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CAUTION: Never move the shifter while
pedalling backward, nor pedal backward after
having moved the shifter. This could jam the
chain and cause serious damage to the
bicycle, which could also cause you to lose
control and fall.
Lafree is equipped with a specially designed
twist shifter, located on the left side of the
handlebar to the inside of the left grip. To shift
the drive chain into a higher gear (smaller
cog) and make pedal resistance harder, rotate
the shifter to a higher number on the gear
indicator. To shift the drive chain into a lower
gear (larger cog) and make pedal resistance
easier, rotate the shifter to a lower number on
the gear indicator (Fig. 7I).
To best facilitate gear shifts, always shift
gears before you are on a hill. Always scan
the road or path for upcoming hills and be
prepared to shift early, before the grade of the
hill becomes too steep.
If pedalling becomes too difficult, engage VPC
Throttle by twisting rearward/clockwise on the
right-hand throttle grip while continuing to
pedal forward, but without pressure to the
pedals. While pedalling, rotate the left-hand
twist shifter forward/counterclockwise to shift
the drive chain into an easier gear. Once in an
easier gear, disengage VPC Throttle by
rotating the throttle forward/clockwise and
resuming power assisted pedal by putting
manual power to the pedals.
Whenever shifting gears, shift early, before
pedal pressure becomes harder. Failure to
utilise this technique could cause damage to
the drive chain and cogs.
7.10.3 Shifting gears with internal
gear hub
With gear hub you shift the same as with
derailleur. Pedal along easily without putting
pressure on the pedals. However, with gear
hubs it is possible to shift while free wheeling
or standing still. For proper performance make
sure the VPC throttle is not engaged during
shifting gears. Gear indication is the same as
with derailleur: lower numbers for low speed,
up hill and head wind, higher numbers for
high speed, down hill and tail wind.
7.11 Tyres and Innertubes
7.11.1 Tyres
Lafree’s tyres are general-purpose in design,
made for improved (paved) road surfaces.
They are not designed for unimproved roads
or trails where dirt, loose rocks, or other loose
debris is present. Your dealer can help you
select new tyres once they warrant
replacement.
The size and pressure rating are marked on
the sidewall of the tyre (Fig. 7J). The part of
this information which is most important to you
is tyre pressure.
The best way to inflate a bicycle tyre to the
correct pressure is with a bicycle pump. Your
dealer can help you select an appropriate
pump.
FIGURE 7I
FIGURE 7J
0288 Opm Binnenwerk 11-02-2000 10:46 Pagina 26
