ProActiv FREAK User manual

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
0
MOBILITY MADE SIMPLE!
Operating instructions
Service booklet
NJ1 Compact bike
FREAK Compact bike

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
1
Contents
1Preface............................................................................................................................................... 4
2Legend................................................................................................................................................ 4
3CE Declaration of Conformity / other information............................................................................... 4
3.1Classification............................................................................................................................... 4
3.2Declaration of Conformity........................................................................................................... 4
3.3Manufacturer............................................................................................................................... 4
4Scope of delivery................................................................................................................................ 4
5Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 5
6Product description / purpose............................................................................................................. 5
7Acceptable usage and operating conditions / places of use.............................................................. 5
8Technical specifications ..................................................................................................................... 6
8.1Product weight............................................................................................................................ 6
8.2Load weight ................................................................................................................................ 6
8.3Ground clearance and turning circle........................................................................................... 6
8.4Basic equipment & dimensions .................................................................................................. 6
8.5Service life .................................................................................................................................. 7
9Rating plate ........................................................................................................................................ 7
10Commissioning................................................................................................................................... 7
11Hand-over........................................................................................................................................... 7
12Safety instructions – prior to driving / use......................................................................................... 8
13Safety instructions – while driving / using .......................................................................................... 8
14Safety instructions regarding obstacles ............................................................................................. 9
15Safety instructions regarding dangerous locations and dangerous situations................................. 10
16Functional elements......................................................................................................................... 10
16.1Pedal bearing support & crank......................................................................................... 10
16.1.1Seating position ........................................................................................................... 10
16.1.2Pedal bearing position ................................................................................................. 11
16.1.3Crank length and grip width......................................................................................... 12
16.2Grips ......................................................................................................................................... 12
16.3Gear shift .................................................................................................................................. 13
16.3.1Chain shift.................................................................................................................... 13
16.3.2Hub gears .................................................................................................................... 14
16.3.3Pedal bearing gearshift................................................................................................ 16
16.4Brakes....................................................................................................................................... 17
16.4.1Rim and disc brakes .................................................................................................... 17
16.4.2Back-pedal brake for hub drives.................................................................................. 17

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
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16.4.3Parking brake............................................................................................................... 18
16.5PRO ACTIV back-pedal brake & crank release function.......................................................... 18
16.5.1Operation ..................................................................................................................... 18
16.5.2Operation ..................................................................................................................... 19
16.5.3Safety instructions........................................................................................................ 19
16.6Components ............................................................................................................................. 20
17Backrest............................................................................................................................................ 20
17.1Angle adjustment of the backrest ............................................................................................. 20
17.2Longitudinal positioning of the backrest........................................................................... 21
18Seat system...................................................................................................................................... 21
19Neck rest .......................................................................................................................................... 22
19.1Neck rest height adjustment............................................................................................. 22
19.2Neck rest angle adjustment...................................................................................................... 22
20Collision guard.................................................................................................................................. 23
20.1Collision guard mount............................................................................................................... 23
20.2Mounting the collision guard..................................................................................................... 23
20.3Adjusting the length of the collision guard................................................................................ 24
21Running wheels................................................................................................................................ 24
21.1Removing and attaching the running wheels ........................................................................... 24
21.2Checking and setting the wheel tracking ......................................................................... 24
22Adaptation and decoupling the drive unit......................................................................................... 26
22.1Safety instructions .................................................................................................................... 26
22.2Terminology.............................................................................................................................. 26
22.3Adapting the drive unit.............................................................................................................. 26
22.4Decoupling the drive unit.......................................................................................................... 28
23Storage............................................................................................................................................. 29
24Transport.......................................................................................................................................... 29
25Malfunctions ..................................................................................................................................... 29
26Cleaning and care ............................................................................................................................ 29
27Maintenance..................................................................................................................................... 30
27.1General instructions.................................................................................................................. 30
27.2Service schedules..................................................................................................................... 30
27.3Proof of maintenance................................................................................................................ 31
28Disposal & Recycling........................................................................................................................ 31
29Re-use.............................................................................................................................................. 31
30Warranty........................................................................................................................................... 32

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
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31Liability.............................................................................................................................................. 32
32Appendix: Avoiding crossed gears with the chain shift.................................................................... 33
33Appendix: Tightening torques, securing details and tools................................................................ 34
34Appendix: Medical product passport / record of training.................................................................. 35
35Appendix: Hand-over certificate....................................................................................................... 36
35.1Required compliance criteria to authorise use .........................................................................36
35.2Check list for training the user.................................................................................................. 37
36Appendix: Inspection lists................................................................................................................. 38


Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
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1 Preface
Dear Customer,
Congratulations on purchasing your new
PRO ACTIV product. You have bought a
quality product which has been especially
customised to meet your requirements.
We have put together some instructions about
its proper and safe use in the following
document. Please read these instructions
before using the product.
Throughout these operating instructions, the
operation of standard components is
explained. If you have individual solutions or
non-standard components on your product,
your dealer or we at PRO ACTIV would be
happy to deal with any questions you may
have about handling it.
The only difference between the compact bikes
NJ1 & FREAK are the design of the frame
when ordering (or in the frame sizes that can
be selected). The operating instructions are
therefore identical.
If you have any further questions about this or
any of our other products, we would be glad to
be at your disposal.
Enjoy your trips and the best possible mobility.
Your PRO ACTIV team
2 Legend
The symbols used in these operating
instructions have the following meanings:
Manufacturer
Warnings and safety instructions
Serial number
Additional information
Assembly instructions for the dealer (see
table of contents)
3 CE Declaration of Conformity /
other information
3.1 Classification
The NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike (referred to
as a "product" below) is classified as a class I
product.
3.2 Declaration of Conformity
PRO ACTIV Reha-Technik GmbH declares in
the context of an individual declaration of
conformity that the respective product has
been developed and manufactured according
to the relevant provisions of
EC Directive 93/42/EEC 2007.
If the product is adapted in a manner which
has not been agreed by PRO ACTIV Reha-
Technik GmbH, this declaration becomes void.
3.3 Manufacturer
PRO ACTIV Reha-Technik GmbH
Im Hofstätt 11
D-72359 Dotternhausen
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.proactiv-gmbh.com
4 Scope of delivery
The delivery includes the product configured in
accordance with the order, with operating
instructions including record of training / hand-
over certificate and inspection lists. You can
view the basic equipment in chapter "Technical
specifications". As per your order, the product
is equipped with additional recommended
accessories, such as e.g., lighting, safety
pennon and hip strap.
Please check that the delivery is complete after
you have received your product.

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
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The product is tested to ensure it is completely
functional prior to shipping. If your product has
been damaged during transit, please contact
your dealer or PRO ACTIV immediately.
5 Introduction
Before starting your journey for the first
time, familiarise yourself with these operating
instructions paying particular attention to the
safety information and hazard warnings
contained within them.
If you are not sure how to handle the
product or if technical faults occur, please
contact your dealer or PRO ACTIV before
using it.
Never leave the product unattended.
6 Product description / purpose
The product is a compact bike comprising a
drive unit and a product frame that is
designated as chassis. The user lies in the
product and propels using crank movements
with their hands and arms.
The product assists the user with their mobility.
It is easier to cover longer distances with
ergonomic movement processes (similar to
using one's own wheelchair) and it is also
possible to take bicycle tours with pedestrians.
This expands the activity radius. Uneven
terrain can also be travelled on due to the
larger the product wheels. The downhill speed
can be regulated via the product's braking
systems, so that downhill slopes can be
travelled on safely.
When hand-biking, the seating posture in the
wheelchair as well as the static straighten the
spinal column are promoted by a
physiologically sensible and ergonomic training
of your arms. Moreover, the shoulder joints are
relieved sufficiently compared with the usual
propulsion of a wheelchair using the handrims.
In the medium term, the body musculature is
built up and thus, possible consequential harm
that may be caused by propelling only on the
one side (only via the handrims) is
counteracted effectively.
For safety reasons, the product may only be
operated by persons who
have been trained in its use by the dealer
or PRO ACTIV.
can move and control their hands and
arms so that they are able to operate the
controls and perform the full steering
movement without restrictions while
driving.
are physically and mentally capable of
safely operating the device in all operating
situations and can meet the legal
requirements for use on public roads.
7 Acceptable usage and operating
conditions / places of use
Use the product on paved surfaces. Avoid
driving on unpaved or loose surfaces (e.g. on
loose gravel, in sand, mud, snow, ice or
through deep puddles of water), as this may
result in incalculable risks.
The product must be equipped in accordance
with road traffic regulations when operated on
public roads and spaces.
The maximum permitted load of the product in
its standard design is a 100 kg payload.
Individual customisation can be made to
accommodate a higher load; this will be
indicated on the ratings plate. Please ensure
that the load limit indicated on the ratings plate
is not exceeded when transporting objects.
We recommend: Always use the safety
pennon or warning flag when participating in
public traffic with the product otherwise there is
an easy risk of being overseen due to the very
low sitting position.

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
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Figure 1: Safety pennon for improving safety in
public traffic (fixing to the product frame)
We recommend: The hip strap prevents
the user from slipping forwards (slipping in the
riding direction) when travelling and thus offers
safe retention in the product.
Figure 2: Hip strap for better fixing of the user in the
product
8 Technical specifications
8.1 Product weight
The total weight starts from 14.8 kg for the
FREAK Compact bike and from 15.8 kg with
the NJ1 Compact bike with the basic
equipment.
8.2 Load weight
Maximum load weight:
Up to 100 kg payload
8.3 Ground clearance and turning
circle
Ground clearance: from 9 cm for the FREAK
Compact bike and from 11 cm for the
NJ1 Compact bike
Turning circle:
approx. 6.5 m without manoeuvring (highly
dependent has to how far the leg permits
the stop of the steering angle)
approx. 4 m with manoeuvring (highly
dependent on the number of manoeuvres
and has to how far the leg permits the stop
of the steering angle)
8.4 Basic equipment & dimensions
In the basic equipment, the product comprises
a chassis and the drive unit, handles with
switching brake fittings, chain shift or hub
gears shift, infinitely adjustable backrest, rim
brake including handbrake locking mechanism
and hydraulic disc brakes or back-pedal brake.
Dimensions, FREAK Compact bike:
Product width: 56 cm (depending on the tyre
width)
Product height: approx. 75 cm (depending on
the length of the pedal bearing support)
Product length: approx. 185 cm (depending on
the wheel size)
Seat width: 35 cm
Grip width: 40-45 cm
Crank length: 135-175 cm
Dimensions, NJ1 Compact bike:
Product width: approx. 56-60 cm (depending
on the seat width and the tyre width)
Product height: approx. 85 cm (depending on
the length of the pedal bearing support)
Product length: approx. 210-220 cm
(depending on the chassis length and the tyre
size)

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
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Seat width: 39-43 cm
Grip width: 40-50 cm
Crank length: 155-195 cm
8.5 Service life
The service life of the product is 6 years in
accordance with the medical products law.
9 Rating plate
The rating plate is located on the pedal bearing
or on the product frame. The rating plate
includes the precise model, the serial number
and other technical specifications.
When contacting your dealer or PRO ACTIV
with regard to your product, please always
have the serial number and year of
construction on the rating plate at hand.
The rating plate includes the following data:
Manufacturer
CE marking
Operating instruction present for the
product
Serial number
10 Commissioning
The product will be handed over to you ready
for use by a PRO ACTIV dealer or a field
representative or by a product consultant from
PRO ACTIV.
Finally, you will be fully instructed in the use of
the product based on the operating instructions
included in delivery. If you wish (recommended
by PRO ACTIV), you will be presented with a
record of training and a hand-over certificate
as written evidence and in addition the
operating instructions and any other
accessories for your own use. The form for the
record of training and the hand-over certificate
can be found in chapters 34 and 35.
It is recommended that you take along an
assistant to the training so that, if required,
they can assist you later when handling the
product.
During the initial commissioning of the product,
drive at minimum speed and become
accustomed to the driving characteristics of the
product. Always adapt the speed and driving
manoeuvres to match your own abilities, the
external circumstances and the legal
regulations. You will get a feel for how to use
the product safely after a short time. Before
driving up or down slopes or hills with the
product, you should be proficient in the safe
handling of the product on the flat.
11 Hand-over
The hand-over must be done by your dealer or
a field representative or by a product
consultant from PRO ACTIV. During the hand-
over, the record of training (chapter 34) and
the hand-over certificate including the
associated check list (chapter 35) must be
filled in. The dealer should send a copy of the
completed documents to PRO ACTIV for filing
either as a scanned file via e-mail, by fax or in
the post. These documents are available as
pdf files which can be completed in the
download area at www.proactiv-gmbh.com
under the link "more documents >>".

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
8
12 Safety instructions –
prior to driving / use
Before every trip, check the condition of
the wheels (e.g. visual inspection of the spokes
and rims, check the tyres for damage, foreign
bodies and crack formation). If you have any
doubts about the serviceability of the product,
stop using it. In this case, contact your dealer
or PRO ACTIV.
Check tyre pressures at regular intervals.
Ensure that you comply with the
manufacturer's specifications which can be
found on the tyres. Tyre pressure which is too
low has a negative effect on the handling.
Before each trip, check the safe locking of
the wheels and adaptation of the drive unit.
Secure the safety cord to the lever of the
eccentric pin. The use without the safety cord
attached is not permitted (see chapter 22).
Before starting your trip check that the
product's brake functions. If all existing brakes
are not fully functional, no trips may be taken.
Check the stable condition of the seat and
back upholstery at regular intervals and in case
of doubt, have your dealer assess its condition.
Always ensure that your feet cannot slip
out off the leg rest and make contact with the
drive wheel when using the product, if
necessary by using a special fixation device
(e.g., using the hook-and-loop straps included
in the scope of supply).
If present, check the function of the front
and rear lights as well as the effectiveness of
the side and rear reflectors before every trip.
Lights and reflectors must be clearly visible
during the journey and must not be covered by
other objects. Especially trips that take place in
the dark or in the twilight, the lighting must be
functional and visible. For longer trips in the
dark, we recommend that you also take along
extra batteries.
To minimise the risk of suffering serious
head injuries in the event of a fall, a helmet
should always be worn when driving with the
product.
When travelling, always carry a repair kit
and tyre pump for repairs in event of
punctured / flat tyre. A alternative to this is a
pump spray that fills your tyre with a foam that
hardens in the tyre.
13 Safety instructions – while
driving / using
Always hold onto the crank handles with
both hands while driving. If the driving situation
requires you to take one hand off the crank
handles, this is only permitted when the speed
has been reduced to the minimum possible
beforehand.
Increase the speed slowly up to the
desired speed.
Use particular caution when approaching
stairs, edges, drops or other hazard areas.
When waiting at potential hazard areas
(e.g. while waiting at a pedestrian crossing, on
hills or slopes or at ramps of any type), always
hold down the service brakes.
When driving round a bend, reduce your
speed to a minimum.
Do not ride parallel to slopes due to the
risk of tipping.
You may only drive on slopes where the
product can be safely controlled by steering
and braking of the product.
Do not attach objects (carrier bags, etc.)
to the product. These could prevent safe
operation of the product while driving.
When driving on areas which are used for
pedestrians, observe the maximum permitted
speed (walking speed 6 km/h) and keep a
sufficient distance (at least the width of the
product) from the kerbs or other obstacles and
other road users.

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
9
When driving on public roads and paths,
the provisions of the road traffic regulations
(German StVO) must be observed.
Avoid driving on unpaved or loose
surfaces (e.g. on loose gravel, in sand, mud,
snow, ice or through deep puddles of water).
When travelling on poorly maintained
paths (e.g., large gravel, potholes) there is an
increased risk of puncturing your tyres as well
as tipping.
If you encounter new driving situations
which are unknown to you, approach them with
great care. If you consider that the risk is too
high, you must immediately abort the driving
manoeuvre and, if required, call for help to
assist you in extracting yourself from this
situation.
You must not make telephone calls while
driving.
Operating the product can affect other
devices, for example theft protection barriers in
department stores.
When driving, never jerk the handlebars to
the left or the right, as this may cause the
product to tip over sideways in certain
circumstances.
While driving, never grab onto the area of
the wheel, in the area of the chain / sprockets /
chain wheels or into other rotating parts; if you
do you may cause injuries.
Only brake the product using the service
brakes.
During long trips the brakes of the product
may heat up. Therefore, do not touch the
brakes during or immediately after the trip (e.g.
when detaching the drive unit or loading the
product).
If the situation allows it, the speed should
be reduced by carefully applying the service
brake. Abrupt braking can cause the upper
body to fall forwards which can thereby result
in injuries or loss of vehicle control.
The product is only designed to be used to
transport persons with limited mobility and
must not be used for any other purpose, e.g.
by playing children or to transport goods.
If the weight load on the drive wheel falls
(e.g. when driving on slopes) or when driving
on loose / slippery surfaces, the braking action
of the wheel may be considerably reduced.
The driving style and speed should be adjusted
so that the product can be safely stopped at all
times using the brakes.
Always check the tight fit of the eccentric
pin and the securing cord.
Make sure that cables and lines are not
kinked or caught up somewhere. This could
cause them to be damaged which could lead to
the brakes and gear shift not working correctly.
In this case, the product must no longer be
operated.
Smoking when riding is forbidden as the
seat and back system may be damaged from
ash falling down.
When the product is exposed to direct sun
radiation or low temperatures for longer
periods, take note that the parts of the product
may become very hot (>41°C) or very cold
(<0°C).
14 Safety instructions regarding
obstacles
Driving on steps with the product is
forbidden.
Obstacles like curbs, for example, should
always be negotiated driving forwards and
always using the minimum speed required.
The ground clearance is decisive with
regard to negotiable obstacle heights. You will
find ground clearance in chapter 8.3.

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
10
When driving over or passing obstacles, it
is important that you avoid any product or body
parts catching on the obstacle as this may lead
to falling causing serious injuries to the user
and third parties as well as damage to the
product.
Always drive over curbs or other obstacles
so that you cross them to the front or at right
angles. If you approach them at an angle, or
only have one rear wheel on the obstacle,
there is an increased risk of tipping over to the
side which can result in serious injuries to the
user and third-parties as well as damage to the
product.
15 Safety instructions regarding
dangerous locations and
dangerous situations
The operator of the product determines the
route to be driven taking the operating
instructions, their driving knowledge and
physical abilities into consideration.
The personal driving skills are particularly
important in the following dangerous locations
which are provided as examples; the product's
user must use their judgement before driving in
such locations:
quay walls, landing and berthing locations,
paths and locations close to water,
unsecured bridges and dykes.
narrow paths, slopes (e.g. ramps and
driveways), narrow paths on a slope,
mountainous routes.
narrow and / or steeply sloping paths along
main roads or near cliffs.
routes which are covered in leaves, snow
or ice.
ramps and lifting equipment on vehicles.
When driving in a circle or turning on hills
or downward slopes, there may be an
increased tendency to tip over to the side due
to the changes in the centre of gravity. Always
perform these driving manoeuvres with
increased caution and only at slow speed. If
required, the driving manoeuvre must not be
performed or only with the help of an assistant.
When crossing main roads, intersections
and level crossings, extreme caution is
needed. Crossing rails in the road or at level
crossings must never be undertaken when
travelling parallel to them, as otherwise the
wheels could become caught which would
result in the product being unable to
manoeuvre.
When driving on ramps and lifting
equipment on vehicles, extreme caution is
needed. During the lifting or lowering operation
of a ramp or the lifting equipment, the service
brake should be operated. This prevents rolling
away.
The grip of the tyres on the ground is
reduced in the wet. There is an increased risk
of slipping. Adjust your driving, braking and
steering behaviour accordingly.
16 Functional elements
16.1 Pedal bearing support & crank
16.1.1 Seating position
The seating position and therefore the pedal
position and the crank length depend on the
upper-body stability or the core musculature as
well as the body size. A suitable adjustment
will have been made during the consultation /
measurement procedure.
The pedal position should be selected as low
as possible where the cranks however, must
not touch the users thigh when it is turning.
Moreover, the elbows should not be completely
extended when the crank handles point
completely forward away from the body and
the shoulders should rest against the backrest.
With weak core musculature, the seating
position and the crank length should normally
be chosen so that the upper body remains still
and always has a fixed contact with the
backrest when operating the crank while
driving. This is particularly important if you

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
11
have low seating stability due to missing or
weak core musculature. A rocking motion
(forwards and backwards) of the upper body or
the head should be avoided where possible.
For this, the correct setting of the backrest (see
chapter 17) and the correct choice of the crank
length as well as the pedal position is decisive.
If necessary, you should also use a hip strap or
chest strap for stabilising.
Figure 3: Elbows are not stretched completely
Figure 4: Distance between the crank and the thigh
The cranks must not touch the thigh when
they are being turned.
The elbows should not be completely
extended when the crank handles point
completely forward away from the body and
the shoulders should rest against the backrest.
16.1.2 Pedal bearing position
When equipping the product with a pedal
bearing support that cannot be adjusted, a
subsequent adjustment of the pedal bearing
position can only be achieved by exchanging
the pedal bearing support.
The pedal bearing support can be exchanged
by loosening the four M6 fastening screws
(AF 5 mm) on the tip fork bridge and the four
M6 fastening screws (AF 4 mm) on the pedal
bearing housing. Then the new pedal bearing
support with another length can be inserted
and the 8 fastening screws tightened up to
7 Nm and secured with thread lock fluid.
Figure 5: M6 fastening screws on the top fork bridge
Figure 6: M6 fastening screws on the pedal bearing
housing
M6 fastening
screws on the
pedal bearing
housing
M6 fastening screws on the
top fork bridge

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
12
If your product is fitted with an adjustable
pedal bearing support (optional), the pedal
bearing position can be adjusted in angle and
height:
The angle adjustment is done at the top
fork bridge. To do this, loosen the four M6
fixing screws (AF 5 mm), on the clamp
slightly so that the pedal bearing support's
angle can be adjusted using minimal force.
The angle adjustment is continuous (as a
guide, there is a 12° scale fitted). When
you have finished adjusting the angle,
tighten up the four M6 fixing screws
(AF 5 mm) to 7 Nm torque and secure
them with thread lock fluid.
To adjust the height, two M6 fixing screws
(AF 5 mm) must be loosened on the pedal
bearing housing. Then the pedal bearing
housing can be moved along the pedal
bearing support to the desired position.
Then tighten up the four M6 fixing screws
(AF 5 mm) to 7 Nm torque and secure
them with thread lock fluid.
Figure 7: M6 fixing screws for angle and height
adjustment of the pedal bearing position
If you want to make a change to the pedal
bearing position, please contact your dealer or
PRO ACTIV.
Please note that, after a large adjustment
to the chain pedal bearing position, the lines
and the cable lengths must be adjusted.
16.1.3 Crank length and grip width
The crank length can be chosen from different
lengths individually to suit the length of the
arms and mobility of the user. Different widths
of pedal bearing shafts and spacers between
the crank handles and the rotary axles of the
hand grips are available to adjust the grip
width.
If you want to make a change to the crank
length or grip width, please contact your dealer
or PRO ACTIV.
Figure 8: Crank length and grip width
16.2 Grips
The grips must be held firmly with both hands
whilst driving and always held so that the
cables and lines are oriented upwards.
Figure 9: Correct grip hold
Grip width
Crank
length
Pedal bearing
shaft
Hand grip
rotary axle
Crank
handles
Fastening screws
on the clamp
(angle adjustment)
M6 fixing screws on
the pedal bearing
housing (height
adjustment)

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
13
The cables for the Rohloff hub drive are an
exception for this. If the handles are held
correctly they point forwards into the direction
of travel.
Figure 10: Correct hold of the handle for the Rohloff
hub drive
16.3 Gear shift
16.3.1 Chain shift
For the chain shift, shifting procedures can
only occur while the crank is moving. Changing
the gear with the cranks stationary is not
possible. In general, the torque applied to the
cranks should be reduced briefly while
changing the gear so that the gear change can
happen more quickly.
The controls for the gear change are normally
designed so that they can be operated using
thumb / index finger switching fittings. With
the 9-speed cassette at the bottom, switching
to the next largest sprocket means a lower or
easier gear, and to the next smallest sprocket
to a larger or more difficult gear. For the 3-
speed chain wheels at the top, the behaviour is
exactly the opposite.
Figure 11: 9-speed cassette and 3-speed chain
wheels
With the thumb / index finger switching fittings,
gear changes are achieved by:
"Thumb switch" – operation by pressing in
the direction of travel with the thumb
"Index finger switch" – operation normally
by pulling in the opposite direction to travel
with the index finger (alternatively can also
be operated with the thumb by pressing
against the direction of travel).
There is no display for the gear selected
available. There is only an orientation as to
which chain wheels / sprocket is currently
being used via a display above the handle.
Figure 12: Operation of the thumb / index finger
switching fittings
3-speed chain wheels
Thumb
operation
Index finger
operation
9-speed
cassette
Display of the
chain
wheels /
sprocket

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
14
Figure 13: Switching using the thumb / index finger
switching fittings
Operation of the chain shift is also possible
using a grip shift (optional). Here, you can
change between the 3-speed chain wheels by
turning the left-hand twist grip. On the right-
hand grip, you can change between the
sprockets in the 9-speed cassette.
There is no display for the gear selected
available. You can only read-off which chain
wheel / sprocket is currently being used on the
twist grips.
Figure 14: Shifting using the twist grip
When driving up a hill, it should be noted
that it is only possible to change using the 9-
speed cassette under heavy loads on the
chain. Changing using the top three chain
wheels is no longer possible if there is heavy
tension on the chain. It is therefore important to
switch to a smaller chain wheel as a
precaution.
Try to avoid selecting cross gears, as the
efficiency and service life of the chain will fall
significantly (more information can be found in
chapter 32).
For more information, please see the
instructions provided by the gear manufacturer.
16.3.2 Hub gears
The hub drive can be changed while driving
and also when stationary. No crank movement
is needed to change or only a small reduction
in torque is needed while driving.
The Rohloff hub drive and Shimano Nexus
hub drives are operated by turning the grip
shift. The gear selected is shown in the
display on the control panel.
Figure 15: Shifting using the grip shift on the Rohloff
Speedhub 500/14 - 14-speed hub drive
Figure 16: Shifting using the grip shift for the
Shimano Nexus Inter8 hub drive
right: operation
9-speed cassette
Thumb:
lower gear
Index finger:
higher gear
left: operation
3-speed chain wheels
Thumb:
higher gear
Index finger:
lower gear
Display of the
chain
wheels /
sprocket
Gear changes
by twisting
the grip to the
left and right Gear display
Gear changes
by twisting
the grip to the
left and right
Gear
display
Gear changes
by twisting
the grip to the
left and right

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
15
With the Shimano Nexus Inter8 hub drives
there is another operation option via the
operating machine that enables shifting using
the chin (option). To change up move the gear
lever 45° up and to change down move it 45°
down. After completing the gear change, the
gear lever moves back to its starting position.
There is no display for the gear selected
available.
Figure 17: Shifting via the PRO ACTIV operating
machine with the Shimano Nexus Inter8 hub drive
The Shimano Alfine hub drive is shifted via a
thumb-forefinger switch fitting. The shifting
is achieved as follows:
"Thumb switch" – operation by pressing in
the direction of travel with the thumb
"Index finger switch" – operation normally
by pulling in the opposite direction to travel
with the index finger (alternatively can also
be operated with the thumb by pressing
against the direction of travel).
The index finger switch is operated for
switching up and the thumb switch is operated
for switching down. The gear selected is
shown in the display above the handle.
Figure 18: Shifting using the thumb-forefinger switch
fitting for the Shimano Alfine 11-speed hub drive
With the electric hub drive Shimano Alfine
Di2, two electric buttons are used for
switching. Press one button to switch on. The
drive switches off automatically if it is not
operated after a while.
You switch up using the smaller button on the
right, and switch down using the larger button
on the left. The gear engaged is shown on the
display.
Figure 19: Switching using the electric button with
Shimano Alfine Di2 hub drive
Change
down
Change up
Gear leve
r
Index finger:
higher gear
Thumb:
lower gear
Gear display
Small button on
the right /
Shift up
Large button on
the left /
Shift down
Recharge-
able battery
charge level
display Gear display

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
16
Figure 20: Rechargeable battery of the Alfine Di2
electric switching
The rechargeable battery charge level of the
electric switching is also visible on the display.
When the charge state is low (thus when only
one rechargeable battery bar is shown), the
rechargeable battery must be recharged. For
this purpose, the rechargeable battery is
removed as follows: the flap on the side is
opened and the push button is pressed-in
(figure 21). Now the rechargeable battery can
be pulled out along the retaining rail and
charged using the charger included in the
scope of supply. During the charging
procedure, an orange lamp is visible (figure
22).
Figure 21: Remove the rechargeable battery for
charging
Figure 22: Rechargeable battery and charger
The fully charged rechargeable battery (visible
on the charger when the orange lamp goes
out) is pushed back along the retaining rail until
you can feel a slight resistance. When closing
the flap on the side, the rechargeable battery is
completely secured and is connected fixed.
Now the gears are ready for use again.
Figure 23: Reconnect the rechargeable battery after
charging
For more information on hub drives, please
see the instructions provided by the gear
manufacturer.
16.3.3 Pedal bearing gearshift
The pedal bearing gearshift ("Mountaindrive"
gear reduction for hills) is switched on by
pressing the control buttons on the left and
right of the pedal bearing. Here, you can
choose between a 1:1 gear ratio (the left
control button in the direction of travel) or a
2.5:1 gear ratio (the right control button in the
direction of travel).
1. Push the
rechargeable battery
in along the retaining
rail
2. Close the flap
3. Pull out the
rechargeable battery
along the retaining rail
1. Open the flap
2. Press the
p
ush button
Display state
charge level
(orange lamp)
Rechargeable battery switching

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
17
Figure 24: Left control button of the pedal bearing
gearshift
The pedal bearing gearshift should be
lubricated once or twice a year with the
supplied original semi-fluid grease using the
syringe. The semi-fluid grease is filled through
the slotted screw.
Figure 25: Slotted screw to lubricate
Figure 26: Original semi-fluid grease in the syringe
For more information, please see the
instructions provided by the manufacturer.
16.4 Brakes
Normally there is one disc and one rim brake
fitted to the product. Where possible, both
brakes should be operated simultaneously and
the braking requirement reduced by driving in a
way that anticipates the requirement to reduce
speed if necessary.
16.4.1 Rim and disc brakes
The brakes are operated using the brake lever.
Figure 27: Brake lever
In the event of abrupt hard braking, there
is a risk that you might fall forward with your
upper body and thereby cause injuries to
yourself.
Please make sure that the braking
surfaces on the rim, the brake disks and the
brake pads on the rim breaks do not come into
contact with oils or greases which could
otherwise impair the braking effect. If rims,
brake discs or brake pads do come into
contact with oils or greases, the brake pads
must be replaced and the brake disc and rim
must be professionally cleaned with brake
cleaner (e.g., Weicon surface cleaner).
You can find further information in the brake
manufacturer's instructions.
16.4.2 Back-pedal brake for hub drives
A back-pedal brake is already integrated into
the Shimano Nexus Inter7 and 8 speed hub
drives.
This brake is operated by moving the cranks
against the acceleration direction. The brake
force applied is adjusted by the strength of the
backwards movement of the cranks.
Left control
button
Slotted screw
Press
Left-hand:
1:1 gear ratio Brake leve
r

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
18
16.4.3 Parking brake
Using the aluminium bracket which is
attached to the pedal bearing support, one of
the two brakes can be used as a parking
brake. For this purpose, the aluminium bracket
is clamped over the grip and the brake lever
while the brake lever is depressed.
Figure 28: Aluminium bracket as a parking brake
As an option, the parking brake can be
selected via the operating handle operated.
The parking brake is implemented via the
mounted rim brake. The operation of the
parking brake is carried out using an operating
lever on the pedal bearing support. If the
operating lever is pressed to the left, the rim
brake is activated. When pressed further to the
left, the brake force increases even more. If the
operating lever is pressed to the right, the rim
brake is opened again.
Figure 29: Parking brake can be operated from the
operating lever (opened)
16.5 PRO ACTIV back-pedal brake &
crank release function
16.5.1 Operation
The PRO ACTIV back-pedal brake can be
used for chain gears or hub drives with a
freewheel.
The PRO ACTIV back-pedal brake is a closed
hydraulic system consisting of a generator unit
and a disc brake calliper. The system has
automatic wear compensation for the brake
pads.
To adapt the system to your body weight and
the physical limitations of the driver, the
springs of the system are available in three
strengths. These can also be replaced
retrospectively. Contact your dealer
immediately who will arrange the replacement
of the springs by PRO ACTIV.
The back-pedal brake is delivered with a crank
release function which allows reverse driving
and manoeuvring via the running wheel or by
supporting on the ground. As: For functional
reasons, the back-pedal brake always acts as
soon as the product moves backwards.
Therefore, the driver must first unlock the
Aluminium bracket as a
parking brake
To the right:
Open brake
To the left:
Close brake

Operating instructions NJ1 & FREAK Compact bike
19
reverse movement by operating the crank
release function.
The braking function via the backward
movement (crank movement against the
direction of acceleration) is always guaranteed
– with the crank release function activated or
deactivated.
The crank release function can also be
selected in combination with the Shimano
Nexus Inter7 and 8 hub drives (which already
have back-pedal brakes) so that it is possible
to reverse and manoeuvre. The back-pedal
brake is implemented here via the hub drive. In
this case it must be ensured that the hub
drive's back-pedal brake is not operational
when the crank release function is activated. If
you want to brake with the activated crank
release function, this is only possible via the
additional braking system such as a rim brake.
Figure 30: Generator unit PRO ACTIV back-pedal
brake
16.5.2 Operation
The brake is operated by pushing the cranks
backwards. The brake force applied is adjusted
by the strength of the backwards movement of
the cranks.
The crank release function is operated by
pressing the side pressure plate. To activate
the crank release function, the left-hand
pressure plate must be operated (seen from
the direction of travel). To return to normal
driving operation with the back-pedal brake,
the right-hand pressure plate must be
operated.
Figure 31: Left- and right-hand pressure plates
16.5.3 Safety instructions
Before every trip, perform a brake test
while stationary by moving the cranks with the
normal operating force in the opposite direction
to acceleration. The drive wheel must not be
able to move when the system is operated.
At regular intervals, check that all of the
connections, lines, bleed screws and the
surface of the transmitter unit do not leak and
that all the screw connections on the brake
system are tightened securely.
At regular intervals, check that the brake
pads and discs are free from grease, oil or
other contamination. In addition, check the
thickness of the brake disc. The minimum
thickness is printed on the brake disc. In
addition, the brake pad thickness must be
checked with a measuring calliper. The
minimum pad thickness plus support material
is 2.5 mm. Measure the pad thickness at the
thinnest point.
Do not drive if your brake system is faulty
in one of the previously listed points. Contact
your dealer immediately who will arrange
maintenance by PRO ACTIV.
Deactivating the
crank release
function
Activating the
crank release
function