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YOU-RIDE KILIMANJARO
9. Service
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 electric 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. 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 E-bike back to the dealer for a 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 (see Section 2.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 oil the chain. Wipe off excess oil.
Lubrication is a function of climate.
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.
• 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.
• Grab one pedal and rock it toward and away from the centerline 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 replace them.
• Carefully check the control cables and cable housings. Any rust? Kinks? Fraying? If
so, 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 frame, particularly in the area around all tube joints; the handlebars; the
stem; and the seat post for any deep scratches, cracks or discoloration. These are
signs of stress-caused fatigue and indicate that a part is at the end of its useful life
and needs to be replaced.
• Check to make sure that all parts and accessories are still secure, and tighten any
which are not.
