Using A Quick Release - Bike Friday Family Tandem Traveler User Manual

Using a Quick Release

Using Those Nifty Quick Releases
On a cold and snowy day in the 1927 Gran Premio della Vi�oria, a
tired and numb Tullio Campagnolo struggled with the frozen wing
nuts on his rear wheel while trying to change gears. In a moment
of frustration and inspiration Campagnolo envisioned the modern
quick release, and the bicycle world was transformed.
The quick release is one of those simple but great inventions that
really makes life be�er. However, if used incorrectly you can
potentially endanger yourself. Although a reliable and safe prod-
uct, some people have been injured because they didn't know how
to properly use this elegant device. Your Bike Friday travel bicycle
has several of them. If you are not familiar with their operation,
PLEASE study these directions carefully. If you are still unclear
on their operation, call us or contact your favorite local bike shop
before you ride!
Quick Release Operation
A quick release is a simple cam with a lever that swings through an
arc that is square to the axle. As the lever moves the cam clamps the
wheel to the frame, or secures the frame joint. It is not a wing nut to
be rotated about the axle.
The tension on the quick release is controlled by how tight the
knurled nut on the other end is set. Only wheel quick releases have
the small cone-shaped springs. Note that the small ends of the
springs face toward the center of the hub.
Quick Release Maintenance
We recommend adding a few drops of light oil to the lever where
it enters the cap several times per year. This will keep your quick
release working smoothly for years to come.
Knurled Nut
(adjust tightness here)
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Open (Loose)
(starts
getting
tight
here)
QR Lever
Closed (Stiff)
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Using a Quick Release
1. Adjust Knurled Nut
With the wheel installed and
the axle properly seated in
the frame (or the frame joint
closed), position the QR lever
so that it is in line with the
axle. Then turn the knurled
nut on the other side clock-
wise until it is snug. When
the QR is properly adjusted,
you should be able to freely swing the QR lever for the first half of
its arc, at which point the lever should offer resistance.
2. Continue Closing QR
Using the palm of your hand
press the QR lever through
the rest of its arc until the
lever is closed and parallel
to the wheel. You should feel
very firm resistance when
the QR is properly adjusted
(the lever may even leave a
light imprint in the palm of
your hand).
3. Double-Check!
Ideally, the QR lever should
be facing rearward or
upward. Levers which are
facing forward can catch on
any number of things and be
accidentally opened.
Convention usually has the
front wheel quick release
lever on the le� side of the
bike, although this is not critical.
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Fig. 1 Quick release operation.
Fig. 2 Setting quick release tightness.
Fig. 3 Closed QR pointing rearward.
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