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// USER’S MANUAL
ENGLISH
HOW THE COMPONENTS WORK
Very low pressures, at the bottom of the recommended pressure range, give the best performance on
smooth, slick terrain such as hard-packed clay, and on deep, loose surfaces such as deep, dry sand.
Tire pressure that is too low for your weight and the riding conditions can cause a puncture of the tube
by allowing the tire to deform sufficiently to pinch the inner tube between the rim and the riding surface.
Pencil type automotive tire gauges can be inaccurate and should not be relied upon for consistent, accu-
rate pressure readings. Instead, use a high quality dial gauge.
Check inflation as described so you’ll know how correctly inflated tires should look and feel when you
don’t have access to a gauge. Some tires may need to be brought up to pressure every week or two, so
it is important to check your tire pressures before every ride.
Some special high-performance tires have unidirectional treads: their tread pattern is designed to work
better in one direction than in the other. The sidewall marking of a unidirectional tire will have an arrow
showing the correct rotation direction. If your bike has unidirectional tires, be sure that they are mounted
to rotate in the correct direction.
2. TIRE VALVES
The tube valve allows the air to enter the inner chamber of the tire without pressure, but does not allow
it to escape, unless you want it. There are primarily two kinds of bicycle tube valves (actually, there are
other types, but are not very common in Europe The Schraeder Valve and the Presta Valve. The bicycle
pump you use must have the fitting appropriate to the valve stems on your bicycle.
The Schraeder valve is like the valve on a car tire. To inflate a Schraeder valve tube, remove the valve cap
and clamp the pump fitting onto the end of the valve stem. To let air out of a Schraeder valve, depress
the pin in the end of the valve stem with the end of a wrench or other appropriate object.
The Presta valve has a narrower diameter and is only found on bicycle tires. To inflate a Presta valve tube
using a Presta headed bicycle pump, remove the valve cap; unscrew (counter clockwise) the valve stem
lock nut; and push down on the valve stem to free it up. Then push the pump head on to the valve head,
and inflate. To inflate a Presta valve with a Schraeder pump fitting, you’ll need a Presta adapter (available
at your bike shop) which screws on to the valve stem once you’ve freed up the valve. The adapter fits
into the Schraeder pump fitting. Close the valve after inflation. To let air out of a Presta valve, open up
the valve stem lock nut and depress the valve stem.
The adapter fits on the end of air hose attachment. Close the valve after filling. To let air out of a Presta
valve, open the lock nut of the valve pin and press the pin.
H. BICYCLE SUSPENSION
The suspension must be in good condition to function properly.
The suspension must have a proper maintenance done by qualified personnel for this purpose, in order
to avoid errors that may cause a malfunction of the suspension.
Many bicycles are equipped with suspension systems. There are many different types of suspension
systems too many to deal with individually in this Manual. If your bicycle has a suspension system of any
kind, be sure to read and follow the suspension manufacturer’s setup and service instructions. If you do
not have the manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealer or contact the manufacturer.
If the bike as been without use for along time, you should check the suspension.
Failure to maintain, check and properly adjust the suspension system may result in suspension malfunc-
tion, which may cause you to lose control and fall.
Changing suspension adjustment can change the handling and braking characteristics of your bicycle.
Never change suspension adjustment unless you are thoroughly familiar with the suspension system
manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations, and always check for changes in the handling and
braking characteristics of the bicycle after a suspension adjustment by taking a careful test ride in a
hazard-free area.