Motobecane Multi-Speed Bicycles User manual

Owner’sManual
Multi-SpeedBicycles

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Owner’s Manual
for multi-speed bicycles
6th Edition
IMPORTANT:
This manual contains important safety, performance
and service information.
Read it before you take the first ride on your new bicycle ,
and keep it for reference.

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Contents page
GENERAL WARNING .................................................... 2
A special note to parents............................................................ 3
1. First
A. Bike fit.................................................................................... 4
B. Safety first ............................................................................. 4
C. Mechanical Safety Check................................................. 5
D. First ride ................................................................................. 6
2. Safety
A. The Basics ............................................................................. 6
B. Riding Safety......................................................................... 7
C. Off Road Safety................................................................... 8
D. Wet Weather Riding .......................................................... 19
E. Night Riding......................................................................... 19
F. Downhill or Competition Biking ......................................... 10
G. Changing Components or Adding Accessories ........... 10
3. Fit
A. Standover height............................................................... 11
B. Saddle position................................................................... 11
C. Handlebar height and angle........................................... 12
D. Control Position Adjustments................................................ 13
E. Brake reach............................................................................. 13
4. Tech
A. Wheels ................................................................................ 14
1. Wheel Quick Release .................................................... 14
2. Removing and Installing Quick Release Wheels ........ 15
3. Removing and Installing Bolt-On Wheels .................... 17
B. Seatpost Quick Release .................................................... 18
C. Brakes ................................................................................. 19
D. Shifting gears...................................................................... 21
E. Pedals .................................................................................. 23
F. Bicycle Suspension.............................................................. 24
G. Tires and Tubes .................................................................. 25
5. Service
A. Service Intervals ................................................................. 27
B. If your bycicle sustains an impact.................................... 29
page
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 bicycle use, service, repair or maintenance.

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GENERAL WARNING
:
Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury and damage. By choosing to ride a bicycle, 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 bicycle reduces risk of injury.
This Manual contains many “Warnings” and “Cautions” concerning the consequences of failure to maintain or inspect
your bicycle 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 bicycle 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 bicycle under all conditions. There are risks associated with the use of any bicycle
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 bicycle 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 bicycle; and that
you and your child have learned, understand and obey not only the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle
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 bicycle’s functions and operating procedures with
your child, before letting your child ride the bicycle.
WARNING: Make sure that your child always wears an approved bicycle helmet when riding; but also
make sure that your child understands that a bicycle helmet is for bicycling 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 bicycle. 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 entiretybe-
fore your first ride; but 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.
A. Bike fit
1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see Section 3.A. If your
bicycle is too large or too small for you, you may lose control and
fall. If your new bike is not the right size, ask your dealer to
exchange it before you ride it.
2. Is the saddle at the right height? To check, see Section 3.B. If
you adjust your saddle height, make sure that you follow the
Minimum Insertion instructions in Section 3.B.
3. Are saddle and seatpost securely clamped? A correctly
tightened saddle will allow no saddle movement in any direction.
See Section 3.B for details.
4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you? If
not, see Section 3.C on what you can do about it.
5. 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 for
details.
6. Do you fully understand how to operate your new bicycle? If
not, before your first ride, have your dealer explain any functions
or features which you do not understand.
B. Safety first
1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike,
and follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and
care of your helmet.
2. Do you have all the other required and recommended
safety equipment? See Section 2. It’s your responsibility to
familiarize yourself with the laws of the areas where you ride, and
to comply with all applicable laws.
3. Do you know how to correctly operate your wheel quick
releases? Check Section 4.A.1 to make sure. Riding with an
improperly adjusted wheel quick release can cause the wheel to
wobble or disengage from the bicycle, and cause serious injury or
death.
4. If your bike has toeclips and straps or clipless (“step-in”)
pedals, make sure you know how they work (see Section 4.E).
These pedals require special techniques and skills. Follow the
pedal manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment and care.
5. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check Section 4.F.
Suspension can change the way a bicycle performs. Follow the
suspension manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment and
care.

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6. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles your
toe or toeclip may be able to contact the front wheel when a
pedal is all the way forward and the wheel is turned. See section
4.E.
C. Mechanical Safety Check
Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before every ride.
Nuts, bolts & straps: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 quick visual
and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Any loose parts or
accessories? If so, secure them. If you’re not sure, ask someone
with experience to check.
Tires & Wheels:Make sure tires are correctly inflated (see
Section 4.G.1). Check by putting one hand on the saddle, one on
the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then bouncing your
weight on the bike 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.
Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts
in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tires before riding
the bike.
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 bike
to a qualified bike shop to have the wheel trued.
CAUTION: Wheels must be true for the brakes to work effectively.
Wheel truing 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.
Brakes: Check the brakes for proper operation (see Sections
4.C). Squeeze the brake levers. Are the brake quick-releases
closed? All control cables seated and securely engaged? Do the
brake pads touch the wheel rim 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 bike until the brakes are properly
adjusted .
Quick Releases: Make sure the front wheel, rear wheel and
seat post quick releases are properly adjusted and in the locked
position. See Section 4.A and 4.B.
Handlebar and saddle alignment: Make sure the saddle and
handlebar stem are parallel to the bike’s center line and clamped
tight enough so that you can’t twist them out of alignment. See
Sections 3.B and 3.C. If not, align and tighten them.
Handlebar ends: Make sure the handlebar grips are secure
and in good condition. If not, replace them. Make sure the
handlebar ends and extensions are plugged. If not, 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. If not,
tighten them.
WARNING: Loose or damaged handlebar grips or extensions can cause
you to lose control and fall.Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut your
body and can cause serious injury in an otherwise minor accident.
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D. First ride
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your first
familiarization ride on your new bicycle, 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 bike.
Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the bike (see
Section 4.C). Test the brakes at slow speed, putting your weight
toward the rear and gently applying the brakes, rear brake first.
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.
If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals , practice getting
in and out of the pedals. See paragraph B.4 above.
If your bike has suspension , familiarize yourself with how the
suspension responds to brake application and rider weight shifts.
See paragraph B.5 above and Section 4.F.
Practice shifting the gears (see Section 4.D).
Remember to never move the shifter while pedaling backward,
nor pedal backwards after having moved the shifter. This could
jam the chain and cause serious damage to the bicycle and may
cause you to lose control and fall.
Check out the handling and response of the bike; and check
the comfort.
If you have any questions, or if you feel anything about the
bike is not as it should be, take the bike back to your dealer for
advice.
2. Safety
A. The Basics
1. Always wear a cycling helmet which
meets the latest certification standards and
follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for
fit, use and care of your helmet. Most serious bicycle injuries
involve head injuries which might have been avoided if the rider
had worn a helmet.
WARNING: Failure to wear a helmet while riding may result in serious
injury or death.
2. Always do the Mechanical Safety Check (Section 1.C)
before you get on a bike.
3. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your bicycle:
brakes (Section 4.C.); pedals (Section 4.E.); shifting (Section4.D.)
4. Be careful to keep body parts and other objects away from
the sharp teeth of chainrings; the moving chain; the turning pedals
and cranks; and the spinning wheels of your bicycle.
5. Always wear:
• Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip the
pedals. Never ride barefoot or while wearing sandals.
• Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that it can be
tangled in the bicycle or snagged by objects at the side of
the road or trail.
Fig. 1
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• Protective eyewear, to protect against airborne dirt, dust
and bugs — tinted when the sun is bright, clear when it’s not.
6. Don’t jump with your bike. Jumping a bike, particularly a
BMX or mountain bike, can be fun; but it puts incredible stress on
everything from your spokes to your pedals. Riders who insist on
jumping their bikes risk serious damage, to their bicycles as well as
to themselves.
7. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions. Increased
speed means higher risk.
B. Riding Safety
1. Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations. Observe
regulations about licensing of bicycles, riding on sidewalks, laws
regulating bike path and trail use, and so on. Observe helmet laws,
child carrier laws and special bicycle traffic laws. It’s your
responsibility to know and obey the 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 otherwise cause you to lose control and have an accident.
• The many other hazards and distractions which can
occur on a bicycle ride.
5. Ride in designated bike lanes, on designated bike paths or
as close to the edge of the road as is safely possible, in the
direction of the traffic flow or as directed by local laws.
6. Stop at stop signs and traffic lights; slow down and look
both ways at street intersections. Remember that a bicycle always
loses in a collision with a motor vehicle, so be prepared to yield
even if you have the right of way.
7. Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping.
8. 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 bicycle, causing you to lose control.
9. Never carry a passenger, unless it is a small child wearing
an approved helmet and secured in a correctly mounted child
carrier or a child-carrying trailer. Follow the child carrier or child-

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carrying trailer’s manufacturer’s recommendations regarding
weight limits.
10. Never carry anything which obstructs your vision or your
complete control of the bicycle, or which could become
entangled in the moving parts of the bicycle.
11. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another vehicle.
12. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. They can cause you
injury and damage your bike.
13. Don’t weave through traffic or make any moves that may
surprise people with whom you are sharing the road.
14. Observe and yield the right of way.
15. Never ride your bicycle while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
16. If possible, avoid riding in bad weather, when visibility is
obscured, at dusk or in the dark, or when extremely tired. Each of
these conditions increases the risk of accident.
C. Off Road Safety
1. 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 bike has suspension, the
increased speed you may develop also increases your risk of losing
control and falling. Get to know how to handle your bike safely
before trying increased speed or more difficult terrain.
2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan
to do.
3. 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.
4. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. They can cause you
injury and damage your bike.
5. Learn and obey the local laws regulating where and how
you can ride off-road, and respect private property.
6. You are sharing the trail with others — hikers, equestrians,
other cyclists. Respect their rights.
7. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride in a way
that does not frighten or endanger them, and stay far enough
away so that their unexpected moves don’t endanger you.
8. 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.

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9. Be prepared. If something goes wrong while you’re riding off-
road, help may not be close.
D. Wet Weather Riding
WARNING: Wet weather impairs traction, braking and visibility, both for the
bicyclist and for other vehicles sharing the road. The risk of an accident is dra-
matically 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. See also Section 4.C.
E. Night Riding
Riding a bicycle at night is many times more dangerous than
riding during the day. A bicyclist is very difficult for motorists and
pedestrians to see. Therefore, children should never ride at dawn, at
dusk or at night. Adults should not ride at dawn, at dusk or at night
unless it is absolutely necessary .
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 bicycle
lighting system and without reflectors is dangerous and may result in serious
injury or death.
Bicycle reflectors are designed to pick up and reflect street
lights and car 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: Donot remove the frontor rear reflectorsor reflectorbrack-
ets from your bicycle. They are an integral part of the bicycle’s safety sys-
tem. Removing the reflectors may reduce your visibility to others using the
roadway. Being struck by other vehicles may result in serious injury or
death.Thereflectorbracketsmayprotectyou from the brake straddlecable
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 loose control and fall.
If you must 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:
• Make sure that your bicycle is equipped with
correctly positioned and securely mounted reflectors
(see Section 3.B.2).
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• 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 ... 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 bicycle does not obstruct a reflector or light.
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.
F. Downhill or Competition Biking
If you ride downhill at speed or in competition, you voluntarily
assume an increased risk of injury or death. When riding downhill,
you can reach speeds seen on motorcycles, and therefore face
similar hazards and risks. Have your bicycle and equipment
carefully inspected by a qualified mechanic and be sure it is in
perfect condition. Consult with expert riders and race officials on
conditions and equipment advisable at the site where you plan to
ride. For mountain biking, wear appropriate safety gear, including
an approved full face helmet, full finger gloves, and body armor.
Ultimately, it is your responsibility to have proper equipment and to
be familiar with course conditions.
WARNING: High-speed downhill or competition riding can lead to serious
accidents. Wear appropriate safety gear and be sure your bike is properly
maintained. Even with state-of-the-art protective safety gear, you could be
seriously injured or killed when riding downhill at speed or in competition.
G. Changing Components or Adding Accessories
There are many components and accessories available to
enhance the comfort, performance and appearance of your
bicycle. However, if you change components or add accessories,
you do so at your own risk. The bicycle’s manufacturer may not
have tested that component or accessory for compatibility,
reliability or safety on your bicycle. Before installing any
component or accessory, including a different size tire, make sure
that it is compatible with your bicycle by checking with your
dealer. Be sure to read, understand and follow the instructions that
accompany the products you purchase for your bicycle.
WARNING: Failure to confirm compatibility, properly install,operate and
maintain any component or accessory can result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION: Changing the components on your bike may void the warranty.
Refer to your warranty, and check with your dealer before changing the com-
ponents on your bike.
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3. Fit
NOTE: Correct fit is an essential element of bicycling safety, per-
formance and comfort. Making the adjustments to your bicycle
which result in correct fit for your body and riding conditions re-
quires experience, skill and special tools. Always have your
dealer make the adjustments on your bicycle; or, if you have
the experience, skill and tools, have your dealer check your
work before riding.
Make sure the bike fits. A bike that’s too big or too small is harder
to control and can be uncomfortable.
WARNING: If your bicycle does not fit properly, you may lose control and
fall.If your new bike doesn’t fit, ask your dealer to exchange it before you
ride it.
A. Standover height
Standover height is the basic
element of bike fit (see fig. 2). It is
the distance from the ground to the
top of the bicycle’s frame at that
point where your crotch would be if
you were straddling the bike and
standing half way between the
saddle and the handlebars. To
check for correct standover height,
straddle the bike while wearing the
kind of shoes in which you’ll be
riding, and bounce vigorously on your heels. If your crotch touches
the frame, the bike is too big for you. Don’t even ride the bike
around the block. A bike which you ride only on paved surfaces
and never take off-road should give you a minimum standover
height clearance of five centimeters. A bike that you’ll ride on
unpaved surfaces should give you a minimum of seven and a half
centimeters of standover height clearance. And a bike that you’ll
use for real mountain biking on difficult, rough terrain should give
you ten centimeters or more of clearance.
B. Saddle position
Correct saddle adjustment is an important factor in getting
the most performance and comfort from your bicycle. If the
saddle position is not comfortable for you, see your dealer, who
has the tools and skill to change it. The saddle can be adjusted in
three directions:
1. Up and down adjustment. To check for correct saddle
height (fig. 3):
• sit on the saddle;
• place one heel on a pedal;
• rotate the crank until the pedal with
your heel on it is in the down position and
the crank arm is parallel to the seat tube.
If your leg is not completely straight
and just touching the center of the
pedal, your saddle height needs to be
adjusted. If your hips must rock for the
heel to reach the pedal, the saddle is
too high. If your leg is bent at the knee
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
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with your heel on the pedal, the saddle is too low.
Once the saddle is at the correct height,
make sure that the seatpost does not project from
the frame beyond its “Minimum Insertion” or
“Maximum Extension” mark
(fig. 4). If your bike has an
interrupted seat tube, as is the
case on some bikes with rear
suspension, you must also make sure that the
seat post is far enough into the frame so that
you can touch it through the bottom of the
interrupted seat tube with the tip of your finger
without inserting your finger beyond its first knuckle (see fig. 5).
WARNING: If your seat post projects from the frame beyondthe Minimum
Insertion or Maximum Extension mark (see fig. 4) or you cannot touch the
bottom of the seat post through the bottom of the interrupted seat tube with
the tip of your finger without inserting your finger beyond its first knuckle
(see fig. 5), the seat post may break, which could cause you to lose control
and fall.
2. Front and back adjustment. The saddle can be adjusted
forward or back to help you get the optimal position on the bike.
Ask your dealer to set the saddle for your optimal riding position
and to show you how to make further adjustments.
3. Saddle angle adjustment. Most people prefer a horizontal
saddle; but some riders like the saddle nose angled up or down
just a little. Your dealer can adjust saddle angle or teach you how
to do it.
Small changes in saddle position can have a substantial
effect on performance and comfort. Only one directional change
at a time, and only a small change at a time, should be made to
your saddle position.
WARNING: After any saddle adjustment, be sure that the saddle adjusting
mechanism is properly tightened before riding. A loose saddle clamp or seat
post binder can cause damage to the seat post, or can cause you to lose con-
trol and fall. A correctly tightened saddle adjusting mechanism will allow no
saddle movement in any direction. Periodically check to make sure that the
saddle adjusting mechanism is properly tightened.
If, in spite of carefully adjusting the saddle height, tilt and
fore-and-aft position, your saddle is still uncomfortable, you may
need a different saddle design. Saddles, like people, come in
many different shapes, sizes and resilience. Your dealer can help
you select a saddle which, when correctly adjusted for your body
and riding style, will be comfortable.
WARNING: Some people have claimed that extended riding with a saddle
which is incorrectly adjusted or which does not support your pelvic area cor-
rectly can cause short-term or long-term injury to nerves and blood vessels,
or even impotence. If your saddle causes you pain, numbness or other dis-
comfort,see your dealer.
C. Handlebar height and angle
Your bike is equipped either with a “threadless” stem, which
clamps on to the outside of the steerer tube, or with a “quill” stem,
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
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which clamps inside the steerer tube by way of an expanding
binder bolt. If you aren’t absolutely sure which type of stem your
bike has, ask your dealer.
If your bike has a “threadless” stem, 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 bike has a “quill” stem, you can ask your dealer to
adjust the handlebar height a bit by adjusting stem height.
A quill stem has an etched or stamped mark on its shaft which
designates the stem’s “Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum
extension”. This mark must not be visible above the headset.
WARNING: On some bicycles, changing the stem or stem height can af-
fect the tension of the front brake cable, locking the front brake or creating
excess cable slack which can make the front brake inoperable. If the front
brake pads move in towards the wheel rim or out away from the wheel rim
when the stem or stem height is changed, the brakes must be correctly ad-
justed before you ride the bicycle.
WARNING:The stem’sMinimum Instertion Mark must not bevisible above
the top of the headset.If the stem is extended beyond the Minimum Instertion
Mark the stem may break or damage the fork’s steerer tube, which could
cause you to lose control and fall.
Your dealer can also change the angle of the handlebar or
bar end extensions.
WARNING: An insufficiently tightened stem binder bolt, handlebar binder
boltorbarendextensionclampingboltmaycompromisesteeringaction,which
could cause you to lose control and fall. Place the front wheel of the bicycle
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 rela-
tion to thestem,orturn the bar endextensions in relation tothe handlebar,the
bolts are insufficiently tightened.
D. Control position adjustments
The angle of the controls and their position on the handlebars
can be changed. Ask your dealer to make the adjustments for
you.
E. Brake reach
Many bikes have brake levers which can be adjusted for
reach. If you have small hands or find it difficult to squeeze the
brake levers, your dealer can either adjust the reach or fit shorter
reach brake levers.
WARNING: The shorter the brake lever reach, the more critical it is to
havecorrectlyadjustedbrakes,sothatfullbrakingpowercanbe appliedwithin
available brake lever travel. Brake lever travel insufficient to apply full brak-
ing power can result in loss of control, which may result in serious injury or
death.
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4. Tech
It is important to your safety, performance and enjoyment to
understand how things work on your bicycle. 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
1. Wheel Quick Release
WARNING: Riding with an improperly adjusted wheel quick release can
allow the wheel to wobble or disengage from the bicycle, causing serious
injury or death to the rider. 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 with a quick release.
3. Each time, before you ride the bike, check that the wheel is
securely clamped.
The wheel quick release uses a cam action to clamp the
bike’s wheel in place (see fig. 10). Because of its adjustable nature,
it is critical that you understand how it works, how to use it properly
and how much force you need to apply to secure the wheel.
WARNING: The full force of the cam action is needed to clamp the wheel
securely. Holding the nut with one hand and turning the lever like a wing nut
with the other hand until everything is as tight as you can get it will not clamp
the wheel safely in the dropouts.
a. Adjusting the quick release mechanism
The wheel hub is clamped in place by the force of the quick
release cam pushing against one dropout and pulling the tension
adjusting nut, by way of the skewer, against the other dropout. The
amount of clamping force is controlled by the tension adjusting
nut. Turning the tension adjusting nut clockwise while keeping the
cam lever from rotating increases clamping force; turning it
counterclockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating
reduces clamping force. Less than half a turn of the tension
adjusting nut can make the difference between safe clamping
force and unsafe clamping force.
b. Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices
Most bicycles have front forks which utilize a secondary wheel
retention device to keep the wheel from disengaging if the quick
release is incorrectly adjusted. Secondary retention devices are
not a substitute for correct quick release adjustment.
Secondary retention devices fall into two basic categories:
(1) The clip-on type is a part which the manufacturer
adds to the front wheel hub or front fork.
(2) 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 bike.
Fig. 6
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WARNING: Removing or disabling the secondary retention device is ex-
tremely dangerous and may lead to serious injury or death. It also may void
the warranty.
2. Removing and Installing Quick Release Wheels
a. Removing a Quick Release Front Wheel
(1) If your bike has rim brakes, disengage the brake’s quick-
release mechanism to open the clearance between the wheel rim
and the brake pads (See Section 4.C fig. 11 through 14).
(2) Move the wheel’s quick-release lever from the locked or
CLOSED position to the OPEN position. (figs. 7a & b)
(3) If your front fork does not have a
secondary retention device go to step five (5).
(4) If your front fork has a clip-on type secondary
retention device, disengage it and go to step (5).
If your front fork has an integral secondary retention
device, loosen the tension adjusting nut enough to allow
removing the wheel; then go to the next step.
(5) Raise the front wheel a few inches off the
ground and tap the top of the wheel with the palm
of your hand to knock the wheel out of the front fork.
b. Installing a Quick Release Front Wheel
CAUTION: If your bike is equipped with disk brakes (fig. 10), 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. See also Section 4.C.
(1) Move the quick-release lever so that it curves
away from the wheel (fig. 7b). This is the OPEN position.
(2) With the steering fork facing forward, insert the wheel
between the fork blades so that the axle seats firmly at the top of
the slots which are at the tips of the fork blades — the fork
dropouts. The quick-release lever should be on the left side of
the bicycle (fig.7a & b). If your bike has a clip-on type second-
ary retention device, engage it.
(3) Holding the quick-release lever in the OPEN position with
your right hand, tighten the tension adjusting nut with your left
hand until it is finger tight against the fork dropout (fig. 6).
(4) While pushing the wheel firmly to the top of the slots in the
fork dropouts, and at the same time centering the wheel rim in
the fork, move the quick-release lever upwards and swing it into
the CLOSED position (fig. 6 & 7a). The lever should now be
parallel to the fork blade and curved toward the wheel. To apply
enough clamping force, you should have to wrap your fingers
around the fork blade for leverage, and the lever should leave a
clear imprint in the palm of your hand.
Fig. 7b
Fig. 7a
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WARNING: Securely clamping the wheel takes considerable force. If you
can fully close the quick release without wrapping your fingers around the
fork blade for leverage, and the lever does not leave a clear imprint in the
palm of your hand, the tension is insufficient. Open the lever; turn the tension
adjusting nut clockwise a quarter turn; then try again.
(5) If the lever cannot be pushed all the way to a position
parallel to the fork blade, return the lever to the OPEN position.
Then turn the tension adjusting nut counterclockwise one-quarter
turn and try tightening the lever again.
(6) Re-engage the brake quick-release mechanism to restore
correct brake pad-to-rim clearance; spin the wheel to make sure
that it is centered in the frame and clears the brake pads; then
squeeze the brake lever and make sure that the brakes are
operating correctly.
WARNING: Secondary retention devices are not a substitute for correct
quick release adjustment. Failure to properly adjust the quick release mecha-
nism can cause the wheel to wobble or disengage, which could cause you to
loose control and fall, resulting in serious injury or death.
c. Removing a Quick Release Rear Wheel
(1) Shift the rear derailleur to high gear (the smallest, outermost
rear sprocket).
(2) If your bike has rim brakes, disengage the brake’s quick-
release mechanism to open the clearance between the wheel rim
and the brake pads (see Section 4.C, figs. 11 through 14).
(3) Pull the derailleur body back with your right hand.
(4) Move the quick-release lever to the OPEN
position (fig. 7b).
(5) Lift the rear wheel off the ground a few inches and, with the
derailleur still pulled back, push the wheel forward and down until
it comes out of the rear dropouts.
d. Installing a Quick Release Rear Wheel
CAUTION: If your bike is equipped with disk brakes (fig.10), 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) Shift the rear derailleur to its outermost position.
(2) Pull the derailleur body back with your right hand.
(3) Move the quick-release lever to the OPEN position (see fig.
6). The lever should be on the side of the wheel opposite the
derailleur and freewheel sprockets.
(4) Put the chain on top of the smallest freewheel sprocket.
Then, insert the wheel into the frame dropouts and pull it all the
way in to the dropouts.
(5) Tighten the quick-release adjusting nut until it is finger tight
against the frame dropout; then swing the lever toward the front
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