Service; Service Intervals - Giant - V8.0 Manual

5. Service

WARNING: Technological advances have made bicycles and bicycle components more
complex, and the pace of innovation is increasing. It is impossible for this manual to provide all the
information required to properly repair and/or maintain your bicycle. In order to help minimize the
chances of an accident and possible injury, it is critical that you have any repair or maintenance
which is not specifically described in this manual performed by your dealer. Equally important is that
your individual maintenance requirements will be determined by everything from your riding style to
geographic location. Consult your dealer for help in determining your maintenance requirements.
WARNING: Many bicycle service and repair tasks require special knowledge and tools. Do not
begin any adjustments or service on your bicycle until you have learned from your dealer how to
properly complete them. Improper adjustment or service may result in damage to the bicycle or in an
accident which can cause serious injury or death.
If you want to learn to do major service and repair work on your bike:
1. Ask your dealer for copies of the manufacturer's installation and service instructions for the components
on your bike, or contact the component manufacturer.
2. Ask your dealer to recommend a book on bicycle repair.
3. Ask your dealer about the availability of bicycle repair courses in your area.
We recommend that you ask your dealer to check the quality of your work the first time you work on
something and before you ride the bike, just to make sure that you did everything correctly. Since that will
require the time of a mechanic, there may be a modest charge for this service.
A. Service Intervals
Some service and maintenance can and should be performed by the owner, and require no special tools
or knowledge beyond what is presented in this manual.
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 specified by the manufacturer.
1. 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 dealer. Your Mechanical Safety Check (Section 1.C) will help you identify some
things that need readjustment. But even if everything seems fine to you, it's best to take your bike back
to the dealer for a checkup. Dealers typically suggest you bring the bike in for a 30 day checkup. Another
way to judge when it's time for the first checkup is to bring the bike in after three to five hours of hard
off-road use, or about 10 to 15 hours of on-road or more casual off-road use. But if you think something
is wrong with the bike, take it to your dealer before riding it again.
2. Before every ride: Mechanical Safety Check (Section 1.C)
3. After every long or hard ride: if the bike has been exposed to water or grit; or at least every 100 miles:
Clean the bike and lightly oil the chain. Wipe off excess oil. Lubrication is a function of climate. Talk to
your dealer about the best lubricants and the recommended lubrication frequency for your area.
4. After every long or hard ride or after 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
dealer check it.
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