FORTIS FSKDBK14ORA 14 Inch Kids Bike User Guide
- June 8, 2024
- FORTIS
Table of Contents
FSKDBK14ORA 14 Inch Kids Bike
User Guide
SAFETY & WARNINGS
This user guide was written to help you get the most performance, comfort,
enjoyment and safety when riding your new bicycle. It is important for you to
understand your new bike.
By reading this user guide before you go out on your first ride, you’ll know
how to get the most from your new bicycle. It is also important that your
first ride on your new bicycle is taken in a controlled environment, away from
cars, obstacles, and other cyclists.
Before First Ride
- Before first use, please double-check the function of all the parts of your bike. If you have any doubts or if you detect a problem, please contact Kogan.com for support. • Respect local and national road traffic regulations.
- For your safety, it is highly recommended that you wear a certified helmet.
- When used during heavy rain, snow, in slippery conditions or in the case of low visibility, be careful and adjust your speed.
- The illustrations in this user guide are used simply to provide examples; the components of your bicycle might differ. In addition, some of the parts shown might be optional and not part of your bicycle’s standard equipment.
- The following user guide is only a guide to assist you and is not a complete or comprehensive manual of all aspects of maintaining and repairing your bicycle. If you are not comfortable, or lack the skills or tools to assemble the bicycle yourself, you should take it to a qualified mechanic at a bicycle shop. Additionally, you can contact Kogan.com for support.
WARNING:
Always wear a properly fitted helmet when you ride your bicycle. Do not ride
at night. Avoid riding in wet conditions
Helmets
Always weara properly fitted, Australian standard approved helmet while
riding your bike.
Correct
Helmet fits snug and covers forehead| Incorrect
Forehead is exposed and vulnerable to serious injury
General Warning
Bicycle riding can be a hazardous activity even under the best of
circumstances. Proper maintenance of your bicycle is your responsibility as it
helps reduce the risk of injury. This user guide contains many WARNINGS
and CAUTIONS concerning the consequences of failure to maintain or inspect
your bicycle. Many of the warnings and cautions say, “you may lose control and
fall”. Because any fall can result in serious injury or even death, we do not
repeat the warning of possible injury or death whenever the risk of falling is
mentioned.
Kogan.com does not encourage: trick riding, ramp riding,
jumping, aggressive riding, riding on severe terrain, riding in severe
climates, riding with heavy loads, riding double, commercial activities; such
use is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury to the rider.
Note to Parents
It is a tragic fact that most bicycle accidents involve children. As a parent
or guardian, you bear the responsibility for the activities and safety of your
child. Among these responsibilities are to ensure;
- That the bicycle that your child is riding is properly fitted to the child
- That it is in good repair and safe operating condition
- That the play of young children is supervised by an adult
- That you and your child have learned, understand and obey not only the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle and traffic laws, but also the common sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling
As a parent, you should read this user guide before letting your child ride
the bicycle. Please ensure that your child always wears an approved bicycle
helmet when riding.
Choosing the Correct Size Bike
Frame Sizing:
When selecting a new bicycle, the correct choice of frame size is a very
important safety consideration. To determine the correct size bicycle for the
rider:
- Straddle the assembled bicycle with feet shoulder width apart and flat on the ground.
- There must be at least one inch (2.5cm) of clearance between the highest part of the top tube of the bicycle and the crotch of the rider with the tires properly inflated.
- To measure the inseam, use a measuring tape to measure from the ground (with shoes on) to the inseam of your pants.
- Subtract the standover height from the inseam measurement to ensure that you have the recommended amount of clearance. If you have less than one inch or more than three inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm), you may need to move up or down a frame size.
Weight Limit:
The maximum structural weight recommendations for our bicycles are;
- 12 inch bicycles: 30 kg
- 14 inch bicycles: 40kg
- 18 inch bicycles: 50kg
CAUTION: For safe and comfortable riding there should be a clearance of no
less than 1 inch between the inseam area of the intended rider and the top
tube of the bicycle frame, while the rider straddles the bicycle with both
feet flat on the ground.
WARNING: If the bicycle is too large the rider cannot reach the pedals
easily, or the ground when stopping which may result in loss of control and/or
injury.
Road Safety
Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury and damage. You need to know
and practice the rules of safe and responsible riding.
- In the interest of safer cycling, make sure you read and understand this user guide. Note and perform pre-ride safety checks.
- Some states and local laws may require that your bicycle be equipped with a warning device such as a horn or bell and a front and rear light if the bicycle is to be ridden after dark.
- Always wear shoes when riding a bicycle and avoid loose fitting clothes.
- Check your brakes frequently. The ability to stop your bicycle is critical. Roads are slippery when wet so avoid sharp turns and allow more distance for stopping. Caliper brakes may become less efficient when wet. Leaves, loose gravel, and other debris can also affect stopping.
- Always ride in the same direction as traffic. Never ride against traffic.
- Stop and look before you leave an alley, driveway, or parking lot. Ride only when it is clear.
- Follow the traffic flow in a straight line and stay close to the curb or in the bike lane, when available. Watch for cars moving in and out of traffic.
- Obey all traffic regulations. Most traffic regulations apply to bike riders as well as automobile operators.
- One rider per bike. Never carry other riders. This is dangerous and makes the bike harder to control.
- Always be alert. Pedestrians have the right of way. Be alert when riding near parked cars and ride far enough away from cars so that you won’t get hit if someone opens the car door.
- Use caution at all intersections and stop signs. Stop and look both ways before proceeding.
- Use hand signals. Communicate by using hand signals to tell other drivers what you are going to do. Signal before turning unless your hand is needed to control the bike.
- Proper lights are recommended if you ride at night. Be sure to have a strong head-light, a tail light, and a full set of reflectors. Check that reflectors are clean, straight, unbroken, and securely mounted.
- Never carry packages or objects which obstruct vision.
- Never hold onto a moving vehicle while riding.
- The kick-stand is designed to support the bicycle only, not the bicycle and the rider.
- Avoid the following hazards: drain grates, potholes, soft road edges, gravel, sand, wet leaves, and/or any obstruction in the road. Failure to do so could cause wheel(s) to buckle and result in personal injury to the rider.
- Wet weather riding – riding your bicycle in wet conditions is not recommended. In wet conditions traction and braking power is reduced. Riding in such conditions could result in personal injury.
- Proper helmet use. A helmet that meets Australian standards should always be worn when riding a bicycle. The helmet should fit properly and be worn on the crown of the head, not tipped back. Ensure to replace your helmet at least every three years to ensure the structural integrity of the foam. Replace after impact, regardless of lack of visible damage to helmet.
- Use bike lanes when available. Also note that in certain states, cars may use bike lanes when turning.
- Respect “bicycles are prohibited” signs.
Night Riding
Riding a bicycle at night is much more dangerous than riding during the
day. A cyclist is very difficult for motorists and pedestrians to see.
Therefore, children should never ride at dawn, dusk or at night. Adults who
choose to accept the greatly increased risk of riding at dawn, dusk or at
night need to take extra care both riding and choosing specialized equipment
which helps reduce that risk. Consult your local bicycle shop about night
riding safety equipment.
WARNING: Reflectors are not a substitute for required lights. Riding at
dawn, at dusk, at night or at other times of poor visibility without an
adequate bicycle lighting system and without reflectors is dangerous and may
result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: Do not remove the front or rear reflectors or reflector brackets
from your bicycle. They are an integral part of the bicycle’s safety system.
Removing the reflectors reduces your visibility to others using the roadway.
Being struck by other vehicles may result in serious injury or death.
Child Safety Rules
To avoid an accident, teach children good riding skills with an emphasis on
safety.
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Do not play in driveways or on the road.
- Do not ride on busy streets.
- Do not ride at night.
- Obey all traffic laws, especially stop signs and red lights.
- Be aware of other road vehicles behind and nearby.
- Before entering a street: Stop, look for traffic, enter only when safe.
- If riding downhill, be extra careful. Slow down using the brakes and maintain control of steering.
- Never take your hands off the handlebars, or your feet off the pedals when riding downhilL
SAFETY CHECKLIST
Before every ride, it is important to carry out the following safety
checks:
Brakes:
- Ensure front and rear brakes work properly.
- Ensure brake pads are not over worn and are correctly positioned in relation to the rims.
- Ensure brake control cables are properly lubricated, correctly adjusted, and display no obvious wear.
- Ensure brake control levers are properly lubricated and tightly secured to the handlebar.
Cranks & Pedals:
- Ensure pedals are securely tightened to the cranks.
- Ensure cranks are securely tightened to the bottom bracket and are not bent.
Frame & Fork:
- Check that the frame and fork are not bent, broken, or cracked.
- If either are found to be bent, broken, or cracked, they should be replaced.
Wheels & Tires:
- Ensure tires are inflated to within the recommended range as displayed on the tire sidewall.
- Ensure tires have tread and have no bulges or excessive wear.
- Ensure rims run true and have no obvious wobbles or kinks.
- Ensure all wheel spokes are tight and not broken.
- Check that axle nuts are tight.
- Do not over inflate.
Chain:
- Ensure chain is oiled, clean and runs smoothly.
- Extra care is required in wet or dusty conditions.
- On bicycles equipped with coaster brakes, check for proper chain tension.
- Check to make sure your chain guard is tight and not touching the crank or chain.
Bearings:
- Ensure all bearings are lubricated, run freely and display no excess movement, grinding or rattling.
- Check headset, wheel bearings, pedal bearings and bottom bracket bearings.
Handlebars:
- Ensure handlebar and stem are correctly adjusted and tightened, and allow proper steering.
- Ensure that the handlebars are set correctly in relation to the forks and the direction of travel.
OVERVIEW
Bike
Tools Required (included)
Note: The illustrations in this manual are for reference only. The components of your bicycle might differ.
ASSEMBLY
Getting Started
Open the box and check that all parts are present.
We strongly recommend reading the user guide before beginning. Ifyou aren’t
comfortable with the assembly, you should bring your bike to your local bike
shop to have a qualified mechanic put it together for you. Please ensure you
need to read this entire user guide before you ride or let anyone else ride
it.
CAUTION: As you assemble the bike, it’s a good idea to place a little
white grease or anti-seize compound on the seat post, stem and threads of the
bolts to prevent rusting.
Step 1: Aligning the forks
- The frame, handlebars, front wheel, and other components are attached with zip ties. Lift everything out in one piece, and set it down, with the chain facing upwards.
- Remove the zip ties, and remove any padding or packaging.
- First, align the fork. Rotate it, to ensure it moves freely without binding (Figure 1), making sure the fork is pointing in the right direction, with the fork blades facing forward (Figure 2).
Step 2: Installing the wheels
- Ensure the brakes are loose enough to allow the wheel to pass through the brake pads easily.
- Place wheel into fork drop outs.
- Install retaining washers with raised lip pointed towards the fork, and insert into the small hole of the fork blade (Figure 3).
- Install axle nut and securely tighten. Ensure the wheel is centered between the fork blades (Figure 4).
- Spin the wheel to make sure that it is centered and clears the brake shoes. Tighten the brakes if necessary.
- If the wheel is out of alignment you will need to realign the wheel. Contact your local bicycle shop to help realign the wheels.
WARNING: Ensure the wheel is in the centre of the fork before tightening
both nuts.
WARNING: Failure to obey these steps can allow the front wheel to loosen
or dislodge while riding. This can cause injury or death to the rider or to
others.
Step 3: Handlebar/Stem
Insert the stem and handlebar assembly into the fork, making sure the stem
wedge is loose. Ensure the cables are not tangled and track smoothly on either
side of the stem. The stem should be pointing towards the front of the bike,
aligned with the front tire (Figure 5). Depending on the type of bolt, tighten
the stem bolt with 5, or 6 mm Allen wrench (Figure 6).
WARNING: To prevent steering system damage and possible loss of control,
the stem must be inserted enough so that the minimum insertion marks are
completely covered (Figure 7).
Step 4: Brakes
After installing the front wheel, re-connect the front brake by squeezing the
arms together, and sliding the cable guide back into the carrier (Figures 8 &
9).
WARNING: When assembling or adjusting the brakes, make sure the cable
anchor nut is tight (Figure 9). Failure to securely tighten the nut could
result in brake failure and personal injury.
Testing Brake Functions
To test the function of the front hand brake, lift the front of the bike and
spin the wheel. The wheel should not rub on the brake pads. Next, squeeze the
brake lever and take note of the brake pads contacting the side of the wheeL
The pads should contact the rim on both sides at the same time. Finally, hold
the brake lever firm and try to move the bike forward. The brake should hold
well enough to keep the wheel from moving. Repeat these steps for the rear
wheel.
Step 5: Attaching the pedals
Before your first ride, please do the following checks and ensure your pedals
are attached correctly.
- There is a right side pedal marked “R” and a left side pedal marked “L”
- Pedal marked “R” has right hand threads. Tighten in a clockwise direction.
- Pedal marked “L” has left hand threads. Tighten in a counterclockwise direction (Figure 10).
- After putting some white grease on the threads of the pedal, place the pedal into the crank, and use your fingers to get it started. Threading it in can be tricky, so make sure to do it correctly. The top of the thread will rotate towards the front of the bike to tighten the pedals.
- Once finger tightened, use a 15mm open-ended spanner to torque them down. They are properly tightened when the pedal spindle, which is the axle that the pedal platform spins around, begins to bite into the metal on the crank.
WARNING: Incorrect installment of pedals into a crank arm will cause
irreparable damage. Unless the shoulder of the pedal spindle is tight to the
face of the crank arm, the pedal may back out causing serious injury or death.
Make it tight so the shoulder is in complete contact with the surface of the
crank arm.
Step 6: Installing the rear seat reflector
- Loosen the screw on the clamp of the reflector until you can slide the reflector over the seat post.
- Once the reflector is on the seat post, insert the seat post back into the seat tube.
- Position the reflector so that it is perpendicular to the ground, and move it up on the seat post until it can be seen above the tire when viewing the bike from the rear (Figure 11).
- Remove the seat post from the seat tube.
Step 7: Installing the seat
- Add some white grease to the inside of the seat tube, and slide the seat post into the bicycle.
- Make sure that the minimum insertion mark is completely covered and that the seat is pointing forward in alignment with the bicycle (Figures 12 & 13).
Testing Handlebar and Stem Tightness (after complete assembly).
To test the tightness of the stem, straddle the front wheel between your legs
tightly (Figure 14). Try to turn the handlebar back and forth. The handlebar
should not slip or move independently of the front wheel at all. If the
handlebar does move, re-align the stem with the front wheel and tighten the
stem bolt. Re-test to make sure the stem is secure with the same process.
To test the tightness of the handlebar, hold the bike stationary and try to
rotate the ends of the handlebar up and down or move the bar forward and back.
If the handlebar moves, loosen the handlebar clamp nut or bolts evenly to re-
position and then re-tighten. Repeat the test until the bars will not move.
Step 8: Inflating the tires
Use a hand pump, foot pump, or floor pump to properly inflate the tires. The
maximum inflation (PSI) is shown on each tire sidewall (Figure 15). If your
pump does not have a built in gauge, use a separate pressure gauge to ensure
the tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
WARNING: Tires must be properly inflated before riding. Never exceed the
maximum pressure (PSI) that is listed on the side of the tire.
WARNING: Be sure to check that the edge (beads) of both tires are evenly
seated the entire way around on both sides of the tire. Failure to do so may
result in the tire coming off of the rim, the tube popping (Figure 16), and a
loss of control of the bicycle, causing injury or even death.
Recommended Tire Pressures
The recommended pressure molded on the sidewall of your bicycle tires should
match the figures below. Use this as a general guide.
BMX- 35 – 50 psi
Mountain Bike – 40 – 65 psi
Road Touring – 70 – 90 psi
Hybrid/Crossbike – 60 – 100 psi
Road Racing – 110 – 125 psi
Step 9: Installing front reflector
Attach the white reflector to the front reflector bracket and secure to the
fork or handlebar using the hardware provided.
Step 10: Installing training wheels
Remove the nut and attach the training wheels to the bike. Use the multi-
function wrench to re-install and tighten the previously removed nut (Figure
17).
OPERATION
It’s important to your enjoyment and safety to understand how things work on
your new bicycle. Even if you’re an experienced cyclist, don’t assume that the
way things work on your new bike is the same as how they work on older bikes.
Be sure to read and to understand this section. If you have even the slightest
doubt as to whether you understand something, talk to your local bicycle
specialist or contact Kogan.com for support.
Removing and Installing Bolt-on Wheels
Removing Bolt-on Front Wheel:
- Open up the brake
- With a 15mm box wrench or a 6 inch adjustable wrench, loosen the 2 axle
- If your front fork has a clip-on type secondary retention device, disengage it and go to Step If your front fork has an integral secondary retention device, loosen the axle nuts about six full turns; then go to Step 4.
- Raise the front wheel a few inches off the ground and tap the top of the wheel with the palm of your hand to knock the wheel out of the fork
Installing a Bolt-On Front Wheel:
- With the steering fork facing forward, insert the wheel between the fork blades so that the axle sits firmly at the top of the slots which are at the tips of the fork blades. The axle nut washers should be on the outside, between the fork blade and the axle If your bike has a clip-on type secondary retention device, engage it.
- While pushing the wheel firmly to the top of the slots in the fork dropouts, and at the same time centering the wheel rim in the fork, use a 6inch adjustable wrench or a 15mm box wrench to tighten the axle nuts
- Close the brake shoes; then spin the wheel to make sure that it is centered in the frame and clears the brake
Removing a Bolt-On Rear Wheel:
- Open the rear brake
- Shi the rear derailleur to high gear (the smallest rear sprocket) and pull the derailleur body back with your right
- With a 15mm box wrench or a six inch adjustable wrench, loosen the 2 axle
- Li the rear wheel off the ground a few inches, and with the derailleur still pulled back, push the wheel forward and down until it comes out of the rear
Installing a Bolt-On Rear Wheel:
- Shift the rear derailleur to its outermost position and pull the derailleur body back with your right hand.
- Put the chain onto the smallest sprocket. Then, insert the wheel into the frame dropouts and pull it all the way into the dropouts. The axle nut washers should not be on the outside, between the frame and the axle nuts.
- Tighten the axle nuts securely, using a 6 inch adjustable wrench or a 15mm box wrench.
- Push the rear derailleur back into position.
- Close the brake; then spin the wheel to make sure that it is centered in the frame and clears the brake shoes.
Seatpost Quick Release
Many bikes are equipped with quick-release seat post binders. While a quick
release looks like a long bolt with a lever on one end and a nut on the other,
in fact the quick release uses a cam action to firmly clamp the seat post.
Adjusting the Quick Release Mechanism:
The action of the quick release cam squeezes the seat collar around the seat
post to hold the seat post securely in place. The amount of clamping force is
controlled by the tension adjusting nut. Turning the tension adjusting nut
clockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating increases clamping force;
turning it counterclockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating reduces
clamping force. Less than half a turn of the tension adjusting nut can make
the difference between safe clamping force and unsafe clamping force.
CAUTION: The full force of the cam action is needed to clamp the seatpost
securely. Holding the nut with one hand and turning the lever like a wing nut
with the other hand until everything is as tight as you can get it will not
clamp the seatpost safely.
CAUTION: If you can fully close the quick release without wrapping your
fingers around the seat post for leverage, and the lever does not leave a clear
imprint in the palm of your hand, the tension is insufficient. Open the lever;
turn the tension adjusting nut clockwise a quarter turn; then try again.
Brakes Adjustment
For most effective braking, use both brakes and apply them simultaneously.
It is important for you to know which brake lever controls which brake on your
bike. Ensure that your hands can reach and squeeze the brake levers
comfortably.
The braking action of a bicycle is a function of the friction between the
brake surfaces – usually the brake shoes and the wheel rim. To make sure that
you have maximum friction available, keep your wheel rims and brake shoes
clean and free of lubricants, waxes or polishes.
Progressive Brake Modulation
Brakes are designed to control the speed and to stop the bike. Maximum braking
force for each wheel occurs at the point just before the wheel stops rotating
and starts to skid. Once the tire skids, you lose most of the stopping force
and all directional control.
You need to practice slowing and stopping smoothly without locking up the
wheel. The technique is called progressive brake modulation. Instead of
jerking the brake lever to the position where you think you will generate
appropriate braking force, squeeze the lever, progressively increasing the
braking force. If you feel the wheel begin to lock up, release pressure just a
little to keep the wheel rotating just short of lockup.
It is important to develop a feel for the amount of brake lever pressure
required for each wheel at different speeds and on different surfaces. To
understand this, experiment by walking your bike and applying different amounts
of pressure to each brake lever, until the wheel locks.
CAUTION: Some bicycle brakes, such as linear-pull and disk brakes, are
extremely powerful. You should take extra care in becoming familiar with these
brakes andexercise particular care when using them. Applying these brakes too
hard or too suddenly can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to lose
control and fall.
CAUTION: Sudden or excessive application of the front brake may pitch the
rider over the handlebars, causing serious injury or death.
Applying Brakes
When you apply one or both brakes, the bike begins to slow, but your body
wants to continue at the speed at which it was going. This causes a transfer
of weight to the front wheel, or, under heavy braking, around the front wheel
hub, which could harm you.
A wheel with more weight on it will accept greater brake pressure before
lockup; a wheel with less weight will lock up with less brake pressure.
Do the following as you apply brakes and your weight shifts forward:
- Shift your body toward the rear of the bike, to transfer weight back onto the rear wheel;
- At the same time, decrease rear braking and increase front braking force.
- This is important on steep descents, because descents shift weight forward.
The key to effective speed control and safe stopping are controlling wheel
lockup and weight transfer. Practice braking and weight transfer techniques
where there is no traffic or other hazards and distractions.
Everything changes when you ride on loose surfaces or in wet weather. Tire
adhesion reduces, so the wheels have less cornering and braking traction and
can lock up with less
brake force. Moisture or dirt on the brake shoes reduces their ability to
grip. The way to maintain control on loose or wet surfaces is to go more
slowly.
Adjusting Brakes
If either brake lever on your bike fails the Mechanical Safety Check you can
restore brake lever travel by turning the brake cable adjusting barrel
counterclockwise, then lock the adjustment in by turning the barrel’s lock nut
clockwise as far as it will go. If the lever still fails the Mechanical Safety
Check, or if you have any question about whether your brakes are working
properly have your brakes checked by a bicycle specialist or contact
Kogan.com for support.
CAUTION: The brake cable adjusting barrels are for minor adjustments only.
For major adjustments, see the “Step 9: Brakes” in the Assembly section of
this user guide.
MAINTENANCE
Lubrication
Lubrication should be performed by a qualified bicycle mechanic for the parts
to be disassembled. The information provided in this user guide about the
service is for only those who are comfortable doing the maintenance.
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 bicycle mechanic using the correct tools and
procedures.
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 by your local bicycle repair shop. The
Safety Checklist section of this user guide will help you identify the things
that need readjustment.
After every long or hard ride:
if the bike has been exposed to water or grit; or at least every 160km: Clean
the bike and lightly lubricate the chain’s rollers with a good quality bicycle
chain lubricant. Wipe off excess lubricant with a lint free cloth. Lubrication
is a function of climate. Talk to your local bicycle shop about the best
lubricants and the recommended lubrication frequency for your area. Avoid
contaminating the rims with lubricant!
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. Have your local bike shop check it.
- Liftthe 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. Have your local bike shop check it.
- 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 local bike shop check it.
- Take a look at the brake pads. Starting to look worn or not hitting the wheel rim squarely? Time to have the local bike shop adjust or replace them.
- Carefully check the control cables and cable housings. Look if any rust, kinks, or fraying has occurred and if so, have your local bike shop replace them.
- Squeeze each adjoining pair of spokes on either side of each wheel between your thumb and index finger. Do they all feel the same? If any feel loose, have your local bike shop check the wheel for tension and trueness.
- Check the tires for excess wear, cuts or bruises. Have your local bike shop replace them if necessary.
- Check the wheel rims for excess wear, dings or dents and scratches. Consult your local bike shop if you see any rim damage.
- Check to make sure that all parts and accessories are still secure, and tighten any which are not, including but not limited to pedals, crank arms, chains, seat post, and handlebars.
- Check the frame, particularly in the area around all tube joints; the handlebars; the stem; and the seat post for any deep scratches, cranks or discoloration. These can be signs of stress-caused fatigue and indicate that a part is at the end of it’s useful life and needs to be replaced.
Service Checklist:
Frequency | Component | Lubricant | How to Lubricate |
---|---|---|---|
Weekly | • Chain |
• Derailleur wheels
• Derailleur
• Brake callipers• Brake levers| • Chain lube or light oil
• Chain lube or light oil
• Oil
• Oil
• Oil| • Brush or squirt on
• Brush or squirt on
• Oil can
• 3 drops from oil can
• 3 drops from oil can
Monthly| • Shi levers| • Lithium based grease| • Disassemble
6 Monthly| • Freewheel
• Brake callipers| • Oil
• Lithium based grease| • 2 drops from oil can
• Disassemble
Yearly| • Bottom bracket
• Pedals
• Derailleur cables
• Wheel bearings
• Headset
• Seat pillar| • Lithium based grease
• Lithium based grease
• Lithium based grease
• Lithium based grease
• Lithium based grease
• Lithium based grease| • Disassemble
• Disassemble
• Disassemble
• Disassemble
• Disassemble
• Disassemble
Note:
The frequency of maintenance should increase with lots of usage and use in wet
or dusty conditions. Do not over lubricate – remove excess lube to prevent
dirt build up. Never use a degreaser to lubricate your chain.
WARNING: Like any mechanical device, a bicycle and its components are
subject to wear and stress. Different materials and mechanisms wear or fatigue
from stress at different rates and have different life cycles. If a component’s
life cycle is exceeded, the component can suddenly and catastrophically fail,
causing serious injury or death to the rider. Signs of stress – caused fatigue
indicate that a part is at the end of it’s useful life and needs to be
replaced.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Gears/Chain:
Problem | Component | Lubricant |
---|---|---|
Gear shi s not working properly. | • Derailleur cables sticking or stretched or |
damaged.
• Front or rear derailleur not adjusted properly.
• Indexed shi ing not adjusted properly| • Lubricated, tighten, or replace
cables.
Adjust derailleurs.
• Adjust indexing.
Slipping chain.| • Excessively worn/chipped chain ring or freewheel sprocket
teeth.
• Chain worn/stretched.
• Stiff link in chain.
• Non-compatible chain, chain ring or freewheel.| • Replace chain ring,
sprockets and chain.
• Replace chain.
• Lubricate or replace link.
• Seek advice at bicycle shop.
Chain jumping off freewheel sprocket or chain ring| • Chain ring out of true.
• Chain ring loose.
• Chain ring teeth bent or broken.
• Rear or front derailleur side- to-side travel out of adjustment.| • Re-align
if possible or replace.
• Tighten mounting bolts.
• Repair or replace chain ring/set.
• Adjust derailleur travel.
Pedals:
Problem | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Constant clicking noises when pedalling. | • Stiff chain link |
• Loose pedal axle or bearing.
• Loose bottom bracket axle or bearings.
• Bent bottom bracket bearings too tight.
• Loose crankset.| • Lubricated chain or adjust chain link.
• Adjust bearings or axle nut.
• Adjust bottom bracket.
• Replace bottom bracket axle or pedals.
• Tighten crank bolts.
Grinding noise when pedalling.| • Pedal bearings too tight.
• Bottom bracket bearings too tight.
• Chain fouling derailleurs.
• Derailleur jockey wheels dirty or binding.| • Adjust bearings.
• Adjust bearings.
• Adjust chain line.
• Clean and lubricate jockey wheels.
Freewheel does not rotate.| • Freewheel internal pawl pins are jammed.| •
Lubricate, if problem persists, replace freewheel.
Brakes
Problem | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Brakes not working effectively. | • Brakes blocks worn down. |
• Brakes blocks/rim greasy, wet or dirty.
• Brake cables are binding, stretched or damaged.
• Brake levers are binding.
• Brakes out of adjustment.| • Replace brake blocks.
• Clean blocks and rim.
• Clean, adjust or replace cables.
• Adjust brake levers.
• Centre brakes.
When applying the brakes they squeal/squeak.| • Brake blocks worn down.
• Brake block toe-in incorrect.
• Brake blocks/rim dirty or wet.
• Brake arms loose.| • Replace blocks.
• Correct block toe-in.
• Clean blocks and rim.
• Tighten mounting bolts.
Knocking or shuddering when applying brakes.| • Bulge in the rim or rim out of
true.
• Brake mounting bolts loose.
• Brakes out of adjustment.
• Fork loose in head tube.| • True wheel or take to bike shop.
• Tighten bolts.
• Centre brakes and/or adjust brake block toe-in.
• Tighten headset.
Wheels/Tires:
Problem | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Wobbling wheel. | • Axle broken. |
• Wheel out of true.
• Hub comes loose.
• Headset binding.
• Hub bearings collapsed.
• Quick release mechanism loose.| • Replace axle.
• True wheel.
• Adjust hub bearings.
• Adjust headset.
• Replace bearings.
• Adjust QR mechanism.
Steering not accurate.| • Wheels not aligned in frame.
• Headset loose or binding.
• Front forks or frame bent.
• Stem wedge bolt not tight.| • Align wheels correctly.
• Adjust/tighten handset.
• Take bike to a bike shop for possible frame realignment.
• Tighten stem bolt until stem and fork are unified, Use the “between the knee”
test and if loose, tighten stem bolt until it passes test.
Frequent punctures.| • Inner tube old or faulty.
• Tire tread/casing worn.
• Tire unsuited to rim.
• Tire not checked a er previous puncture.
• Tire pressure too low.
• Spoke protruding into rim.| • Replace inner tube.
• Replace tire.
• Replace with correct tire.
• Remove sharp object embedded in tire.
• Correct tire pressure.
• File down spikes.
NOTES
Need more information?
We hope that this user guide has given you the assistance needed for a simple
set-up.
For the most up-to-date guide for your product, as well as any additional
assistance you may require, head online to
help.kogan.com
kogan.com
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>