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PART I
5.A - SERVICE INTERVALS
Some service and maintenance can and should be
performed by the owner, and require no special
tools or knowledge beyond what is presented in this
manual.
The following are examples of the type of service
you should perform yourself. All other service,
maintenance and repair should be performed in
a properly equipped facility by a qualified bicycle
mechanic using the correct tools and procedures
specified by the manufacturer.
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.
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 center line 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.
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