Service Intervals - MARIN Bicycle Owner's Manual

Chapter 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.
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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.
We also recommend that you ask your dealer for guidance on what spare
parts, such as inner tubes, light bulbs, etc. it would be appropriate for
you to have once you have learned how to replace such parts when they
require replacement.
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 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 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.
• Lift 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 dealer 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 dealer check it.
• Take a look at the brake pads. Starting to look worn or not hitting the
wheel rim squarely? Time to have the dealer adjust or replace them.
• Carefully check the control cables and cable housings. Any rust? Kinks?
Fraying? If so, have your dealer replace them.
• Squeeze each adjoining pair of spokes on either side of each wheel
between your thumb and index finger. Do they all feel about the same? If
any feel loose, have your dealer check the wheel for tension and trueness.
• Check the tires for excess wear, cuts or bruises. Have your dealer
replace them if necessary.
• check the wheel rims for excess wear, dings, dents and scratches.
Consult your dealer if you see any rim damage.
• Check to make sure that all parts and accessories are still secure, and
tighten any which are not.
• Check the frame, particularly in the area around all tube joints; the
handlebars; the stem; and the seatpost for any deep scratches, cracks or
discoloration. These are signs of stress-caused fatigue and indicate that
a part is at the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. See also
Appendix B.
WARNING: Like any mechanical device, a bicycle and its
components are subject to wear and stress. Different materials
and mechanisms wear or fatigue from stress at different rates
and have different life cycles. If a component's life cycle is
exceeded, the component can suddenly and catastrophically
fail, causing serious injury or death to the rider. Scratches,
cracks, fraying and discoloration are signs of stress-caused
fatigue and indicate that a part is at the end of its useful life and
needs to be replaced. While the materials and workmanship of
your bicycle or of individual components may be covered by a
warranty for a specified period of time by the manufacturer, this
is no guarantee that the product will last the term of the
warranty. Product life is often related to the kind of riding you
do and to the treatment to which you submit the bicycle. The
bicycle's warranty is not meant to suggest that the bicycle
cannot be broken or will last forever. It only means that the
bicycle is covered subject to the terms of the warranty. Please
be sure to read Appendix A, Intended Use of your bicycle and
Appendix B, The lifespan of your bike and its components,
starting on page 43.
5. As required: If either brake lever fails the Mechanical Safety Check
(Section 1.C), don't ride the bike. Have your dealer check the brakes.
If the chain won't shift smoothly and quietly from gear to gear, the derailleur
is out of adjustment. See your dealer.
6. Every 25 (hard off-road) to 50 (on-road) hours of riding: Take your bike
to your dealer for a complete checkup.
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