Mechanical And Cargo Check - Xtracycle 2016 EdgeRunner User Manual

C. Mechanical and cargo check
Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before every ride and make sure that cargo is securely
attached.
Nuts, bolts screws & other fasteners: To make sure that the many fasteners on your bicycle are correctly
tightened, refer to the Fastener Torque Specifications in the Appendix of this manual or to the torque
specifications in the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the component in question. Correctly
tightening a fastener requires a calibrated torque wrench. A professional bicycle mechanic with a torque
wrench should torque the fasteners on your bicycle. If you choose to work on your own bicycle, you must use
a torque wrench and the correct tightening torque specifications from the bicycle or component manufacturer
or from your dealer. If you need to make an adjustment at home or in the field, we urge you to exercise care,
and to have the fasteners you worked on checked by your dealer as soon as possible. Note that there are
some components which require special tools and knowledge. In Sections 3 and 4 we discuss the items
which you may be able to adjust yourself. All other adjustments and repairs should be done by a qualified
bicycle mechanic.
WARNING: Correct tightening force on fasteners –nuts, bolts, screws– on your bicycle is
important. Too little force, and the fastener may not hold securely. Too much force, and the
fastener can strip threads, stretch, deform or break. Either way, incorrect tightening force can
result in component failure, which can cause you to loose control and fall.
Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel off the ground by two or three inches, then let it bounce
on the ground. Anything sound, feel, or look loose? Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Any
loose parts or accessories? If so, secure them. If you're not sure, ask someone with experience to check.
Tires & Wheels: Make sure tires are correctly inflated (see Section 4.G). Check by putting one hand on
the seat, one on the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the bike while
looking at tire deflection. Compare what you see with how it looks when you know the tires are correctly
inflated; and adjust if necessary.
Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace
damaged tires before riding the bike.
Wheels true? Spin each wheel and check for brake clearance and side-to-side wobble. If a wheel wobbles
side to side even slightly take the bike to a qualified bike shop to have the wheel trued.
WARNING: Bicycle wheel rims are subject to wear. Riding a wheel that is at the end of its
usable life can result in wheel failure, which can cause you to loose control and fall.
Brakes: Check the brakes for proper operation (see Section 4.C). Squeeze the brake levers. Are the
brake quick-releases closed? All control cables seated and securely engaged? Do the brakes begin to
engage within an inch of brake lever movement? Can you apply full braking force at the levers without
having them touch the handlebar? If not, your brakes need adjustment. Do not ride the bike until the brakes
are properly adjusted by a professional bicycle mechanic.
Wheel retention system: Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured. See Section 4.A
Seat post: Check that it is properly adjusted and in the locked position. See Section 4.B.
Handlebar and seat alignment: Make sure the seat and handlebar stem are parallel to the bike's center
line and clamped tight enough so that you can't twist them out of alignment. See Sections 3.B and 3.C.
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