Date: 1 July 2013
CD 1001
Issue: 1.0
Vélo Cargo Owner’s Manual
Page 11 of 34
5 Operation
5.1 Pre ride safety checks
As with any pedal cycle you should perform basic safety checks before each ride.
5.1.1 Check the brakes
The safe operation of the Vélo Cargo is largely dependent on the correct set up of the brakes. The
cycle has two front V-brakes and one rear V-brake. If the front brakes are out of balance (one bites
before the other) the cycle may pull strongly to the left or right. You should not ride the cycle in this
case, but if you absolutely must you should ride slowly and use the rear brake only using the fronts as
a last resort.
If the front brakes are out of balance you must re-balance them as detailed in the maintenance
section.
Check that the rear brake is also operational and that the handbrake can hold the cycle. If the wheel
still rotates when the handbrake is on full then you need to adjust the back brake also – see
maintenance section.
5.1.2 Check the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure
If the tyres are not inflated to the correct pressure, your safety is at risk. You should ensure that the
tyres are inflated to the correct pressure as per the table below. If you don’t have a tyre pressure
gauge it is advisable to buy a hand held one or purchase a pump with one built in. The tyres can also
be inflated at service station automatic pumps; although the accuracy of these pumps gauges can be
considerably variable, hence it is always better to have your own tyre pressure gauge.
The correct pressures are listed below.
Front Tyres
45 PSI
Rear Tyre
60 PSI
IMPORTANT:
If your front tyres have different pressures, you may find that the
cycle pulls to the direction of the side with the lowest pressure. If your tyre pressure
is too high you risk the rapid blow out of a tyre which can cause the cycle to swerve
dangerously.
TIP:
Tip:
If you can’t remember the correct tyre pressure, inflate to the maximum
pressure indicated on the sidewall of each tyre (which is the same)
5.1.3 Adjusting the handlebars
The handlebars are adjustable in height by 17cm, the most comfortable position being to have your
forearm horizontal after you have adjusted the saddle to suit your height.
To adjust the handlebars, simply undo the 10mm lock nut and then unwind the M6 socket head screw
with an Allen key. Move the handlebars to the desired position and then firmly tighten the socket head
screw. Then firmly tighten the 10mm lock nut to prevent the screw from loosening.
