6
7
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 Authorised Nukeproof Dealer as soon as
possible.
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 lose 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.
1.C.1. Tyres and Wheels
Make sure tyres are correctly inflated (see
Section 4.G.1.
). Check by putting one hand
on the saddle, one on the intersection of
the handlebars and stem, then bouncing
your weight on the bike while looking at tyre
deflection. Compare what you see with how it
looks when you know the tyres are correctly
inflated; and adjust if necessary. Are both tyres
in good condition? Spin each wheel slowly and
look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace
damaged tyres before riding the bike. Are both
wheels true? Spin each wheel and check for
brake clearance and side-to-side wobble. If
a wheel wobbles side to side even slightly, or
tyres rub against or hits the frame or fork, take
the bike to a qualified bike shop to have the
wheel trued.
CAUTION: Wheels must be true to
ensure stability of the bike. Wheel
truing is a skill which requires special
tools and experience. Do not attempt
to true a wheel unless you have the
knowledge, experience and tools
needed to do the job correctly.
1.C.2. Brakes
Nukeproof bikes are equipped with powerful
modern disc brake systems. Disc brake
systems offer exceptional control and power.
Please note power will improve with some use
once the pads and discs have bedded in.
Check the brakes for proper operation (see
Section 4.C.
). Squeeze the brake levers
and ensure there is a firm feel. Are all control
cables/hose lines seated and securely
engaged with no leaks? Do the brake pads
contact the disc squarely and make full contact
with the disc? Can you apply full braking
force at the levers without having them touch
the handlebar? If not, your brakes need
adjustment and/or bled. Do not ride the bike
until the brakes are properly adjusted/bled by a
professional bicycle mechanic.
1.C.3. Quick Release
Make sure the front wheel, rear wheel and seat
post quick releases are properly adjusted and
in the locked position. (See
Section 4.B.
)
1.C.4. Handlebar and saddle alignment
Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem are
parallel to the bike’s centreline and clamped
tight enough so that you can’t twist them out
of alignment. (See
Section 3.B.
and
Section
3.C.
)
1.C.5. Handlebar Ends
Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and
in good condition. If not, have your Authorised
Nukeproof Dealer replace them.
Make sure the handlebar ends are plugged. If
not, have your Authorised Nukeproof Dealer
plug them before you ride.
WARNING: Loose or damaged
handlebar grips can cause you to
lose control and fall. Unplugged
handlebars can cut you and cause
serious injury in an otherwise minor
accident.
1.C.6. REAR DERAILLEUR HANGER
Make sure the rear derailleur hanger is tight,
straight, and undamaged. If bent or broken,
have your Authorised Nukeproof Dealer
replace it before you ride. (See
Section 5.B.
)
1 . D . F I R S T R I D E
1.D.1.
When you buckle on your helmet and
go for your first familiarization ride on your
new bicycle, be sure to pick a controlled
environment, away from cars, other cyclists,
obstacles, or other hazards. Ride to become
familiar with the controls, features, and
performance of your new bike.
1.D.2.
Familiarize yourself with the braking
action of the bike (see
Section 4.C.
). Test
the brakes at slow speed, putting your weight
toward the rear and gently applying the
brakes, rear brake first. Sudden or excessive
application of the front brake could pitch you
over the handlebars.
Applying brakes too hard can lock up a wheel,
which could cause you to lose control and fall.
Skidding is an example of what can happen
when a wheel locks up. If your bicycle has
toe clips or clipless pedals, practice getting in
and out of the pedals. (See
Section B.4.
and
Section 4.E.4.
)
1.D.3.
Practice shifting the gears (see
Section 4.D.
). Remember to never move the
shifter while pedalling backward, nor pedal
backwards immediately after having moved
the shifter. This could jam the chain and cause
serious damage to the bicycle. Check out the
handling and response of the bike for fit and
comfort. If you have any questions, or if you
feel anything about the bike is not as it should
be, consult your Authorised Nukeproof Dealer
before your next ride.