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The bottom bracket
frame. There are different designs, in some cases the bearing spindle
is part of the bottom bracket, in some other cases it is integrated into
the right crank. Sealed bottom brackets are maintenance free and de-
livered without play ex works. The bottom bracket in the frame must be
checked for play at regular intervals.
Also check at regular intervals whether the cranks are firmly attached
to the bearing spindle or whether there is play. Grab the crank and try
a
to jiggle it forcefully. It must be absolutely free of play. If you notice any
play, contact your WHEELER bicycle dealer immediately.
Depending on the gear system, gear shifting is initiated by actuating a
shift lever, a brake and shift lever unit or by a short turn of the wrist with
twist grips (b). Continue pedalling during gear shifting, however, with
reduced pedalling force.
Please find below the principles of the shift lever types and their opera-
tion. It is, however, also possible that your new WHEELER bicycle has a
gear system that is not listed below.
b
In the case of shifters pressing the large shifter (thumb shifter)
moves the chain towards the larger chainrings/sprockets.
That means that any gear shift made by pressing the large thumb shift-
er on the right produces a lower gear. This is an indexed shifting system
with the option of shifting several gears with one action. Actuating the
large thumb shifter on the left produces a higher gear.
Pulling the small lever located in front of the handlebars from the rider's
viewpoint and actuated with the index finger
shifts the chain towards the smaller chainrings/sprockets, i.e. on the
c
right side to the higher gears and on the left side to the lower gears.
I
The principle of twist grips is different. Turning the right-hand grip
towards you makes for a lower gear ratio, while the same movement on
d
the left produces a higher gear – and vice versa. The shifting direction
may vary in this case, as well.
54
(a)
is the interface between the cranks and the
(d)
(index finger lever)
The manufacturers of gears normally provide detailed in-
structions, and these are on the enclosed CD. Read them
thoroughly. Make yourself familiar with your new gears in
an area free of traffic, if necessary. If you are in doubt or
if you have any questions, please contact your WHEELER
bicycle dealer.
G
Always wear straight-cut trousers or use trouser clips or the
like
(e).
to make sure your trousers do not get caught in the
chain or the chainrings. danger of an accident!
G
Shifting gears under load, i.e. while pedalling hard, can
make the chain slip. At the front derailleur
could even slip off the chainrings and result in an accident!
At the very least the service life of the chain would be re-
duced considerably.
G
If there is play between bearing spindle and cranks, they
can sustain damage. risk of breakage!
A
Avoid gears which involve an extremely oblique run of the
chain, as this will increase wear!
A
It is crucial when switching gears to continue pedalling
smoothly and without too much force. Do not shift under
load, and in particular not at the front derailleur, as this will
shorten the service life of your chain considerably. Further-
more, this can lead to a chain-suck, i.e. the chain can get
(c)
jammed between chain stay and chainrings.
Checking and Readjusting
The derailleur gears of your bicycle were carefully adjusted by your
WHEELER bicycle dealer before delivery (g). However, Bowden cables
may stretch a little over the first kilometres, making gear shifting impre-
cise and the chain rattle.
Adjusting the front and rear derailleur
an experienced mechanic. If you wish to attempt this yourself, follow in
addition the operating instructions of the gear manufacturer, which you
can find on the enclosed CD. Contact your WHEELER bicycle dealer if
you have any problems with the gears.
I
For your own safety, bring your WHEELER bicycle to your
WHEELER bicycle dealer for its first inspection after 100
to 300 kilometres (60 to 180 miles), 5 to 15 hours of initial
use or four to six weeks, and at the very latest after three
months.
(f)
the chain
(h)
accurately is a job only for
e
f
f
g
h
55
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