FORTIS FS700CSTRBA Urban Hybrid Road Bike User Guide

FORTIS FS700CSTRBA Urban Hybrid Road Bike

Product Information: 700C Urban Hybrid Road Bike

The 700C Urban Hybrid Road Bike is a high-performance bicycle designed for urban and road use. It features a lightweight and durable frame, comfortable saddle, and advanced braking system for improved safety and control. The bike is suitable for riders of all levels and ages, including children and adults.

Safety and Warnings

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet when riding the bike.
• Do not ride at night or in wet conditions.
• Obey local motor vehicle, bicycle, and traffic laws and the common sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling.
• Ensure that your child always wears an approved bicycle helmet when riding.
• 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.
• If the bike is too large, the rider may not be able to reach the pedals easily, resulting in loss of control and/or injury.
• To avoid an accident, teach children good riding skills with an emphasis on safety.
• When riding downhill, 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 riding the bike, make sure to check the following:

• The tires are properly inflated and in good condition.
• The brakes are working correctly and have sufficient stopping power.
• The gears are shifting smoothly and without issue.
• The handlebars and stem are securely fastened and aligned correctly.
• The saddle is adjusted to the correct height for comfortable and safe riding.

Assembly

Before riding the bike, it needs to be assembled. If you are not comfortable with assembly, we recommend bringing the bike to your local bike shop to have a qualified mechanic put it together for you.

When assembling the bike, use the tools included in the box:

• Allen key (4 mm)
• Allen key (5 mm)
• Allen (6 mm) & Phillips Head Key
• 13-15mm Open Ended Spanner

Follow these instructions for assembly:

1. Open the box and check that all parts are present.

2. Read the user guide before beginning assembly.

3. If you are not comfortable with assembly, bring the bike to your local bike shop to have a qualified mechanic put it together
   for you.

4. Ensure the wheel is in the center of the fork before tightening both nuts.

5. If the wheels are not aligned correctly, take the bike to a local bicycle shop to help realign the wheels.

6. To prevent steering system damage and possible loss of control, ensure that the stem is inserted enough so that the minimum insertion marks are completely covered.

7. If you need to change handlebar height, move height adjustment spacers from below the stem to above the stem, or vice versa. Alternatively, you’ll have to get a stem of different length or rise. Do not attempt to do this yourself, as it requires special knowledge and your bicycle should be taken to a professional bike shop for this adjustment.

Product Usage

When riding the bike, follow these instructions:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Obey local motor vehicle, bicycle, and traffic laws and the common sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling.
• Ensure that your child always wears an approved bicycle helmet when riding.
• 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.
• If the bike is too large, the rider may not be able to reach the pedals easily, resulting in loss of control and/or injury.
• To avoid an accident, teach children good riding skills with an emphasis on safety.
• When riding downhill, 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.
• Before riding the bike, perform a safety checklist to ensure that all parts are working correctly and securely fastened.

700C URBAN HYBRID ROAD BIKE

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 wear a properly fitted, Australian standard approved helmet while riding your bike.

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 stand over 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;

• 20 inch bicycles: 80 kg
• Adult bicycles up to 26 inches: 125 kg.

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 aer 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, so 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 ear 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.

Derailleurs

• Check that the front and rear derailleurs are adjusted and functioning properly.
• Ensure that the shifter levers are securely attached.
• Ensure that derailleurs, shine levers, and control cables are properly lubricated.
• Shift through all the gears while pedaling to ensure that the derailleurs are adjusted and functioning properly.

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 & Tyres

• Ensure tires are inflated to within the recommended range as displayed on the tyre sidewall.
• Ensure tyres 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

Additional tools (included)

ASSEMBLY

Getting Started
Open the box and check that all parts are present. We strongly recommend reading the user guide before beginning. If you 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. Life 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, making sure the fork is pointing in the right direction, with the fork blades facing forward (Figure 1). With the front octagonal stem pointing the same direction, use Allen key to secure (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.

Handlebar/Stem
This bike features a thread less stem (Figure 5) the stem has been pre- installed, to change handlebar height requires moving height adjustment spacers from below the stem to above the stem, or vice versa. Alternatively you’ll have to get a stem of different length or rise. Do not attempt to do this yourself, as it requires special knowledge and your bicycle should be taken to a professional bike shop for this adjustment.

Step 3: Securing the handlebars

• Loosen the bolts on the side of the stem, slide the stem into place, making sure it lines up with the fork .
• Check the gap between the handlebar tube and stem, ensuring there is enough space to reinstall the cap and bolt.
• Snug the pre-load bolt on top. Then tighten the two bolts on the side of the stem, alternating each bolt.
• The handlebars should come attached to the stem. Simply ensure that the brake and derailleur cables track smoothly, and that the handlebar bolt(s) are properly tightened with a 4, 5, or 6 mm Allen key (Figures 6-8).
• In the case of a 2 or 4-bolt stem, tighten the bolts alternating between bolts every few turns.

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 9).

Testing Handlebar Tightness
To test the tightness of the stem, straddle the front wheel between your legs tightly (Figure 10). 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 4: 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”

• The right pedal has a RED sticker, the Left pedal has a GREEN sticker.

• 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 11).

• Aser 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 the 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 5: 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).

WARNING : The seat post must be inserted far enough so that the minimum insertion marks cannot be seen.

Step 6: Installing the rear seat reflector

• Remove the seat post and seat.
• 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, reinsert 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 14).

Step 7: Quick release lever

• This bike has a quick release lever (Figure 15), tighten it by holding the lever in the “open” position and tightening the nut on the opposite side by hand.
• Slowly close the quick release lever, and you should notice resistance when the lever is half way shut.
• Continue to push the lever until it is in the “closed” position, and the word “close” is showing. The seat should not be able to move back and forth, up and down, or side to side with the quick release lever in the closed position.
• Ensure the lever is also parallel with the seat clamp itself. You should only need one hand to close the quick release lever.
• If you need two hands, the seat clamp is too tight. Loosen the nut on the clamp until only one hand is needed to close the seat clamp.

CAUTION : Operate the quick release lever by hand only. Do not use a hammer or any other tool to tighten the quick release lever.

Testing Seat Tightness
After installing the seat post into the bicycle and tightening the clamp, test the tightness of the saddle. Hold the seat firmly with both hands and try to move it side to side. The seat post should not move at all. The seat post and seat also should not move when the rider is seated. Ensure the seat clamp nuts at the top of the seat post are tight so that the seat does not tip forward or backwards.

Step 8: Brakes
When installed properly, the disc brake rotor should be centered between the brake pads, and securely fastened to the wheel (Figure 16). Use a 4, 5, or 6 mm Allen Wrench to check the rotor mounting bolts to ensure that none of the bolts are loose. To tighten the brake cable, loosen the cable anchor bolt, pull the cable taught, and re-tighten the bolt (Figure 17).

NOTE : If your bike is equipped with a disc brake, make sure that the disc rotor slides easily into the brake caliper when installing the front wheel.
DO NOT pull on the lever before the wheel is installed. It may cause the brake pads to bind

Testing Brake Functions
To test the function of the front hand brake, light 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 9: Inflating the tyres
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 18). If your pump does not have a built in gauge, use a separate pressure gauge to ensure the tyres are inflated to the correct.

WARNING : Tyres must be properly inflated before riding. Never exceed the maximum pressure (PSI) that is listed on the side of the tyre.

WARNING : Be sure to check that the edge (beads) of both tyres are evenly seated the entire way around on both sides of the tyre. Failure to do so may result in the tyre coming off of the rim, the tube popping (Figure 21), and a loss of control of the bicycle, causing injury or even death.

Recommended Tyre Pressures
The recommended pressure molded on the sidewall of your bicycle tyres 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/Crossbite – 60 – 100 psi
• Road Racing – 110 – 125 psi

Step 10: Installing front reflector and bell
Attach the white reflector to the front reflector bracket and secure to the fork or handlebar using the hardware provided.
Unscrew the bell’s built-in screw counterclockwise, attach the bell on the handlebar, insert the screw into the screw hole, tighten to secure.

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

1. Open up the brake shoes.
2. With a 15mm box wrench or a 6 inch adjustable wrench, loosen the 2 axle nuts.
3. If your front fork has a clip-on type secondary retention device, disengage it and go to Step 4. If your front fork has an integral secondary retention device, loosen the axle nuts about six full turns; then go to Step 4.
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 ends.

Installing a Bolt-On Front Wheel

1.  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 nut. If your bike has a clip-on type secondary retention device, engage it.
2. 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 securely.
3. Close the brake shoes; then spin the wheel to make sure that it is centered in the frame and clears the brake shoes.

Removing a Bolt-On Rear Wheel

1. Open the rear brake shoes.
2. Shift the rear derailleur to high gear (the smallest rear sprocket) and pull the derailleur body back with your right hand.
3. With a 15mm box wrench or a six inch adjustable wrench, loosen the 2 axle nuts.
4. Light 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 dropouts.

Installing a Bolt-On Rear Wheel

1. Shift the rear derailleur to its outermost position and pull the derailleur body back with your right hand.
2. 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.
3. Tighten the axle nuts securely, using a 6 inch adjustable wrench or a 15mm box wrench.
4. Push the rear derailleur back into position.
5. Close the brake; then spin the wheel to make sure that it is centered in the frame and clears the brake shoes.

Seat post 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 seaport 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 seaport 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 tyre 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 and exercise 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 shift 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.

Shifter Adjustment

Adjustment – Front Derailleur: (Figure 22)

1. Shift the rear shifter to the smallest number indicated, then shifter the front shiftier to the smallest number indicated. Disconnect the front derailleur cable from the cable anchor bolt and place the chain on the smallest chainwheel.

2. Ensure the front derailleur cage is parallel with the outer chainwheel on the crankset. There must be a 3 – 5mm gap between the bottom of the derailleur cage and the top of the outer chainwheel teeth to ensure the derailleur will clear the chainwheel when
   shining.

3. Adjust the low limit screw so the chain is centered in the middle of derailleur cage. Pull all slack out of the cable by pulling it taut, then reconnect the cable and tighten the cable anchor bolt securely.

4. Shift the front shifter into the largest gear and pedal the bike so the chain jumps to the largest chainwheel. If the chain does not shift onto the largest chainwheel, you will need to turn the high limit screw counter-clockwise until the chain moves to the largest chainwheel. If the chain falls into the pedals, the high limit screw has been turned too far. You will need to readjust the high screw clockwise in 1/4 turn increments until the chain no longer falls off.

5.  Shift through each gear ensuring all are achieved quietly and without hesitation. Some shifters may have an adjusting barrel. Use the adjusting barrel to fine tune the adjustment of the chain location. Turn the adjusting barrel clockwise will move the derailleur inboard – towards the frame, while turning it counterclockwise will direct the chain outboard – away from the frame.

WARNING : Do not operate a bicycle that is not shifting properly. Overlooking proper adjustments may cause irreparable damage to the bicycle and/or bodily injury. Never move the shifter while pedaling backward or pedal backward after having moved the shifter. Doing so may jam the chain and cause serious damage to the bicycle and/or rider.

Lubrication
All the pivoting points of the front and rear derailleurs should be lubricated with light oil at least once a month. Be sure to wipe off any excess oil to prevent attraction of dirt into the mechanisms. The shifting cables should be cleaned and re-coated with a thin layer of grease every 6 months, or whenever new cables are being installed.

Adjustment – Rear Derailleur: (Figure 23 & 24)
The Low limit screw determines how far the rear derailleur will travel toward the wheel of the bicycle, while the High limit screw determines how far the cage will travel toward the frame.

1. Shift the rear shifter to the largest number indicated, disconnect the rear derailleur cable from the cable anchor bolt and place the chain on the smallest sprocket.
2. Adjust the High limit screw so the chain and the smallest sprocket are lined up vertically. Remove any slack in the cable by pulling it taut, then reconnect the cable and tighten the cable anchor bolt securely.
3. Some derailleurs have an adjusting barrel (see drawings). Use the adjusting barrel to fine tune the adjustment of the chain location. Turning the adjusting barrel clockwise will move the derailleur inboard – towards the wheel – while turning it counterclockwise will direct the chain outboard – away from the wheel.
4. Shift the chain onto the largest sprocket; adjust the low limit screw so the chain and the largest cog are lined up vertically. If you are unable to get the chain to the largest cog, turning the Low limit screw counterclockwise will enable the chain to move towards the wheel.
5.  Shift  through the gears ensuring each gear is achieved quietly and without hesitation.

Note
Some bicycles may be equipped with a rear derailleur mechanism that works in REVERSE to the directions above.

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 Rear 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.
• 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. 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 tyres 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

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| •    Shift 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

Gear shifts not working properly.

| •    Derailleur cables sticking or stretched or damaged.

•    Front or rear derailleur not adjusted properly.

•    Indexed shifting 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

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

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/Tyres

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.

•    Tyre tread/casing worn.

•    Tyre unsuited to rim.

•    Tyre not checked after previous puncture.

•    Tyre pressure too low.

•    Spoke protruding into rim.

| •    Replace inner tube.

•    Replace tyre.

•    Replace with correct tyre.

•    Remove sharp object embedded in tyre.

•    Correct tyre pressure.

•    File down spikes.

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

References

• Kogan Help Centre

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