itcreations itbike User manual

User Manual
Version: 7
Date: April 2010
By:

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Table of Contents
Page no.
Dear itBike user… 3
Unpacking itBike 4
itBike Assembly 6
Secure the Insert Module 7
Handle Bar Assembly 9
Seating System Assembly 10
Product Update: Seat Knob 11
Attaching the itBike Pedals 12
Final Check 13
itBiking 14
Preventative Maintenance 16
Questions and Answers 17
Storage and Transport 20
Safety Related Questions 22
Technology & Construction 23
Troubleshooting
itBike does not turn left or right 25
itBike Pedals are stuck & will not turn 26
Steering Column Replacement Steps 27
Adjusting at the Steering Cord Clip 30
Gear Box Removal & Installation ( Fiberglass model) 33
itBike Hull Repair Instructions ( Fiberglass model) 38

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Dear itBiker:
Congratulations on your purchase of the itBike and thank you for joining the
growing family of itBikers around the world.
We hope you have many years of itBiking satisfaction. This manual provides
you the information you will need to get started with itBike and it also provides
information regarding preventative maintenance, service, safety and other
considerations.
Please contact us if you have any suggestions, complaints or you want to share
thoughts with us.
The itBike Team

www.itbikes.com
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Unpacking itBike
Your itBike is shipped in 2 cartons.
HULL 1 INSERT MODULE
Open the Hull carton
Please keep this box as you will need it in the unlikely event that you have to do
a major repair of the itBike hull or if you want to ship it somewhere.
*Slide the itBike hull onto a non-abrasive surface.

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Inside the 2nd carton you will find the Hull the Insert Module (which is composed
of the itBike subsystem and the keel module), the Steering Column, the Seat and
the Pedals.
Take out the Insert Module and the other parts out of the 2nd carton.
Insert Module Pedals & Covers, Handle Bar,
Seating System
In summary, your itBike shipment should include:
•1 hull
•1 Insert Module
•1 package of pedals with 2 pedals inside.
•1 package of Soft-Feel pedal covers (2 covers)
•1 Handle Bar
•1 Seating system (Seat and Backrest)
(The pedals are the only components of the itBike that require any tools for
assembly. You will need only a 6mm Allen key)

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itBike Assembly
Place the itBike Hull on the itStand shown below (you can order the itStand from
your itBike dealer or on line at www.itBikes.com ).
If you do not have the itStand, place the itBike hull in a position at least 16
inches above and parallel to the ground and make sure there is clearance between
the hole in the middle of the itBike hull and the ground below.
This is where the Insert Module will be placed.
itBike Stand Place the Hull on the Stand
Before sliding the Insert Module into the itBike Hull, you have to:
1) Unscrew the Keel-lock from the Hull.

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2) Make sure that the itBike propeller at the base of the Insert Module is
aligned in such a way that it will not interfere with the itBike hull. Place the
Insert Module into the itBike hull and make sure that the handles are facing
the forward (pointy) part of the itBike hull. We haven’t tried the itBike the
other way around and we’re not sure it is a good deal!!
The Insert Module should effortlessly slide into the itBike hull. See Photos.
WRONG Alignment CORRECT Alignment Insert the Module
Important notes:
1) When removing the Insert Module from the Hull, make sure the
propeller and keel are again correctly aligned to avoid breaking the
parts while lifting out the module.
2) Lubricate the chain and the back ends of the steering wire with any
machine oil.
Secure the Insert Module with the Keel Lock.

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To secure the Insert Module into the itBike Hull, you re-install the Keel-Lock
that you took off before sliding the Insert into the Hull.
1 2
3 4
5
Do not over tighten.That is all there is to it.

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Handle Bar Assembly
Place the handle bar into the sockets of the lower steering column located at the
front part of the itBike. There will be 2 bicycle clamps and these can be tightened
to lock the Handlebars into the Insert Module.
The handlebars can be raised and lowered in order to accommodate different
preferences. Should the Handlebars not slide smoothly up and down, simply wipe
the lower ½ of the handle bars with a cloth dipped in a little motor oil.
Insert the handlebars and slide them up and down a few times
45
Position the Clamps as follows:
Wrong Correct

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Seating System Assembly
The seating system is very comfortable for both the bum
and the back. It will provide hours of comfortable riding.
The itBike seating system slides onto the back of the itBike bicycle frame
and moves forwards and backwards in order to accommodate users of different
heights. The adjusting mechanism is a Knob. The itBike seat can’t be lowered.
There is no need to as the seat can be moved forward and backwards. Another
reason is that itCreations chose an optimum center of gravity for the itBike and
by keeping the itBike user at the chosen height above the water, we have
provided for ideal stability and comfort.

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Nov 14 2007
PRODUCT UPDATE : Seat Knob
itCreations has updated the Seat Clamp to a Seat Knob for easy tightening
and loosening. This is what it looks like:
Step 3 Tightened look

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Attaching the itBike Pedals
The Pedals are marked: “L” for Left & “R” for Right Pedal
Bolt the pedals to the crank shaft using a 6 mm Allan Key.
Tighten the pedals enough so that they do not fall off, but not so tight that you
strip your Allen key.
Lastly, slip on the pedal Comfort Pads.
You’re done.

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Final Check
Now we would like you to check to make sure that all systems are in order
before you take the itBike into the water. Turn the pedals around the crankshaft
as you would a land bike and make sure you feel a soft rotation action.
Turn the handlebars left and right and look below the itBike to make sure that the
rudder is turning left and right. That is it. You are ready to go itBiking on the
water.

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itBiking
The itBike is a high performance product that deserves care. We have listed the
rules and strong suggestions for proper usage of the itBike. If we have omitted
any, please contact us. We are not trying to hassle you, we are just trying to
protect you, protect the itBike and help provide you with years of pleasurable
itBiking.
Putting itBike on the Water
From the beach: 2 people can easily lift and carry the itBike into the water.
Make sure the water depth is at least 18” before putting it down or sitting on it.
You need that 18” depth to avoid damaging the keel. Don’t drag your itBike on
sandy or rocky beaches. The hull is very smooth and you want to keep it that
way. Sand or rocks will scratch it.
From the Dock: Here again 2 people can easily place the itBike in the water 18”
or deeper. If the dock does not have protected or cushioned sides, then please be
careful not to hit your itBike against the side of the dock.
If you are by yourself, first put the Hull in the water and then install the Insert
Module onto the Hull. Don’t let the Hull float away before you attach the insert
module!
Wear a life preserver. There are new designs that provide you with plenty of
room for movement and are comfortable
Don’t take alcohol or mind altering drugs while using the itBike.
Children require supervision when using the itBike.
itBike works well in the wind. However, know your limitations and don’t itBike
in winds that are higher than you can handle
itBike is fast and comfortable. You will be tempted to take long trips.
Remember, that for every mile you go in 1 direction, you have to travel back the
same distance.

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Know the weather forecast in your area if you are going to travel more than a
few hundred yards.
Know your physical limitations in terms of how much exercise you can handle.
Take a water bottle with you if you are traveling long distances. You can
attach this to many parts of the itBike.
Don’t use in waters with depths of less that 18 inches. Otherwise, the keel will
hit the ground.
Don’t drag the itBike on the beach, especially if it is rocky. The belly of the
itBike is very smooth and this provides for a lovely gliding action. Just as you
would not ride a motorboat onto the beach, the same applies with the itBike
If you use the itBike is weedy water and if your propeller is getting full of weeds,
put the itBike into reverse and this should get most of the weeds off.
Don’t ride the itBike onto the shore. Get off before the shore. If you ride
quickly onto the beach, and if you have waves with you, you risk being
somersaulted off the itBike. This is true for pedal boats and kayaks.
Don’t stand on the pedals. They are not designed for this.
If you are traveling long distances in water that you are not familiar with, check a
map before you go out. There may waterfalls, excessive currents or other
dangerous elements.
Avoid taking the itBike out in darkness or low visibility conditions. You
could get lost or be hit by a motorized boat

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Preventative Maintenance
Cleaning your itBike
If you are riding your itBike in salty water
To avoid salt accumulation,rinse the itBike frame with fresh water every couple
of days paying special attention to the open ends of the steering cables.
If you are riding your itBike in fresh water, we suggest you wash your hull
once in a while to keep it beautiful. Should you want to use more that just water
to clean your itBike, only use a non-abrasive liquid cleaner which contains no
solvents such as dishwashing liquid or fiberglass cleaner.
Every month, wipe the itBike chain with a rough cloth to remove any surface
rust that might gather.
itBike, like cars, racing bikes, mountain bikes, downhill skis and golf clubs
require occasional inspection and maintenance so
Every 4 months, apply machine oil to the following parts:
•Crankshaft
•Chain
•Handle bar and seating clasps
•Oil the steering column at the bushing connection.
•Bottom of Seat
•Exposed portion of rudder wire
•Rods attached to the crankshaft

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itBike - Questions and Answers
PERFORMANCE
Is the itBike fast?
Yes. Look at the video on our web site. ( www.itBikes.com) If you are riding very softly,
you will go several miles per hour. Put a bit of muscle into it Bike and you can go quite
quickly.
Is itBike stable?
Yes, it is very stable. itBike is more stable than a kayak. This is achieved by the design of
the hull that has a large, flat surface area as well as the buoyancy extenders on the sides.
Can children use itBike?
Yes. Of course, children should use itBike with supervision and life preservers. The
handlebars and seat are adjustable, so most 8 year olds can use itBike. The itBike is very
stable so there is no learning curve such as in 2 wheel land bikes. Please provide constant
supervision. The itBike is safe, but the environment it works in can be dangerous.
Is itBike easy to carry?
Yes. itBike weighs less than 70 pounds and it has carrying grips and support straps. The
itBike hull weighs less than 40 pounds and it is a separate unit from the Insert Module that
incorporates the bike frame. itBike can also be easily transported on top of your car or in
your SUV.
Can itBike be used in waves?
Yes. We have tested it Bike in 3-foot waves and it performed very well, however it is not
designed to ride the surf.
Do not ride waves onto the shore. Get off before any wave that breaks on the shore. Also,
Please be cautious in rougher water and use a life preserver in rougher conditions.
How does itBike perform in windy weather?
Very well. itBike works well in 25-knot winds. Please be extra cautious in these windy
conditions. It is often best to bike against the wind in windy weather so that you can be sure
you can handle the existing wind conditions. If you are taking itBike into windy conditions,

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and you are new to the area, please ask somebody from the area about the waters. There
might be currents as well as the wind. When you combine these forces, things can become a
problem. Please use a life preserver in windy weather.
Is the seat and backrest comfortable?
Yes. Very comfortable. itBike has both a seat and a backrest to provide extra riding
comfort. The seat has a cushioned seat developed top designers of bicycle. Similar
technology is used by some leading bicycle brands. You can ride comfortably for hours on
the itBike. Or simply take a book, put your feet on the handlebars, and read for hours. That
comfortable!
How good is the steering on the itBike?
Excellent. itBike turns on a dime. The hull, rudder and steering column were designed for
very fast turning. Please see the itBike video.
Is itBike good exercise?
Yes. It is great aerobic and anaerobic exercise. You can compare itBike use to bicycle riding
and spinning. The pedaling is great aerobic exercise. Also, the legs and stomach get a
workout too. Water treats your body much like gears do. The higher the gear, the higher the
workout. The faster you push on the pedals, the higher the workout. Water works a bit more
aggressively than gears. Every 10% increase in pedaling speed give you much more than a
10% increase in exercise. This is because water does not like to move and you work extra
hard for each % increase in your speed. If you push the itBike as hard as you can, your
muscles will be burning.
Then go for a dip in the water. If you are doing a strong workout, bring some water with
you. You will need it.
Does itBike go backwards?
Yes. itBike goes back easily and quickly. Going backward can be useful when you get close
to shore and want to turn around. Also, fishermen find it quite useful in getting close to those
special spots. Is it easy to get on the itBike from the water? Yes. Hold onto to grab handle at
the back of the bike frame and get back on Or get on the itBike from the side.
If the itBike were to be upside down in the water, is it easy to right up?
Yes.

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How shallow water can I travel with my itBike?
ItBike has a displacement of 18 inches so this sets the minimum depth of water you can
travel with itBike. There are applications, such as very shallow, river kayaking, where 18
inches of depth is not good enough. Please e-mail us at info@itbikes and tell us if this is an
issue for you. If we get enough requests, we might improve on this issue. We have some
very talented people around the world working with us
Can 2 people use the itBike at once?
No. The itBike is designed for 1 person. The itBike is designed to give each rider a very
personal ride and a personal feel for the water. Having 2 people on this design would hurt
the performance of this model of the itBike. However, we are aware that some people want
to travel together on the same bike, and who knows what we will come up with down the
road.
If itBike lands on shore, will the keel handle it?
Yes. We have made a very solid keel. However, don’t sit on the itBike when it is not on the
water.
Don’t turn the pedals when you are on dry land. Please treat your itBike with care. We have
made itBike to last, and we have made it to have pride in.
Can the itBike handlebars be adjusted?
Yes. You can adjust the itBike handlebars with no screws. itBike uses a bike clasp for
adjusting the handlebars
Can the itBike seat be adjusted?
Yes. You can adjust the itBike seat easily and with no screws itBike uses a bike clasp for
adjusting the seating position

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STORAGE AND TRANSPORT
You can move and store your itBike in the protective itBag. The itBag has wheels for easy
transport. You can order your itBag either through your itBike dealer or our website,
www.itBikes.com .
Can I put it Bike on my car?
Yes. Isn’t that great? ItBike is not large and it is light. You can use various kayak racks to
put 2 itBike hulls on the roof. The Insert Module will fit in the trunks or back seats of most
cars and SUVs The ItBike hull will fit behind the front seats of most SUVS, as the length is
less than 8 feet.
Will itBike fit in sailboats and yachts?
Absolutely. Take apart the Insert Module (in seconds) and hang the hull and the Insert
Module on the walls of the yacht or sailboat. The thickness of the hull is less than 11 inches,
so itBike can hang without getting in the way.
How can I store the itBike at home in the city?
Take apart the Insert Module (in seconds) and hang the hull and the Insert Module on the
wall of your garage. The thickness of the hull is less than 11 inches, so it can hang without
getting in the way.
Where do I put itBike at night or when I am away from my waterfront residence?
We have thought many hours about this question and we incorporated our answers in the
design of the product. The Insert Module can be taken out in seconds and placed in a safe
place. Nobody can use just a hull. No tools are required
The handlebars and the seat rests can be removed in seconds. No tools are required. The hull
can be stored where you want. itBike also offers a stand that can hold the a completely
assembled itBike on a dock or on shore. We have a design for an itBike dock attachment that
you can make with standard hardware stores parts. This will enable you to securely attach
your itBike to the dock. You will be able to see this design at www.itbikes.com/dock in
several weeks.