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MAINTENANCE
Lubrication
Lubrication should be performed by a qualified bicycle mechanic for the parts to be
disassembled. The information provided in this user guide about the service is for only those
who are comfortable doing the maintenance.
The following are examples of the type of service you should perform yourself. All other
service, maintenance and repair should be performed in a properly equipped facility by a
qualified bicycle mechanic using the correct tools and procedures.
Break-in Period:
Your bike will last longer and work better if you break it in before riding it hard. Control
cables and wheel spokes may stretch or "seat" when a new bike is first used and may require
readjustment by your local bicycle repair shop. The Safety Checklist section of this user
guide will help you identify the things that need readjustment.
A er every long or hard ride:
if the bike has been exposed to water or grit; or at least every 160km: Clean the bike and
lightly lubricate the chain's rollers with a good quality bicycle chain lubricant. Wipe off
excess lubricant with a lint free cloth. Lubrication is a function of climate. Talk to your local
bicycle shop about the best lubricants and the recommended lubrication frequency for your
area. Avoid contaminating the rims with lubricant!
A er every long or hard ride or a er every 10 to 20 hours of riding:
•
Squeeze the front brake and rock the bike forward and back. Everything feel solid? If
you feel a clunk with each forward or backward movement of the bike, you probably
have a loose headset. Have your local bike shop check it.
•
Li the front wheel off the ground and swing it from side to side. Feel smooth? If you feel
any binding or roughness in the steering, you may have a tight headset. Have your local
bike shop check it.
•
Grab one pedal and rock it toward and away from the centerline of the bike; then do the
same with the other pedal. Anything feel loose? If so, have your local bike shop check it.
•
Take a look at the brake pads. Starting to look worn or not hitting the wheel rim
squarely? Time to have the local bike shop adjust or replace them.
•
Carefully check the control cables and cable housings. Look if any rust, kinks, or fraying
has occurred and if so, have your local bike shop replace them.
•
Squeeze each adjoining pair of spokes on either side of each wheel between your
thumb and index finger. Do they all feel the same? If any feel loose, have your local bike
shop check the wheel for tension and trueness.
•
Check the tires for excess wear, cuts or bruises. Have your local bike shop replace them
if necessary.
•
Check the wheel rims for excess wear, dings or dents and scratches. Consult your local
bike shop if you see any rim damage.
•
Check to make sure that all parts and accessories are still secure, and tighten any
which are not, including but not limited to pedals, crank arms, chains, seat post, and
handlebars.
•
Check the frame, particularly in the area around all tube joints; the handlebars; the
stem; and the seat post for any deep scratches, cranks or discoloration. These can be
signs of stress-caused fatigue and indicate that a part is at the end of it's useful life and
needs to be replaced.
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