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1.
Take a seat on your bicycle,
2.
Put your foot on the pedal,
3.
Set the
crank (11 or 12) so that the pedal is in the position the nearest to the ground,
4.
The leg should be slightly bent in the knee (approx. 10 degrees). If your leg is more/less bent,
you should:
a.
get off your bicycle,
b.
loosen the saddle post clamp (10),
c.
slightly push out the saddle post from the saddle tube/slightly insert the saddle post into the
saddle tube,
d.
tighten the saddle post clamp by using torque value of 16-18 Nm,
e.
repeat the procedure from the point 1.
7.2.
Adjustment and operation of brakes
You should check the wear of brake blocks. The wear and tear of brake blocks may be easily assessed
with the use of wear indicator, i.e. special grooves on the blocks. If the surface of the brake block is worn
off in such a way that grooves have disappeared – it means that the block is to be replaced. As the brake
blocks wear off, the brake cables must be pulled up.
In the braking system of Polka Bikes bicycles, the brake blocks are pressed against wheel rim by means of
metal arms. The distance between the blocks and the rim is adjusted by shortening or lengthening the
brake cable. The brake cable connects the lever on the handlebar with the arms to which it is screwed.
The brake cables must be replaced at least once a year or each time when any snags or cracks on their
surface are observed.
The correct setting of blocks, which ensures the most effective braking, is as follows: the blocks should
be placed almost parallel to the wheel rim, however in such a way that the back of the block, in
comparison with its front part, is approx. 2 mm away from the rim. Pay attention that the brake block
when the brakes are actuated, should not touch the tire and the brake blocks must contact the rim with
their whole surface area.
In the case where the brake arms do not rebound automatically, you should clean and lubricate the
mounting of arms to the fork or frame, possibly replace the cables or housings.
The brake lever should be at least 10 mm away from the handlebar grip with the brakes completely
clamped.
Familiarize yourself with the operation of brakes. Begin with slow riding and gentle pulling of brake lever.
Perform these braking exercises on the level surfaces without any road traffic.
Gradually and slowly increase the braking power and pull both brake levers simultaneously. The
brakes of your bicycle are very powerful. If you pull the brake lever too strongly, it is possible
