Operation Manual

20
PART I
SECTION 4. TECH
It’s important to your safety, performance and
enjoyment to understand how things work on your
bicycle.
We urge you to ask your dealer how to do the things
described in this section before you attempt them
yourself, and that you have your dealer check your
work before you ride the bike.
If you have even the slightest doubt as to whether you
understand something in this section of the Manual,
talk to your dealer.
See also:
PART I “Coaster Brakes”
PART II, SECTION B., INTENDED USE
PART II, SECTION D., INSPECT FOR SAFETY
PART II, SECTION E., MAINTENANCE
4.A - Wheels
Bicycle wheels are designed to be removable for easier
transportation and for repair of a tire puncture. In
most cases, the wheel axles are inserted into slots,
called “dropouts” in the fork and frame, but some
suspension mountain bikes use what is called a
“through axle” wheel mounting system.
If you have a mountain bike equipped with
through axle front or rear wheels, make
sure that your dealer has given you the
manufacturer’s instructions, and follow those
when installing or removing a through axle
wheel. If you don’t know what a through axle
is, ask your dealer.
If you do not have a bicycle with a through-axle
mounting system, it will have wheel secured in one of
the following three ways:
• A hollow axle with a shaft (“skewer”) running
through it which has an adjustable tension nut on
one end and an over-center cam on the other (cam
action system, g.8a & 8b).
• A hollow axle with a shaft (“skewer”) running
through it which has a nut on one end and a
tting for a hex key, lock lever or other tightening
device on the other (through bolt, g. 9)
• Hex nuts or hex key bolts which are threaded on
to or into the hub axle (bolt-on wheel, g. 10)
WARNING
RIDING WITH AN IMPROPERLY
SECURED WHEEL CAN ALLOW THE
WHEEL TO WOBBLE OR FALL OFF THE
BICYCLE, OR SUDDENLY STOP THE
WHEEL, WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH. THEREFORE, IT IS
ESSENTIAL THAT YOU:
1. Ask your dealer to help you make sure you
know how to install and remove your wheels
safely.
2. Understand and apply the correct technique
for clamping your wheel in place.
3. Each time, before you ride the bike, check
that the wheel is securely clamped. The
clamping action of a correctly secured wheel
must emboss the surfaces of the dropouts.
Some bicycles are equipped with a quick release
lever and a disc brake. If the bicycle is ridden
with the lever incorrectly adjusted or open, and
the lever contacts the disc or wheel (next gure),
the front wheel could stop suddenly, causing
the rider to fall. Always make sure your wheels
are correctly attached, and the attachment
mechanisms closed and locked, before riding the
bicycle.
Quick Release
Lever
Brake Disc