User Manual
9
BRAKE BLOCK REPLACEMENT- Caliper and V Brakes
All brake blocks are provided with grooves that indicate the wear on each block.
When thegrooves are worn down to a flat surface, replace the blocks (in pairs)
immediately.
GEAR CHANGING
The rider’s left gear lever controls the front derailleur and chain wheels. The function of the front derailleur is to move the
chain between the larger and smaller chain rings.
The rider’s right gear lever controls the rear derailleur and sprockets.
The function of the rear derailleur is to move the drive chain from one gear sprocket to another.The large rear sprockets
generate low gears for hill climbing. The small rear sprockets develop high gear ratios for speedwork and downhill riding.
The small front chainring produces low gear ratios while the larger front chainrings produce higher gear ratios.
To operate your derailleur gear system efficiently and reduce damage, wear and reduce noise to a minimum, avoid using
themaximum crossover gear ratios of large chainring/large rear sprocket, small chainring/small rear sprocket.
CAUTION: For positive gear selection, observe these four precautions:
1. Change only when pedals and wheels are moving in a forward motion.
2. Reduce pedal pressure while changing gears.
3. Never back pedal when changing gear.
4. Never force the gear levers.
Gear selection should be made in anticipation of need since forward motion of the bicycle is required when changing
gear. Itis advisable to change to a low gear before stopping in order to be in the proper gear when you start up. On hills,
changegear early while still maintaining forward pedalling speed.
Note.To understand the function and to carry out adjustments and maintenance of the unique gear system fitted on
yourbicycle please refer to the manufacturer’s leaflets provided within your manual pack.
FIXED / HUB GEARS
If your bike is fitted with a rear hub gear or single speed free wheel the chain
tension should bechecked monthly to prevent premature wear of the system. Lift
the chain at it’s mid point of thebottom chain run (as indicated in the diagram).
Chain tension is ideal if you can lift the chainvertically by 12mm.
If the chain moves in excess of the 12mm it needs to be re tensioned as follows.
Loosen both of the rear wheel nuts, slide the wheel backwards, make sure the
wheel is central inthe frame and tighten the wheel nuts to secure the wheel.
Recheck the chain tension again androtate the pedals backward to make sure
there are no tight spots in the rotation. A tight spot indicates that the chain is too
tight.
BRAKE MAINTENANCE - Disc Brakes
Your cycle may arrive with factory fitted disc brakes - the latest technology in cycle braking!
If you have purchased your cycle from a professional cycle shop your brakes should have been set up correctly. You
willonly have to do routine maintenance as the brake pads wear. If you purchased your cycle from a mail-order source
youmay have to set up the brakes before you use your cycle. Please refer to the disc brake leaflet that accompanies
the cycle. If you do not have such a leaflet please take your cycle to a professional cycle shop.
DERAILLEUR GEARS
There are many types of derailleur systems on the market.If your bike is fitted with derailleur gears refer to the
specificcomponent maker’s leaflet supplied with your bicycle or checkthe technical documents from the component
makerswebsite before you make any adjustments. If in doubt visit your local retailer to obtain assistance.
INTRODUCTION
The derailleur gear is so named because it works on the derailing principle to move the chain from one sprocket
toanother. The number of gears is determined by multiplying the number of sprockets on the rear freewheel by the
numberof chainrings on the front crank set.By using different combinations of sprocket and chainwheel sizes, a wide
range ofgear ratios are available. The highest gear is when the large chainwheel is coupled with the small sprocket
and thelowest gear is when the small chainwheel is combined with the largest rear sprocket. The wide range of gears
allows youto attempt all prevailing conditions while pedalling at the constant and efficient rate of sixty revolutions per
minute.
DERAILLEUR GEAR MAINTENANCE
To help ensure that your derailleur gear works efficiently and to prolong its life, it must be kept clean and free from
excessdirt build up and should be properly lubricated.