Tomcat SILVER BULLET User manual

WWW.TOMCATUK.ORG
T O M C A T S I L V E R B U L L E T &
S I L V E R A R R O W M A N U A L
INVEN TIO NS WIT H A SO CIA L P URP OSE

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Life changing
TRIKES
THAN K YOU F O R SU P P ORTI N G
BRIT I S H IN D U STRY B Y CH O O SING
THE F A NTAS T I C TO M C AT S I L VER
BULL E T OR S I LVER A RROW F ROM
TOMC A T SNI L TD, A “QUE E N S
AWAR D FOR E N TERP R I SE I N
INNO V A TION ” , WIN N I NG C O M PANY .
Dear Customer,
Standard cycle components apart, this
product has been designed and
manufactured at our Gloucester factory
and what we do not manufacture
ourselves is supplied or manufactured
by other UK companies, so we thank you
for supporting British industry by
buying this very British product.
1.CUSTOMER SERVICE: We are proud to offer our
customers the very best in product aftercare
because we understand that things can change, and
your vehicle may be your lifeline. Our customer
service and spares department is open 6 days a
week, between 10 am and 5 pm, Monday to
Saturday, for technical advice, spare parts, service
and general assistance throughout the life of your
product.
Because your trike is entirely made in England by
Tomcat, and because we have UK wide coverage for
our products, if problems do occur you have the
peace of mind of knowing that we can deal with your
difficulty in the quickest way possible, be that advice
over the telephone, an onsite visit, local authorised
repair or return to our Gloucester factory.
We hope you have many years of enjoyment
and usefulness from your Tomcat Silver Bullet
or Silver Arrow.

Life changing
TRIKES
2.Product Overview.
The Silver Bullet and its younger brother
the Silver Arrow, are low sitting, fully
independent trikes from the Tomcat
“Bullet” range. Both are equipped with a
Shimano Inter 8 (8-speed hub), a
differential drive to both rear wheels
and optional pedal assist. (Electric
drive).
The Silver Bullet is suitable for
teenagers to adults, whilst the Silver
Arrow offers all the same features for
children and teenagers aged 7 to 14
years.
Both were designed by Tomcat to
perfectly meet the needs of persons
with wide-ranging physical difficulties,
from simple confidence or balance
issues, right through to complex physical
conditions. However, after easy access
and ease of use, we believe that
transportability is the single most
important factor for our customers.
That is why we’ve built some fantastic,
optional innovation into the design,
including “Quick Release” frame
separation, removable seating and even
“Quick Releasing” drive wheels. In short,
the Tomcat Silver Bullet and Silver
Arrow are the most transportable trikes
on planet earth.
Read on to find out all you need to know
about these unique features and how to
care for your tricycle.
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Physio & Fun
TRIKES

Life changing
Self-centralising steering for superb handling and stability at all speeds
Adjustable seating position for precise handlebar “reach” and telescopic cranks
for perfect leg length adjustment.
Cushioned (or optional bucket type) seating, set at the optimum height for
ambulant, semi-ambulant, or wheelchair transfers.
Front Drum brake and Rear Disc brakes.
Shimano Inter8 hub drive.
Differential drive axle
Park Brake
Upholstered, water-resistant seat cushions
“Height and Reach" Adjustable Handlebars
Folding Handlebar Column
Pre-set “Seat and Pedals”
Swivel Seat
Sliding Seat
Removable Seat
Two-Piece Frame separation for easy transportation - simple, safe and easy.
Trike to Trailer Conversion
Quick Release Removable Wheels
Battery Power Assist (250W motor, 9Ah battery, Li-ion Charger
Puncture Proof Tyres
Front and rear Lighting Set
Road-Ready Safety Pack including Wheel Reflectors, pedal reflectors, Rear
reflector and Flag
Self-Levelling Pedals with straps
Strapped foot supports
Strapped foot supports with removable Leg Supports
4-point chest harness
Removable Mudguards (essential with removable wheels)
Removable Basket and Carrier
Recoil Safety Lap Strap
Custom building service to user’s requirements
3.Features.
Standard features of the Silver Bullet and Silver Arrow range, include:
Optional Extras
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Life changing
TRIKES
Observe your country's highway regulation at all times.
Always wear a helmet and suitable protective clothing.
Use all safety devices provided
Do not carry passengers or allow others to stand on the rear axle or basket.
Use the park brake when mounting/dismounting or when leaving the vehicle
Do not ride over kerbs (except "drop kerbs") or other hazards that may
Do not use off-road, on steep inclines, heavy cambers or sloping or uneven
ground.
Ensure lights, reflectors, flags and warning devices are in good working order.
Check tyre condition and maintain correct tyre pressure as printed on the tyre
wall.
Check you have enough power for your journey and your charger is
disconnected.
Test braking and steering functions, and ensure all removable components
(wheels, seat, divisible frame mechanisms, etc) are correctly assembled in
accordance with instructions in this manual, interlocked where appropriate, and
in good working order.
4. General Safety Instructions
unsupervised.
damage or destabilise the vehicle.
Before each use.
5. Technical Specification
This information relates to base models. Certain accessories may change
these parameters. Silver Bullet Overall dimensions/measurements. (assembled)
O/A Length. 180cm
O/A Width 74cm
O/A Height 95cm
Overall Weight 23kg
Overall weight with power assist 28kg
Max user weight 120kg
Rider Height Range Size 2 135cm to 188cm
Max cargo weight (basket) 5kg
Crank Lengths 170/150mm
Motor Type Ansmann Brushless FM6/250W/36V
Battery Li-Ion 9000mAh/36V output.
Charger Lithium Ion Charger CC/CV method
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Silver Arrow Overall
Dimensions/measurements. (assembled)
O/A Length. 165cm
O/A Width 74cm
O/A Height 95cm
Overall Weight 22.5kg
Overall weight with power assist 27.5Kg
Max user weight, SWA 100kg
Rider Height Range Size 2 120cm to 162cm
Max cargo weight (basket) 5kg
Crank Lengths 110/125mm
Motor Type Ansmann Brushless FM6/250W/36V
Battery Li-Ion 9000mAh/36V output.
Charger Lithium Ion Charger CC/CV method
Note: UK law requires power-assisted riders to be a min 14years of age.
6. Manufacturer.
The product is designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom in compliance
with EEC Directive 93/42, by Tomcat SNI Ltd.
Unit 13.7, The Gloucester
Business Park
Hucclecote
Gloucester
GL3 4AA
Tel: [phone]
Email [e-mail]
www. www.tomcatuk.org
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7. Setting Up the Pedals and Seat to suit the Rider.
(Ergonomic Adjustment)
7.1 Models with Pre-Set “Pedals and Seat” models.
Adjusting Setup.
The Standard “Pedal and Seat” setup for a single rider (leg
length and arm reach respectively) is factory set after custom building, to the
riders own physiology, however, both can be adjusted as follows.
Seat.
Beneath the left and right side of the seat are two hexagon headed screws.
Slacken each screw by one or two turns only and slide the seat to the desired
position. Re-clamp the screws to secure the seat. Note that adjusting the seat
will affect the leg length therefore adjustment of the pedals may also be
necessary.
Pedals
Remove the chain, slacken the Sliding Bottom Bracket clamp, and roughly adjust the
Sliding Bottom Bracket to achieve a comfortable leg stretch. A new chain made to
a suitable length is then attached. The Sliding Bottom Bracket is then finely
adjusted and re-clamped. Chain tension must be neither slack nor tight, but quiet
running and free to move.
7.2 Models with Pre-Set pedals and (optional) sliding seat.
To slide the seat on models with Pre-set pedals, sit on the seat and move the seat
by pulling the seat slide knob outwards until you are at a comfortable leg
length. Release the Knob to lock the seat.
Note that the pedal position can be adjusted by following the pedal adjustment
procedure described above.
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8. Operation and Maintenance.
8.1 Self-Centralising Steering – (SCS). Patent Granted.
The Self Centralising Steering system is a Tomcat innovation that smoothly
returns your steering to “straight-ahead” after a turn, (in much the same way as a
car’s steering). This maintains a stable and positive "feel" to the steering at all
speeds. The SCS leaves the factory at the optimum setting for an average adult
male rider on Silver Bullet versions and an average 14year old on Silver Arrow
versions.
Very slightly built persons or those with low arm strength or grip may
find the SCS return force to be greater than they need or are able to
comfortably manage. In these exceptional cases, the self-centralising force can be
reduced, and it will be necessary to fit softer springs to the SCS to reduce the
self-centralising effect.
To fit new springs (which are available from Tomcat), proceed as follows.
Self-Centralising Steering Adjustment. p7.
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Checking or replacing springs.
1.Remove the spring cylinder lockplate screws (10) and the lockplate itself (1).
2.Remove the circlips (11) retaining the lockplate nut (9)
3.Now use the lockplate screw (10) to draw out the lockplate nut (9) to expose the
rubber buffer ring. (8)
4.Use a screwdriver etc, to remove the buffer ring. (8)
5.Measure the distance between the head of the cap screw (7) that is now visible,
and the end of the spring cylinder (2). Make a note of the measurements.
6.Remove the Cap screws (7) carefully as parts may fly.
7.Withdraw the compression washer and spring. (6)
8.Remove the cover plates from the underside of the SCS body. (3)
9.Grease all working parts with a medium, waterproof, bike grease.
10.Refit the new springs complete with compression washer and screw.
12.Check that the threaded end on the screw (5) is level with, or within +/- 2mm
of the bottom of the slot in the clevis. (4)
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4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Check that the steering head bearings are well adjusted and move smoothly and
freely.
Replace if rough or worn. It is advisable to block up the front of the trike so
the front wheel is slightly clear of the ground when adjusting the steering
alignment.
If the trike steers left when no rider is sat on it, slacken the left spring
(counter-clockwise), by half a turn of the left screw.
If that is not enough, tighten the right screw (clockwise) by half a turn.
If that is still not enough, slacken the left screw by a further half turn and so
on until the steering is central.
Re-aligning steering that steers to the right is a mirror of the left procedure.
The screw end MUST be withing +/- 2mm of the bottom of the clevis slot when
adjustment is complete. It there is still a problem, set both screw ends flush
with the bottom of the clevis slot and start again as above.
Replace cover plates, buffers, lockplate nuts, circlips, lockplate and screws in
the reverse order to disassembly.
Aligning the steering. (after spring replacement or at any other time)
You can align the steering by adjusting the individual spring compressions. Follow
the procedure to 4(above). Ideally, the steering will be dead ahead with the ends
of both screws flush with the bottom of the clevis slots, but if the trike steers to
left or right, adjust as follows.
8.2 Brake Maintenance and Adjustment.
Brakes.
The vehicle has a front drum brake as default (but may additionally be fitted with
a front calliper for certain specifications). Rear brakes may be a disc brake or
Shimano Nexus coaster brake built into an Inter8 Hub. This unit is not
user-serviceable but should be kept clean and free of mud, sand and salt for
maximum service life.
All brakes are selected and paired to ensure balanced braking under normal
conditions, however, adverse weather conditions such as greasy road surfaces,
rain, ice and snow can greatly reduce braking performance. Take greater care in
poor conditions. The front Sturmey Archer 70mm drum brake, similarly, requires
little maintenance but is user adjustable.
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Slacken the brake adjuster locknut (1).
Turn the adjuster (2) until the brake is applied.
Slacken the adjuster until the wheel can just be turned freely.
Tighten the locknut (1).
Sturmey Archer Front Drum Brake.
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Push the right-hand pad (6) fully against the rim and adjust the left pad (5)
with the screw adjuster (2) to achieve 3-4mm of clearance between pad and
rim.
Release the right pad (6) and operate the brake several times. If either pad is
touching the wheel, slacken the securing nut (1) centralise the calliper
assembly, then retighten the nut.
Front Calliper (where fitted).
Periodically check the thickness of the brake pad and replace when the pad is less
than 3mm. Ensure the pads make full surface contact with the wheel rim and does
not rub the tyre. Adjust the pad position if necessary.
For efficient braking, set the calliper up so that there is an even gap of 1.5 -
2mm between each pad and the wheel rim in the following manner.
1
2
3
4
5
6
(Fig 1)

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Slacken the calliper alignment screws (1) on the Promax drawing) until the body of the
calliper slides freely (approx. 1/2 turn)
Slacken the fixed anvil setscrew (4) by two turns.
Tighten the Adjusting nut (3) until the fixed anvil tightens firmly but not tightly
against the disc.
Tighten the calliper alignment screws. (1)
Slacken the fixed anvil (3) by two full turns and inspect. There should be no gap
between the moving pad and the disc. Check with a 0.05mm feeler if in doubt.
Spin the disc to ensure the moving pad is not bearing too heavily on the disc. a slight
rubbing sound or very slight friction is normal providing it is not slowing the disc.
Tighten the fixed anvil with the adjuster nut (3) so that the pad is as close as possible
to the disc without slowing the disc. A slight rubbing sound or very slight friction is
normal providing it is not slowing the disc.
Tighten the setscrew (4) very lightly to lock the adjuster nut in place.
Check the axle still spins freely
Screw the Cable Adjuster and its locknut (2) fully home.
Pull the cable to remove all free movement in the mechanism and clamp it to the arm.
Operate the brake lever and observe any movement that occurs before the arm moves.
If it is excessive, adjust with the adjuster and locknut or re-clamp the wire. Full
braking contact should be achieved before the brake lever reaches the handlebar grip.
Adjust if necessary.
The brake is now ready for use.
Rear Disc Brake
Promax Rear Brake Adjustment (when Fitted).
The Promax Disc brake calliper is of the fixed and moving anvil type. Each supports a
brake pad which is arranged either side of the disc. When the brake wire is pulled by the
brake lever, the moving anvil and thus the pads are forced against the rotating disc
causing the vehicle to slow or stop.
To set up the calliper, it is first necessary to set the moving anvil (and its brake pad) in
close contact with the disc so that the slightest movement causes the pad to press
against the disc. The calliper is then locked in position, the fixed anvil adjusted, and
finally, the brake cable adjusted to suit the calliper setup.
Proceed as follows.
Repeat this process when braking efficiency deteriorates, the pads become worn, or when
the disc visibly buckles when the brake is applied.
When it becomes necessary to replace the pads, follow the Promax instructions below. It
will be necessary to remove the calliper and follow the above procedure during reassembly
and setup. If in doubt, consult a competent cycle technician.

8.3 Self-Levelling Pedals with Straps. (Optional)
Where fitted, Self-Levelling Pedals give a good degree of additional support to the
foot that can prevent the foot from slipping off the pedal. These accessories do
so by providing a broader, deeper, pedal platform that is additionally provided with
an angled and length adjustable strap.
When correctly adjusted, the user puts their foot through the strap at an angle,
then straightens the foot as normal. This causes the strap to grip the foot across
the instep, thus preventing the foot from rising or slipping off the pedal.
8.4 Sliding Seat. (Optional)
The sliding seat has a smooth sliding front to back movement of 150mm.
It is used in conjunction with the adjustable handlebars to achieve a comfortable
arm "reach" for the user.
To adjust the seat position, pull on the locking knob beneath the seat
and whilst holding the knob out, move the seat to its desired position. Release the
knob and check that it has relocked where required.
See Sliding Seat Video here.
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6
5
3
4
(Fig 2)

8.5 Swivel seat. (Optional)
The swivel seat is an aid to getting on and off the vehicle with greater safety. It
has three self-locking positions, Left, Right and Central. The rider normally
accesses from the pedestrian side of the road and when seated, rotates the seat
to the central position, passing their leg over the frame as they do so.
The seat is operated remotely by a small trigger lever. This can be mounted in a
variety of positions depending upon model and optional features. Operating the
trigger will release the latch and allow the seat to turn.
8.6 Removable seat. (Optional)
The seat is removable as part of the vehicle’s transportation feature.
IMPORTANT! Before removing the seat, rotate the seat to the central position!
The lever (1) is situated beneath the front of the seat in order that it cannot be
released by a seated person. To remove the seat, first, steady the seat with your
free hand, then press on the end of the seat release lever (1) until the lever can be
slid sideways in an anticlockwise direction (about a sixth of a turn). The seat will
feel loose and can be lifted off the seat trolley.
To refit the seat, fully locate the seat in the bayonet socket (2) of the seat
trolley. Push down firmly on the seat then repeat the above process in a clockwise
direction.
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Remove Seat
(Fig 3)
Fit Seat
(Fig 4)
2
1
2
1

If the Seat Cannot be refitted! Two things may be wrong!
• Check the trolley bayonet lock is fully open as shown in Fig 3.
• The seat may not have been central when removed. If so, try to refit the seat in
the orientation it was removed (usually toward the pedestrian side of the vehicle).
The bayonet is designed to only allow the seat to fit in the correct way and will
only allow it to be refitted in the orientation in which it was removed.
• Alternatively, reset the swivel to the central position by rotating the "Bayonet
Plate" (1) until the detent post (2) is mid position as shown in Fig 5. Now fit in
the normal way.
If the seat feels loose or wobbly, do not continue to use the vehicle. Refer to the
maintenance instructions.
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Fig. 5
8.7 Water-resistant seat cushions.
Seat and backrest cushions are covered in a nylon coated polyurethane material
that is impervious to liquids so liquids falling on the seat will not be absorbed by
the cushion cover or inner foam cushion. If the seat should become wet or need
cleaning, it can be dried with towels and hygienically cleaned with mild household
detergents for almost immediate re-use. However, it should not be pressure
washed, or unnecessarily or continuously exposed to the elements as this may
encourage mould to form between the cushion and back-plate.
1
2

8.8 Two-Piece Frame. (Optional) Patent Pending.
To disassemble the frame, first move the vehicle to clean, dry, level ground.
• Deploy the kickstand beneath the vehicle frame.
• Lift the vehicle onto the stand so that the front wheel is slightly off the ground.
• Lift the interlock plunger (1) (Fig 6) and hold it raised, whilst shifting the
release lever (2) anticlockwise about a sixth of a turn. Release the interlock before
letting go the release lever. The release lever must stay OPEN.
• Grasp the front section of the vehicle with both hands and lift the front wheel
from the ground, enough to be able to slide the front section backwards.
• The front section can be fully removed when slid backwards by about 1cm.
• Refitting is a reversal of the above process.
The Frame separation system is unique to Tomcat and protected by patent pending
No GB 1905636.5.
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Fig. 6
2
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8.9 Folding Handlebar Column.
The Handlebar column can be folded before or after the Two-Piece Frame is
Dissembled.
To fold the handlebars, align the wheel with the frame then fully pull the latch
lever away from the column. Slide the lever sideways, to the left, to release the
interlock; then the handlebars can be folded. To reset, unfold the handlebars and
close the release lever. The interlock will automatically operate. See Maintenance
for adjustment instructions.
8.10 "Height and Reach" Adjustable Handlebars (Optional)
In combination with the sliding seat, the handlebars can be adjusted to achieve a
comfortable "reach" for the rider. To adjust, slide the button of the clamp
interlock to the open position, then pull the lever open. The handlebars can now be
moved and rotated to the desired position. Close the lever to re-lock.
8.11 Removable Mudguards. (Optional)
Removable mudguards are an essential companion of removable wheels and must be
removed before the wheels are disassembled. To do so, pull out the small plunger
where the mudguard attaches to the frame and lift the mudguard off the vehicle.
The plunger will automatically operate when refitting. It is good practice to
protect the mudguard during transportation with a towel or similar.
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8.12 Removable Wheels. Patent pending.
Tomcat Pit-Stop™ removable wheels significantly reduce storage and
transportation space in the car, motor-home, garage or when shipping by domestic
or international carrier. Each wheel comes with its own protection and transport
bag and plastic sleeves are provided to protect the axles in transit.
Pit-Stop wheels are high precision components that must be kept clean to work
correctly which when assembled, are sealed against the ingress of liquids and
solids.
To prevent contamination when in transit, always use the bags and protective
sleeves provided, and only disassemble in a clean environment. Do not allow the
wheels or axles to come in contact with grit or grime. If this happens accidentally,
wash and clean both immediately with soapy water and a clean rag. Test the action
of the axle release mechanism before attempting assembly. If problems occur,
follow the instructions in the maintenance section.
• To remove a wheel, support the frame with one hand whilst pressing the central
release button with the other hand. The wheel can now be pulled from the axle.
Lower the frame to its support leg.
• To refit a wheel, slide the wheel as far onto the axle as it will go. Press the
release button with your thumb and continue pushing the wheel onto the axle
whilst rotating the wheel slowly. Continue pushing and rotating until the wheel
fully engages.
• When the wheel is fully fitted the faces of the wheel, axle and release button
will all be flush with one another as per the inset photo. If you only have two out
of three, the wheel is not correctly assembled and you must not attempt to ride
the vehicle. If problems occur see the maintenance section.
See Quick Release Wheel Fitting Video
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