Yakima BIGTOW User manual

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INSIDE THIS BOOK…
Fit Requirements ...................................... 3
Safety and Handling ................................ 4
Practicing the Ride.................................. 5
Limitations ................................................ 7
Ride Checklist .......................................... 8
Maintenance ............................................ 8
Assembly & Installation
Basket, Fender, Parking Feet .......... 9
Trailer Wheel Installation............... 10
Yoke Installation .............................. 11
Trailer/Bike Installation ............ 12–13
TowBag ............................................. 14
Weight / Height Limits .......................... 14
Flag .................................................... 15
FRENCH .................................... 16
R
L
PART #1033239 RevB
RECOMMENDED TOOLS:
• Wrenches: 8mm, 10mm
(adjustable wrench will work)
• Phillips screwdriver
OWNER’S MANUAL
BIGTOW Bicycle Cargo Trailer

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1033239B-2/30
Trailers…
Congratulations and thanks for choosing Yakima’s BigTow! You no longer need four wheels and
a gas tank to enlist the gear hauling expertise Yakima has offered dedicated outdoor
enthusiasts for over two decades. Whether you use your trailer for a ride to a babbling brook or
just the babbling at work, you will be impressed with the BigTow’s commitment to Big
Performance, Big Fun and Big Adventure.
Please take the time to read this booklet
to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience using your BigTow.
INTRODUCTION AND THANKS!
Why bike trailers from Yakima? Because we
wanted the best way possible to pedal all of
our gear from home to work and beyond.
We wanted a Yakima Way. A way all our
own to reflect the expert, gear hauling
reputation we have built for ourselves.
The bicycle as a work of artful
transportation rocks our world. We’ve lost
track over the years of just how many bikes
we’ve safely carried using the tops and tails
of autos worldwide. Now we’ve put the
horse before the cart and you can decide
for yourself the answer to Master Ti Chain’s
eternal bicycle philosophy question, “Are not
three wheels better than four? If so, could two
wheels possibly be better than three?”
(Never!)
We have thrown our helmets all the way into
the bike trailer ring so to speak and immersed
ourselves fully in “commutouring.”The
extraordinary results are now yours. The
BigTow is a premiere bicycle cargo trailer built
to certified Yakima standards and designed to
support you fully on all of your many
endeavors.
Be safe, and may the Tow be with you.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Yakima Products (“Yakima”) will repair or replace merchandise which proves defective in materials and/or workmanship. The limited
warranty is effective for three years from the date of purchase. The limited warranty is applicable only if the Fit List and instructions are
followed and the products are used properly. If a customer believes that a Yakima product is defective, the customer must return it to an
authorized Yakima dealer with proof of purchase. Yakima will then issue authorization to the dealer for the return of these products. If an
article is found to be defective upon inspection by Yakima, Yakima will repair or replace the defective article at its discretion without
charge. The customer will pay freight to Yakima, and Yakima will pay any applicable return freight. Unauthorized returns will not be
accepted. Normal wear and tear of Yakima products or damage resulting from misuse, accidents, or alterations are not covered by this
Limited Warranty.The purchaser acknowledges that Yakima has no control over the attachment of its products to vehicles or the attachment
of items to the Yakima products. Accordingly, Yakima cannot assume responsibility for any damage to any property arising out of the
improper attachment or use of its products. In addition, this Limited Warranty applies only to Yakima products and not to other products
used in conjunction with Yakima products. This Limited Warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and does not
cover consequential damages of any kind that may arise from the use or misuse of any Yakima product.

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FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE FIT REQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT
IN SEPARATION OF THE TRAILER FROM THE BICYCLE, CAUSING
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO PASSENGERS AND RIDER.
IMPORTANT FIT REQUIREMENTS
130 mm – 160 mm
DROPOUT SPACING REQUIREMENT
This trailer is designed to be used with bicycles with quick release wheels.
When measured from inside to inside, the rear wheel dropout spacing on your
bike must fall between 130 mm –160 mm for this trailer to function safely.
IF THE INSIDE TO INSIDE MEASUREMENT OF YOUR REAR DROPOUTS…
IS LESS THAN 130 mm:
STOP! Do not use this trailer with
this particular bike.
IS GREATER THAN 145 mm:
Use Replacement Skewer #8008216
(sold separately).
REPLACEMENT PARTS:
Please contact your dealer or call us at [phone] or [phone],
Monday through Friday, 7:00AM to 5:00PM Pacific time.
!
WARNING!
The BigTow trailer is designed for use with pedal-powered bicycles
only. Do not use the BigTow with motorized or electric vehicles.

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1
BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Read these few pages before
installing and operating your new cargo trailer!
!
WARNING!
YOUR BIKE’S HANDLING MAY BE ADVERSELY
AFFECTED WHEN TOWING A TRAILER!
Failure to read and follow the instructions
contained in these pages may result in accidents
and serious injury or death.
Be ever wary when it comes to using your trailer
during the special circumstances found with
unpaved and off-road travel. The BigTow is designed
to be a solid performer on- or off-road, but the ever-
changing conditions encountered on the trail require
you pay careful attention to your own abilities as well
as the surface of the trail you intend to blaze. Off
road surfaces amplify bike handling concerns and
with a trailer attached you have transformed your
little burro into a galloping team of Clydesdales. Be
aware that, in extreme conditions, the parking feet
may strike objects in the trail. They are designed to
be removed easily with a 10mm wrench, so take ‘em
off if you expect to get radical.
Unless you are a freak of nature unaffected by the little
things in life like physics, gravity and the weight of the
world, you will encounter a change in the handling
performance of your ride when you attach a gear-laden
trailer. As you add weight and length to your bike,
overall control and handling becomes more of
challenge. Why do you think it takes two people to
pedal those tandems anyway? Now don’t go putting a
person in your BigTow to steer it. But do pay close
attention to your bike handling skills and the
performance differences as they apply to each load,
bike and rider. Becoming “one with the road”means
something else than eating large chunks of asphalt or
causing someone else to do the same.
Getting good and properly loaded is much better for you and more important than
most experts originally thought. We at Yakima have known this for years.
Correct loading of the BigTow leads to safe operation and a pleasurable experience,
so follow these guidelines as you get loaded for destinations unknown.
Your overall agility and
maneuverability will be reduced, so
choose roads and trails safely within
your “comfort zone”and compatible
with your own individual abilities.
Towing A Trailer Will Affect Your Bike’s Handling!
Towing A Trailer OFF ROAD Will Amplify Handling Concerns!

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HINT: Take a spin next to someone pulling your
trailer to glimpse the increased length and space
requirements that will soon be your responsibility. Get a
feel for the size of the matter as both bike and trailer roll
towards their shared destination, and then buy the kind
person pulling your trailer for you at least a few cold
beverages for their trouble.
Length Awareness In One Easy Step—Be Aware That It’s There!
Learn To Make Turns And Take The Bumps
It is a swell idea to familiarize yourself with how individual
loads effect the overall handling and performance of your
bicycle. If you make friends with “the enemy”so to speak,
then the battle has no choice but to be over. You will most
likely have to adjust your riding style from load to load and
it is always a good idea to take a test spin in a lightly
traveled, safe area to get a feel for how your bike will
perform under any circumstance which might arise.
To prevent unwanted damage to both
bike and trailer, avoid the Jack knife
syndrome that comes with exaggerated,
sharp turning. Always keep your turning
radius lower than 75°in the clockwise
direction and less than 80°in the
counter clockwise direction. The
BigTow was not designed to allow turns
of a tighter radius than this and such
turns exceed the restrictions placed on
the BigTow’s use.
Also, in off road
conditions, be aware
of your increased
length when
traversing deep
gullies and large
rocks.
Over-Rotational Overload as we like to call it, adversely affects the
attachment and control of the trailer and can result in damage to the bike,
the trailer and even the unwary rider.
It is possible to damage your BigTow or your derailleur if you over-rotate the
trailer. Make every possible effort to avoid such maneuvers but if you believe
you may have already over done it, examine your derailleur, your quick-
release and the BigTow hitch pins (page 9) to make sure they are still in
sound working order. If you are unsure as to whether you exceeded the
stated limits or have further questions, contact your local bike shop for
assistance.
Practice Makes Your Ride Perfect!
Three Great Ways to Park Your Bike and Trailer
You can also
disconnect your
BigTow from the
bike on a flat
surface. Use the
handy parking feet
to stand your trailer
independently the
while bike does its
own thing.
Simplicity says, find some
level ground and position your rig
parallel to a stable and trustworthy
structure (like a building or a fence).
Exact distance may vary, but with
the bike about a foot away, slowly
and gently lean the bike until it rests
against the surface of your trusted
structure. Double-check the bike
and trailer to ensure stability.
On a flat surface, turn
your bike 90°to the trailer
and your handlebars a
further 90°to the frame. The trailer will
stand on its own!
When you are ready to take off again, put
one hand on the handlebars and one on the
saddle. Straighten the bars, and walk
forward with your bike as you pull the seat
towards you. The trailer will straighten out and
you are ready to roll. This magic works best
with a fully loaded trailer.
Because of the BigTow’s lightweight, aerodynamic design
and precise tracking in the slipstream of your rolling
thunder carriage, it can be easy to forget that you are
cruising with a trailer in tow. It’s not that a little added
length is necessarily a bad thing, but always be well aware
that it’s there. Use the flag provided to let others know
where your space ends and theirs can effectively begin.

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DANGER!
Exceeding this speed limit is unsafe and may result in
accident or injury to bikes, trailers and riders.
If you feel an overwhelming
need for speed and just have
to go faster, disconnect the
BigTow and enter a local bike
race where there is no posted
speed limit and no chance at
all that a trailer will crash into
the back of your head.
DO NOT EXCEED CARGO HEIGHT LIMIT!
The BigTow was designed to haul loads using an extremely low center
of gravity. Limit the total height of your cargo to no more than 18 inches
(46cm) from the trailer’s bottom. Loads higher than this are unsafe,
unstable and not recommended for the BigTow trailer.
DO NOT EXCEED CARGO WEIGHT LIMIT!
The BigTow has a maximum load bearing capacity of 70 lbs. and it is
unsafe to exceed this limit at any time. If you need to haul more than
70 lbs. you will just have to buy another BigTow, which of course means
you will need another bike and the skill to pedal both of them at the
same time!
DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM SPEED WHEN TOWING BIGTOW!
THERE ARE LIMITS!
DANGER!
Exceeding these limits is unsafe and may result in accident
or injury to bikes, trailers and riders.
Always remember that the increased weight and
length of your trailer and cargo will make you
slower in pulling away from a stop. That means
that you will take longer to cross intersections or
paths, or when passing others. It will also
increase your stopping distances, especially in
wet conditions. So, look farther ahead and
anticipate your need to start, stop and turn as
much as possible. Be safe.
WEIGHT LIMIT
70 lbs. (32kg)
HEIGHT LIMIT
18 ins. (46cm)
SPEED
LIMIT
30
k.p.h.

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NEVER, EVER CARRY PEOPLE
OR ANIMALS!
The BigTow was designed to carry cargo only and is
unsafe if used for any other purpose.
35 p.s.i.
DANGER!
Failure to properly inflate your tires may lead to loss of
control of the bike and serious injury or death!
SECURE THE LOAD!
Proper and secure distribution of your cargo while loading and
operating the trailer is imperative to ensure smooth sailing and a
safe, comfy ride. The weatherproof TowBag attaches to the
BigTow using a very secure system of straps and buckles
designed to keep all your gear moving in the same direction. Take
time to evenly arrange your load and always tie it down.
PROPERLY INFLATE YOUR TIRES!
Proper tire pressure is critical to safe operation of your
bicycle and BigTow. The tire on the BigTow must be inflated to
35 psi. during use. Your bicycle tires must also be properly
inflated, especially the rear tire. Tire pressures are usually
molded into the sidewall of the tire. If you are unsure about
the pressure needed for your tires, check your owner’s
manual or your local bike shop for assistance. So, check them
before every ride. ‘Nuff said?
THERE ARE LIMITS!

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BEFORE EACH RIDE:
✔ Check your bicycle’s brakes to be sure they are
operating and safe.
✔ Check the tires on your bicycle and BigTow to be
sure they are properly inflated. The proper
inflation pressure is molded into the sidewall of
the tire. Do not use the BigTow with under-
inflated tires! Under-inflated tires will make the
bicycle less controllable and may cause
accidents and possible injury or death.
✔ Check the tightness of the quick release skewer
for the bicycle’s rear wheel.
✔ Check the hitch to make sure that the trailer is
properly attached.
✔ Respect the maximum load of 70 lbs. (32kg).
✔ Secure the load. Shifting cargo can destabilize
your bike and cause an accident. If you are using
the TowBag, use the straps to secure the bag.
Review the instructions for more info.
✔ Attach the safety flag.
✔ Always wear your helmet.
Ride Checklist & Monthly Maintenance
Obey All Traffic Laws
ONCE EVERY MONTH:
•Inspect tires. Cracked or worn tires can fail without
warning and cause accidents.
•Inspect wheel for trueness and spoke tension.
•Inspect wheel bearings for wear or excessive play.
•Check pivot tube for free play or binding. Spray the
pivot bearings with WD-40™, Tri-flow®or other
lubricant.
•The TowBag can be cleaned with dishwashing soap
and warm water. Do not use bleach products.
If you are uncomfortable completing any of
these steps, take your BigTow to your local
Yakima dealer for service.
The BigTow is so cool that you may hear this more
often than you want to. If you get tired of the
hounding and decide to let a friend borrow your
BigTow, first be sure that it’s in good working order.
Then, explain to your friend how to operate the trailer.
Better yet, show him/her this manual and have him/
her read it. After all, you want your BigTow (and your
friend) to come back in one piece, don’t you?
Bicycles are vehicles and are required to
follow all the rules of the road. This includes
stopping at stop signs and signals and
riding with traffic, not against it. Always ride
defensively; scan ahead for turning cars
and other dangers. Leave the “Alice in
Chains”or “Tom Jones Live”CD and
headphones at home; you’ll need to hear what’s
going on around you. Remember that if you ride
responsibly, you have a better chance of being
treated as a legitimate road user. And as you
ride the bike paths of life, be sure to give an
audible warning when you pass others. It’s not
only courteous, it’s just good karma.
If You Lend Your Bigtow—Lend This Book With It!
Always ride with the safety flag to notify drivers and
other road users that you are
more than just a bicycle. Your
BigTow is also equipped with
a rear reflector and wheel
reflector, and the TowBag has
reflective trim. But, if you are riding in the dark, these
Be Visible On The Road!
are NOT meant to take the place of proper lights.
Always use a bright headlight and a flashing rear
light attached either to the bike or your person to get
yourself noticed by all those pesky cars. Promptly
replace any cracked or broken reflectors. Check
with your local authorities if you have any questions
about what’s legal for night riding in your town.

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6Attach parking feet to the trailer basket.
The parking feet enable the trailer to stand alone when
separated from the bike.
L
R
Attach the fender to
the basket.
5
3Attach the hoop to the basket frame.
4Attach the reflector to the fender.
•Insert the reflector bolt into the
hole in the fender.
•Attach a washer and a nut.
•Use a wrench to tighten the nut.
“L”= left
“R”= right R
L
•Insert the fender from
below the frame.
•Align the holes in the
fender to the holes in
the hoop.
•Use a Phillips
screwdriver to tighten
the screws.
8mm
10 mm
2
ASSEMBLE THE TRAILER:
You could throw
it away, but it’s
really great for
holding
chopsticks!
There is a right foot and a left foot fitted to the frame.
Use a wrench to tighten the nuts.
OFF ROAD USERS:
When traversing deep gullies and large rocks, parking feet may come in contact
with obstacles on the trail. The feet are designed to be removed easily with a
10mm wrench, so take ‘em off if you expect to get radical.
•Align the two pairs of holes on
each side of the frame to the holes
in the hoop.
•Upper holes MUST face away from
trailer basket.
•Use a Phillips screwdriver to
tighten the screws.
Remove the spacer
from the trailer
dropouts.

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9
8
10
Install the short skewer into the trailer wheel hub.
•Unscrew the skewer nut from the skewer,
and remove one of the two springs.
•Insert the skewer throught the wheel hub.
INSTALL THE TRAILER WHEEL.
The spring should go onto the skewer before
replacing the nut.
Attach the wheel to the trailer.
Drop the trailer forks onto the wheel.
Tighten the skewer.
With lever open, tighten the nut until the lever
closes with FIRM resistance.
7
Inflate the tire
to 35 psi.
The wheel is secure ONLY after the
lever closes with solid resistance.

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ATTACH THE TRAILER YOKE TO THE BASKET.
11
Do not overtighten the nut on
the long bolt. The frame
should pivot easily.
Insert the long bolt and attach a
washer and a nut.
Tighten the nut with a wrench.
12
10 mm
If the sleeve inside the large
straight tube should slide out,
push it back in.
Align the holes in the end of the frame to the holes in the yoke.
Keep the openings in the yoke ends pointed down.
(yoke openings down)

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Replace it with the new skewer.
Remove your bike’s rear wheel
skewer assembly.
14
15
13
•Attach the tension adjuster
nut with the ridges facing
into the rear dropout.
Insert the new skewer through your bike’s hub.
•Replace the spring
between tension
adjuster nut and
rear dropout.
If threads extend beyond tension adjuster nut, consult
your bike shop about modification of skewer length.
•Unscrew the new
skewer tension adjuster
nut from the skewer.
•Open lever.
•Unscrew tension nut.
•Remove skewer.
•Store your skewer assembly in a safe place.
16 TIGHTEN THE NUT, AND CLOSE THE QUICK-RELEASE LEVER:
QUICK-RELEASE LEVER OPERATION
•With the quick-release lever in
the open position, tighten the
tension adjusting nut until it is
finger tight against the dropout.
•THE LEVER
MUST CLOSE
COMPLETELY!
•Rotate the quick-release lever all
the way into the closed position
(the lever should reach firm
resistance at the halfway point).
Keep the wheel CENTERED AND ALIGNED to the bike frame!
If quick-release lever closes too easily—
•Open the lever and turn the tension adjusting nut SLIGHTLY.
•Close the quick-release lever again.
•Repeat until the quick-release lever closes with firm resistance.
•Remove one of
the springs.

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CLOSE
•Insert pin into hole.
19
•Attach safety clip to end of pin.
17
18 INSTALL HITCH ONTO THE
NEW SKEWER.
The ball on the end of the skewer must
nest completely inside the hitch.
Test the hitch installation by pulling and twisting
the arm. If it comes out, repeat the installation.
Unclasp the pin
and remove it.
FIT NOTE:
Frames narrower or wider than this may
require you to squeeze or widen the yoke
slightly. Do not use the BigTow on frames
narrower than 130 mm or wider than 160 mm.
ATTACH THE BIGTOW TO YOUR BIKE.
The BigTow attaches to bicycles using a quick release skewer
inserted into the rear hub of your bike. If you fail to correctly install
the skewer and properly attach the BigTow as instructed, accidents,
injury and bad bicycle trips will rear their big, ugly heads and bite
your careless self. If you are uncertain even after reading the
instructions, visit your local bike shop for assistance. Remember,
the only stupid question is the one left unasked and you have the
ultimate responsibility for the consequences of your own actions.
(Refer to DROPOUT SPACING REQUIREMENTS on page 3).
SECURE YOKE WITH PINS AND SAFETY CLIPS.
If the lanyard interferes with any moving parts,
it can be cut and removed from the hitch.

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LOAD THE TOW BAG INTO THE TRAILER.
20 Set the bag onto the trailer.
•The bag can be filled before
or after loading.
21
The bag should be very snug in the
trailer frame, and unable to be removed
without unbuckling the straps.
•Engage the buckles.
•Tighten the straps by pulling on the loose ends.
•Close the handles together.
•To release the buckle, press the sides together.
Thread the unbuckled straps between the frame tubes.
•To engage the buckles,
push the pieces together
until you hear a click.
WEIGHT LIMIT
70 lbs.
(32kg)
HEIGHT LIMIT
18 ins.
(46cm)
WARNING!
Exceeding these limits
is unsafe and may
result in accident or
injury to bikes,
trailers and riders.

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Bye-Bye Baby!
Now the time has come to let the good times roll.
You have proven yourself worthy, so what are you
waiting for anyway?!? You have made it this far with us
and now the time has finally arrived to put your BigTow
to good use wandering this way and that across your
universe. May your adventures be always agreeable,
and the miles you Tow be many!
22
•Assemble the flag.
•Fully insert the flag into the holder near the fender.
Always ride with the flag for maximum
visibility, which means greater safety to you.
You are almost ready to ride!
IF YOU NEED FURTHER TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE OR REPLACEMENT PARTS:
Please contact your dealer or call us
at [phone]
or [phone],
Monday through Friday,
7:00am to 5:00pm Pacific time.

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DANS CE MANUEL...
Dimensions ............................................. 18
Sécuritéet conduite.............................. 21
S’habituer àla remorque...................... 22
Limites ............................................... 23, 24
Liste de vérifications avant départ..... 25
Entretien .................................................. 25
Montage et attelage
Panier, aile et pieds ........................ 24
Pose de la roue................................ 25
Montage des brancards ................ 26
Accrochage de la remorque
au vélo .................................... 27, 28
Sac TowBag ..................................... 29
Limites de poids et de hauteur ............ 29
Fanion................................................ 30
OUTILS RECOMMANDÉS:
•Clés: 8 mm et 10 mm
(ou une cléàmolette)
•Tournevis cruciforme
MANUEL DU
PROPRIÉTAIRE
Remorque àbagages pour vélo BIGTOW
R
L

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Les remorques …
Félicitations et merci d’avoir choisi la remorque BigTow de Yakima! Vous n’avez plus besoin
d’avoir quatre roues et un réservoir d’essence pour profiter de l’expertise en transport de
bagages que Yakima offre aux passionnés de grand air depuis plus de vingt ans. Que vous
utilisiez votre remorque pour aller écouter le babillage d’un ruisseau, ou simplement le babillage
au bureau, vous serez séduit par les performances, la facilitéd’utilisation et les possibilités
impressionnantes du BigTow.
Il a simplement pour but de vous permettre de profiter de votre
remorque au maximum, et en toute sécurité.
INTRODUCTION ET MERCI!
Pourquoi Yakima fabrique-t-elle des
remorques pour vélos? Tout simplement
parce que nous cherchions la meilleure
façon de transporter en vélo tout notre
bric-à-brac entre la maison, le travail et la
campagne. Nous voulions une solution
Yakima. Une solution vraiment nouvelle qui
reflète la réputation d’experts en transport
de bagages que nous nous sommes mérité.
Car nous considérons la bicyclette comme
le mode de transport le plus intelligent.
Avec les années, nous avons perdu le
compte du nombre de vélos que nous avons
transportés en toute sécuritésur le toit et à
l’arrière de voitures partout au monde.
Maintenant, nous avons mis le bœuf devant la
charrue et c’est àvous qu’il appartiendra de
décider s’il vaut mieux rouler sur deux roues ou
sur trois.
Nous avons donc décidéde relever le défi des
remorques pour vélos et de prendre
résolument la voie du touring. Nous vous
offrons maintenant fièrement le fruit de nos
labeurs. La BigTow est une remorque pour
bagages de grande qualitéconstruite selon les
normes d’excellence Yakima: elle est faite pour
vous suivre dans toutes vos aventures.
Soyez prudent, et bonne route!
GARANTIE LIMITÉE
Yakima Products (“Yakima”) s’engage àréparer ou àremplacer les produits qui présenteraient des vices de matériau ou de fabrication.
Cette garantie limitée a une durée de trois ans àpartir de la date d’achat. Cette garantie limitée ne s’applique que si les instructions et la
liste de compatibilité(“Fit List”) ont étérespectées et si les produits ont étéutilisés normalement. Si le client estime qu’un produit Yakima
est défectueux, le client doit le retourner àun dépositaire Yakima autorisé, accompagnéde la preuve d’achat. Yakima autorisera alors le
dépositaire àretourner le produit. Si, après inspection, Yakima juge le produit défectueux, Yakima réparera ou remplacera le produit, àsa
discrétion et sans frais. Le client devra assumer les frais de transport jusqu’à Yakima et Yakima assumera les frais de retour au client. Les
retours non autorisés ne seront pas acceptés. Cette garantie limitée ne couvre pas l’usure normale ou les dommages résultant d’un
usage abusif, d’un accident ou de modifications aux produits Yakima. L’acheteur reconnaît que Yakima n’a aucun contrôle sur la façon
dont ses produits sont fixés aux véhicules, ou dont les articles transportés sont fixés aux produits Yakima. Il s’ensuit que Yakima ne peut
assumer de responsabilitépour des dommages matériels consécutifs au mauvais montage ou au mauvais emploi de ses produits. De
plus, la présente garantie limitée ne s’applique qu’aux produits Yakima et non àd’autres produits utilisés conjointement aux produits
Yakima. Cette garantie limitée remplace toute autre garantie, expresse ou tacite, et ne couvre pas d’éventuels dommages indirects
pouvant survenir par suite de l’emploi, correct ou non, des produits Yakima.

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SI L’ON NE RESPECTE PAS CES CONDITIONS DE MONTAGE, LA
REMORQUE POURRAIT SE DÉCROCHER DU VÉLO, CE QUI POURRAIT
PROVOQUER DES BLESSURES AU CYCLISTE ET AUX PASSAGERS, OU
MÊME LEUR MORT.
CONSIDÉRATIONS IMPORTANTES SUR LES DIMENSIONS
130 mm –160 mm
CARTEMENT ENTRE LES PATTES ARRIÈRE
Cette remorque est faite pour être attelée àune bicyclette munie de roues àaxes à
serrage rapide. La distance entre les pattes arrière du vélo, mesurée entre les deux faces
intérieures, doit être comprise entre 130 et 160 mm.
SI LA DISTANCE ENTRE LES DEUX FACES INTÉRIEURES DES PATTES ARRIÈRE DE LA BICYCLETTE…
EST DE MOINS DE 130 mm:
ARRÊTER! Ne pas atteler cette
remorque àce vélo.
EST DE PLUS DE 145 mm:
employer l’axe àserrage rapide de
remplacement no 8008216 (vendu àpart).
DE PIÈCES DE RECHANGE:
prière de contacter votre dépositaire ou de nous appeler au
[phone] ou au [phone], du lundi au vendredi,
entre 7 heures et 17 heures, heure du Pacifique.
!
ATTENTION!
La remorque BigTow est seulement conçue pour les bicyclettes
propulsées par des pédales. Ne pas accrocher cette remorque àun
véhicule motoriséou électrique.

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1
AVANT DE COMMENCER: lisez ces quelques pages avant
d’accrocher et d’utiliser votre nouvelle remorque àbagages!
!
ATTENTION!
VOTRE BICYCLETTE RISQUE D’ÊTRE MOINS
MANIABLE QUAND UNE REMORQUE Y EST
ACCROCHÉE!
Le fait de ne pas lire et de ne pas observer les instructions
présentées ici pourrait provoquer des accidents, des
blessures graves ou même la mort.
Soyez particulièrement prudent si vous tirez votre
remorque sur des surfaces accidentées, comme une
route de gravier ou un sentier non asphalté. La remorque
BigTow est conçue pour bien se comporter sur route ou
hors route, mais puisque les conditions en sentier
changent sans arrêt, il vous faudra tenir compte de vos
propres possibilités ainsi que de l’état de la surface sur
laquelle vous roulez. Hors route, le vélo devient plus
délicat àcontrôler et maintenant qu’il est accrochéàune
remorque, vous venez de transformer votre chèvre de
montage en un attelage de chevaux de trait! Il faut savoir
que dans certaines circonstances, il est possible que les
pieds de la remorque heurtent des objets. Ils sont conçus
pour être faciles àenlever (avec une cléde 10 mm), alors
démontez-les si le sentier est accidenté.
Àmoins que vous ne soyez un inconditionnel de la
nature, que des détails comme les lois de la physique,
la gravitéet le sort du monde ne touchent pas, vous
constaterez que votre vélo se comporte différemment
quand vous y aurez accrochéune remorque chargée.
Quand le vélo devient plus lourd et plus long, son
comportement change: vous constaterez qu’il accélère
moins vite, qu’il faut plus de distance pour freiner et que
les virages sont plus délicats. Pourquoi croyez-vous
qu’ils sont deux sur ces tandems? Mais il ne faudrait
quand même pas mettre un passager dans la remorque
pour la conduire. L’important, c’est de conduire votre
vélo avec plus d’attention et de tenir compte de ces
modifications de maniabilitéen fonction de la charge,
du vélo et du cycliste. Quand on parle de «ne faire qu’un
avec la route», cela ne veut pas dire de s’étaler de tout
son long sur l’asphalte, ou de faire chuter quelqu’un
d’autre.
Correctement chargée, votre remorque BigTow sera plus sûre et plus
agréable àutiliser. Nous vous prions donc de suivre ces instructions
avant votre grande expédition.
Votre vélo sera moins agile et
moins maniable: choisissez donc
des chemins et des pistes sur
lesquels vous êtes àl’aise et qui
correspondent àvotre niveau
technique.
Le fait de tirer une remorque modifie le comportement du vélo!
Le fait de tirer une remorque HORS ROUTE amplifie
les différences de comportement!

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CONSEIL: Faites une balade avec une autre
personne en lui demandant de rouler avec votre
vélo (avec la remorque), pour vous rendre compte de la
longueur et de la place dont vous êtes maintenant
responsable. Une fois que vous vous serez bien
imprégnéde ce fait grâce aux vigoureux mollets de
votre ami, n’oubliez pas de le remercier en lui offrant la
tournée!
Prenez conscience de la nouvelle longueur de votre engin!
Apprenez àtourner et àsurmonter les bosses
C’est une excellente idée de vous familiariser àl’avance
avec divers types de charges pour voir dans quelle mesure
elles modifient le comportement de votre vélo: cela vous
permettra d’apprendre àapprivoiser «la bête», en quelque
sorte. Il faudra très probablement modifier votre manière
de rouler d’une charge àl’autre. L’idéal, c’est de faire une
balade d’essai dans un endroit facile et oùil n’y a pas de
circulation pour constater comment votre vélo se
comportera dans diverses situations.
Pour éviter d’endommager votre vélo ou
la remorque, évitez de mettre l’attelage
en «portefeuille»en virant trop serré.
Votre rayon de virage devrait toujours
être inférieur à75°vers la droite, et à
80°vers la gauche. La remorque BigTow
n’a pas étéconçue pour effectuer des
virages plus serrés et le lui demander
dépasserait ses possibilités.
Also, in off road conditions, be aware of
your increased length when traversing
deep gullies and large rocks.
Par ailleurs, en
roulant hors route,
vous devrez tenir
compte de la
longueur de
l’attelage en
traversant des
fossés larges ou en passant par-dessus des
obstacles.
Les surcharges imposées par des pivotements de trop grande amplitude
peuvent détériorer les points de fixation de la remorque et son
comportement, et endommager le vélo, la remorque ou provoquer la chute
du cycliste imprudent.
Si la remorque pivote trop loin sur le côté, le dérailleur, ou la remorque,
pourraient subir des avaries. Prenez toujours soin d’éviter cette situation,
mais si vous pensez qu’il y a malgrétout eu contact entre les pièces,
examinez le dérailleur, l’axe àserrage rapide et les goupilles de verrouillage
de l’attelage (page 13) pour vous assurer qu’ils sont en bon état. En cas de
doute, ou si vous vous posez des questions, demandez l’aide de votre
vendeur Yakima.
Familiarisez-vous avec la remorque en vous entraînant!
Trois façons astucieuses de stationner votre attelage
On peut aussi
dételer la remorque
du vélo sur un sol de
niveau et la faire
tout simplement
porter sur ses pieds
pendant que l’on
stationne le vélo de
la manière
habituelle.
La méthode la plus simple,
c’est encore de trouver un endroit
oùle sol est de niveau et de placer
l’attelage le long d’une structure
stable et solide (comme un mur ou
une clôture). La distance précise
pourra varier, mais une fois le vélo à
30 cm environ, pencher doucement
le vélo pour l’appuyer contre la
structure. Vérifier que le vélo et la
remorque sont bien stables.
Sur une surface de
niveau, placer le vélo à90°
de la remorque et tourner le
guidon à90°lui-même du cadre: la
remorque tiendra debout toute seule! Pour
vous remettre en route, mettez une main
sur le guidon et l’autre sur la selle.
Redressez le guidon et poussez le vélo vers
l’avant en ramenant la selle vers vous: la
remorque se remettra dans l’axe et vous serez
prêt àrepartir. Ce truc est particulièrement
efficace quand la remorque est chargée.
La remorque BigTow étant légère et aérodynamique, et
puisqu’elle suit le vélo avec une grande stabilité, il serait
facile d’oublier que vous tirez une remorque. Le fait que
votre engin soit plus long ne pose pas de problème en soi,
mais il est tout de même important d’en avoir conscience.
Posez le fanion fourni pour que les autres usagers voient
bien la place que vous occupez.