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Chapter 1
IntroDuCtIon
1-1 tHAnK you For CHooSIng A VolAe reCumbent!
Proudly made in the U.S.A., Volae recumbents are designed to out-perform the best upright road racing machines while
providing incredible comfort. Please take a few minutes to fill out your warranty registration card and to read these important
points about recumbents and bike riding in general.
AlWAyS WeAr An AnSI or Snell APProVeD Helmet
Wearing a modern bicycle helmet may save your life or prevent serious head injuries if you are involved in an accident.
CHeCK your bIKe CAreFully beFore eACH rIDe
Spend a few moments before each ride inspecting your Volae for problems.
• Check all nuts, bolts and other fasteners to make sure none are loose.
• The tires should be inflated to no more than the pressure molded on the sidewall.
• Tires should not be excessively worn and be free of cuts or imperfections.
• The wheel rims should be straight. Spin the wheel and observe the gap between the rim and one of the brake pads. There
should be very little wobble as the wheel rotates.
• Squeeze each brake lever to make sure there is no binding and the brake pads press hard enough on the rims or the disc
brakes contact the rotor to stop the bike. The brake pads should be centered on the rim and not touching the tire.
• Sitting on the bike, swing the handlebars from side to side checking for binding or interference. Check to make sure the
stem bolts are tight.
• If you are unsure of the condition of your Volae recumbent, DO NOT RIDE IT until the problem has been corrected. If
you have any questions, contact your Volae dealer or take it to your local
professional bike shop.
• The wheel and seat quick release skewers should be clamped shut with at
least 20 lbs (14kgf) of force, and a sharp blow to the top of the tire should not
knock the wheel loose. Study the wheel/seat skewer operation diagram below.
To adjust the skewer to the proper tightness, open the skewer handle, adjust
(tighten or loosen) the skewer nut slightly, then close the skewer handle. It
should take 20-45 lbs of force to close the handle as shown.
gloVeS Are reCommenDeD
With its low center of gravity, you don’t fall very far on a recumbent,
but your hand will often touch down first. A set of bicycling gloves will
protect your skin.
ProteCt your eyeS
Recumbents position your head to look forward. Uprights position your head to look forward and down. Keeping the sun out of
your eyes on a recumbent requires a different visor than is provided on standard helmets. We recommend the “Bent Ray Visor”,
available at the Hostel Shoppe, to help keep the sun out of your eyes. Sunglasses help keep bugs, dirt and sun out of your eyes
making it easier to avoid obstacles.
PrACtICe rIDIng your VolAe
Before you mix it up with traffic, spend enough time on your recumbent in an empty parking lot, driveway or other open area to
get used to its unique riding position. See “Riding Your Volae” for more important riding tips.
neVer rIDe At nIgHt WItHout reFleCtorS AnD A Front AnD reAr lIgHt!
eXPerIment WItH DIFFerent SeAt PoSItIonS AnD SeAt AngleS DurIng your PrACtICe PerIoD
Your Volae recumbent has many adjustments and special features that fit the bike to you. A more reclined seat, sport position
(Fig. 3-9)
,
may make balance and handling more difficult at first. Start with the seat a little more upright, recreational position
(Fig. 3-8)
, and gradually recline it as you become more comfortable with the handling.
be CAreFul WHen rIDIng In Wet ConDItIonS
No rim brakes work as effectively in wet weather as they do in dry. It takes longer to stop in wet conditions. Also, ride slower
through corners since tires will skid more easily on wet pavement.
