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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.
2.
Before every ride: Mechanical Safety Check (Section 1.C)
3.
After every long or hard ride; if the bike has been exposed to water or grit; or at least every
100 miles: Clean the bike and lightly lubricate the chain’s rollers with a good quality bicycle
chain lubricant. Wipe off excess lubricant with a lint-free cloth. Lubrication is a function of
climate. Talk to your dealer about the best lubricants and the recommended lubrication
frequency for your area. Avoid contaminating the rims with lubricant!
4. After every long or hard ride or after every 10 to 20 hours of riding:
•
Squeeze the front brake and rock the bike forward and back. Everything feel solid? If
you feel a clunk with each forward or backward movement of the bike, you probably
have a loose headset. Have your dealer check it.
•
Lift the front wheel off the ground and swing it from side to side. Feel smooth? If you
feel any binding or roughness in the steering, you may have a tight headset. Have
your dealer check it.
•
Grab one pedal and rock it toward and away from the centerline of the bike; then do
the same with the other pedal. Anything feel loose? If so, have your dealer check it.
•
Take a look at the brake pads. Starting to look worn or not hitting the wheel rim
squarely? Time to have the dealer adjust or replace them.
•
Carefully check the control cables and cable housings. Any rust? Kinks? Fraying? If
so, have your dealer replace them.
•
Squeeze each adjoining pair of spokes on either side of each wheel between your
thumb and index finger. Do they all feel about the same? If any feel loose, have your
dealer check the wheel for tension and trueness.
•
Check the tires for excess wear, cuts or bruises. Have your dealer replace them if
necessary.
•
Check the wheel rims for excess wear, dings, dents and scratches. Consult your
dealer if you see any rim damage.
•
Check to make sure that all parts and accessories are still secure, and tighten any
which are not.
•
Check the frame, particularly in the area around all tube joints; the handlebars; the
stem; and the seatpost for any deep scratches, cracks or discoloration. These are
signs of stress-caused fatigue and indicate that a part is at the end of its useful life
and needs to be replaced. See also Appendix B.
Summary of Contents for SCALERA 1
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