Verso KC720-220, User Manual

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The Lifespan of Your Bicycle
& its Components
cont’d
SIGNIFICANT SCRATCHES, GOUGES, DENTS OR
SCORING CREATE STARTING POINTS FOR
CRACKS. Think about the cut surface as a
focal point for stress (in fact, engineers call
such areas :stress risers,” areas where the
stress is increased). Perhaps you have seen
glass cut? Recall how the glass was scored and
then broke on the score line.
RULE OF THUMB #4: Do not scratch, gouge or
score any surface. If you do, pay frequent
attention to this area or replace the part.
SOME CRACKS ( particularly larger ones) MAY
MAKE CREAKING NOISE AS YOU RIDE. Think
about such a noise as serious warning signal.
Note that a well maintained bicycle will be very
quiet and free of creaks and squeaks.
RULE OF THUMB #5: Investigate and find the
source of any noise. It may not be a crack, but
whatever is causing the noise should be fixed
promptly.
In most cases a fatigue cracks not a defect. It is a sign that the part has been worn out, a
sign the part has reached the end of its useful life. When your car tires wear down to the point
that the tread bars are contacting the road, those tires are not defective. Those tires are worn out
and the tread bar says “time for replacement.” when a metal part shows a fatigue crack, it is
worn out. The crack says “time for replacement.”
Fatigue Is Not A perfectly Predictable Science
Here are some general factors to help you determine how often your bicycle should be
inspected. The more you fit the “shorten product life” profile, the more frequent your need to
inspect. The more you fit the “lengthen product life” profile, the less frequent your need to
inspect.
Factors that shorten product life:
 Hard, harsh riding style
 “Hits”, crashes, jumps, other “shots” to the bike
 High mileage
 Higher body weight
 Stronger, more fit, more aggressive rider
 Corrosive environment (wet, salt air, winter road salt, accumulated sweat)
 Presence of abrasive mud, dirt, sand, soil in riding environment
Factors that lengthen product life:
 Smooth, fluid riding style
 No “hits”, crashes, jumps, or other “shots” to the bike

Low mileage
 Lower body weight
 Less aggressive rider
 Non-corrosive environment (dry, salt-free air)
 Clean riding environment
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