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Inspection
As listed in the Maintenance schedule, perform the following
inspections and maintenance when indicated.
Check tightness
Your new bicycle left the shop with
bolts and connections properly
tightened — but those bolts and
connections loosen over time.
This is normal. It’s important to
check and adjust them to proper
torque specifications.
Know your torque specs
Torque is a measure of the tightness
of a screw or bolt.
Too much torque can stretch,
deform, or break a bolt (or the part it
attaches). Too little torque can allow
the part to move and may lead to
fatigue and breakage of the bolt
(or the attached part).
A torque wrench is the only reliable
method of determining correct
tightness. If you do not have a torque
wrench, you cannot properly inspect
for tightness and should consult your
bike shop.
The torque specification is often
written on or near the bolt or part. If
a part does not have a specification
on it, check the
Support
section of
electrabike.com, or ask your bike
shop. It shouldn’t take more than a
few minutes to check the following
and adjust as necessary to proper
torque specs:
• Saddle clamp bolt(s)
• Seatpost clamp bolt
• Stem bolts
• Shift lever attachment bolts
• Brake lever attachment bolts
• Brake bolts, front and rear,
including any bolt that attaches a
cable housing stop
Handlebar
Check:
• That the handlebar grips are secure
(they shouldn’t move or rotate).
• The handlebar tape (if applicable)
and replace if it’s loose or worn.
• That any handlebar extensions or
bar ends are properly positioned and
secure, and that bar caps are secure.
WARNING:
A handlebar end that is
not plugged or covered can cut the rider
in a crash. Parents should regularly
inspect a child’s bicycle and replace
damaged or missing grips.
Frame and fork
Examine your frame and fork,
especially near junctions, and
clamping or attachment areas.
Look and feel for signs of fatigue:
dents, cracks, scratches,
deformation, discoloration, unusual
noises (e.g. chain slap or brake rub
during acceleration). If you find any,
contact your bike shop before riding
the bicycle.
Brakes
Check the brake pads for wear.
• Rim brakes: If the grooves in the
brake pad surface are less than 2mm
deep (or 1mm deep for direct-pull
brakes), replace the brake pads.
• Disc brakes: Replace brake pads
that are thinner than 1mm.
• Disc brake rotors: Check the
thickness/wear of the rotor. The
minimum thickness is often printed on
the disc.
Wheels and tires
Check the tires for damage or a worn
area. As a tire wears thin, it may
become more susceptible to puncture.