to the replacement of goods not complying with this warranty or, at
Early Rider’s discretion, to the amount equal to the purchase price of
the product in question.
Procedures
đŏ Warranty service will be performed by Early Rider or an Early Rider
authorised dealer. Proof of purchase must be provided.
Transportation to and from the Early Rider authorised dealer is
the responsibility of the purchaser.
đŏ Early Rider will have the option of either repair or repayment of an
amount equal to the purchase price of the product.
đŏ In the event Early Rider elects to replace a defective frame, a new
frame of equal or greater value will be provided. The new frame
may not be the exact model purchased. Early Rider is not responsible
for dealer labour charges for component changeovers when a frame
is replaced.
đŏ If you elect to repair a defective product yourself or use the services
of someone other than an Early Rider authorised dealer, Early Rider
will not be liable for any damage, failure or loss caused by the use of
such unauthorised service or parts.

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Specifications are subject to change without notice.