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5. Service
WARNING: Technological advances have made bicycles and bicycle com-
ponents more complex, and the pace of innovation is increasing. It is impos-
sible for this manual to provide all the information required to properly repair
and/or maintain your bicycle. In order to help minimize the chances of an acci-
dent and possible injury, it is critical that you have any repair or maintenance
which is not specifically described in this manual performed by your dealer.
Equally important is that your individual maintenance requirements will be
determined by everything from your riding style to geographic location.
Consult your dealer for help in determining your maintenance requirements.
WARNING: Many bicycle service and repair tasks require special knowl-
edge and tools. Do not begin any adjustments or service on your bicycle if you
have the slightest doubt about your ability to propertly complete them. Im-
proper adjustment or service may result in damage to the bicycle or in an
accident which can cause serious injury or death.
If you want to learn to do major service and repair
work on your bike, you have three options:
1. Ask your dealer for copies of the manufacturer’s
installation and service instructions for the components on your
bike, or contact the component manufacturer.
2. Ask your dealer to recommend a book on bicycle repair.
3. Ask your dealer about the availability of bicycle repair
courses in your area.
Regardless of which option you select, we recommend that
you ask your dealer to check the quality of your work the first time
you work on something and before you ride the bike, just to make
sure that you did everything correctly. Since that will require the
time of a mechanic, there may be a modest charge for this
service.
A. Service Intervals
Some service and maintenance can and should be
performed by the owner, and require no special tools or
knowledge beyond what is presented in this manual.
The following are examples of the type of service you should
perform yourself. All other service, maintenance and repair should
be performed in a properly equipped facility by a qualified
bicycle mechanic using the correct tools and procedures
specified by the manufacturer.
1. Break-in Period:
Your bike will last longer and work better if
you break it in before riding it hard. Control cables and wheel
spokes may stretch or “seat” when a new bike is first used and may
require readjustment by your dealer. Your Mechanical Safety
Check (Section 1.C) will help you identify some things that need
readjustment. But even if everything seems fine to you, it’s best to
take your bike back to the dealer for a checkup. Dealers typically
suggest you bring the bike in for a 30 day checkup. Another way
to judge when it’s time for the first checkup is to bring the bike in
after three to five hours of hard off-road use, or about 10 to 15
hours of on-road or more casual off-road use. But if you think
something is wrong with the bike, take it to your dealer before
riding it again.
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