Owner`s manual

31
Cervélo Owner’s Manual
• CORROSION SPEEDS DAMAGE. Cracks grow more quickly when
they are in a corrosive environment. Think about the corrosive
solution as further weakening and extending the crack.
SIMPLE RULE 2: Clean your bike, lubricate your bike, protect
your bike from salt, remove any salt as soon
as you can.
• STAINS AND DISCOLORATION CAN OCCUR NEAR A CRACK.
Such staining may be a warning sign that a crack exists.
SIMPLE RULE 3: Inspect and investigate any staining to see
if it is associated with a crack.
• 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 scored line.
SIMPLE RULE 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 A
CREAKING NOISE AS YOU RIDE. Think about such a noise as a
serious warning signal. Note that a well-maintained bicycle will be
very quiet and free of creaks and squeaks.
SIMPLE RULE 5: Investigate and find the source of any noise.
It may not a be a crack, but whatever is causing
the noise should be fixed promptly.
In most cases a fatigue crack is 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
Fatigue is not a perfectly predictable science, but here are some
general factors to help you and your dealer 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 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