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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 tire valve allows air to enter the tire’s inner tube under pressure, but doesn’t let it back out unless you want it to. There are
primarily two kinds of bicycle tube valves: The Schraeder Valve and the Presta Valve. The bicycle pump you use must have the
fitting appropriate to the valve stems on your bicycle. All eZip and IZIP bicycles use Schraeder valves
The Schraeder is like the valve on a car tire. To inflate a Schraeder valve tube, remove the valve cap and push the air hose or
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 key 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 (counterclockwise) 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 gas station air
hose, 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 the end of the air hose 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.
Bicycle Suspension
Some bicycles come equipped with suspension systems which are designed to smooth out some of the shocks encountered
while riding. 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, consult a qualified specialist to provide you with the appropriate adjustment and
maintenance instructions.
WaRninG:
Failure to maintain, check and properly adjust the suspension system may result in suspension malfunction,
which may cause you to lose control and fall.
CAUTION:
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.
Tires and Tubes
1. Tires
Bicycle tires are available in many designs and specifications, ranging from general-purpose designs to tires designed to
perform best under very specific weather or terrain conditions. Your bicycle has been equipped with tires which the bike’s
manufacturer felt were the best balance of performance and value for the use for which the bike was intended. If, once you’ve
gained experience with your new bike, you feel that a different tire might better suit your riding needs, your dealer can help you
select the most appropriate design.
The size, pressure rating, and on some high-performance tires the specific recommended use, are marked on the sidewall of
the tire. The part of this information which is most important to you is Tire Pressure.
WaRninG:
Never inflate a tire beyond the maximum pressure marked on the tire’s sidewall. Exceeding the recommended
maximum pressure may blow the tire off the rim, which could cause damage to the bike and injury to the rider and bystanders.
The best way to inflate a bicycle tire to the correct pressure is with a bicycle pump.
CAUTION:
Gas station air hoses move a large volume of air very rapidly, and will raise the pressure in your tire very rapidly. To
avoid over-inflation when using a gas station air hose, put air into your tire in short, spaced bursts.
Tire pressure is given either as maximum pressure or as a pressure range. How a tire performs under different terrain or
weather conditions depends largely on tire pressure. Inflating the tire to near its maximum recommended pressure gives the
lowest rolling resistance; but also produces the harshest ride. High pressures work best on smooth, dry pavement. 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.
CAUTION:
Pencil type automotive tire gauges and gas station air hose pressure settings can be inaccurate and should not be
relied upon for consistent, accurate pressure readings. Instead, use a high quality dial gauge.
Check inflation as described in you’ll know how correctly inflated tires should look and feel. Some tires may need to be brought
up to pressure every week or two.
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