co-op CYCLES REV Bal 12 Kids Balance Bike Owner’s Manual

co-op CYCLES REV Bal 12 Kids Balance Bike

USE OF THIS MANUAL

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PURCHASE OF A CO-OP CYCLES REV BAL

ABOUT US

• Co-op Cycles is a registered trademark of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI).
• Co-op Cycles bicycles are manufactured and distributed exclusively by REI.
• 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
• We stand behind everything we sell. If you are not satisfied with your REI purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund. Items must be returned within a year of purchase, except items purchased from REI-OUTLET.com, which must be returned within 30 days of purchase.
• LIMITED WARRANTY
• If your item has a manufacturing defect in its materials or workmanship, you can return it at any time. Many of our items also have a separate warranty from the manufacturer, and you can also return any of these items that don’t meet the manufacturer’s warranty.
• This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.\
• USEFUL LIFE
• Nothing lasts forever, including your bike. When the useful life of your bike or its components is over, continued use is hazardous. Every Co-op Cycles bicycle frame and the components attached to the frame have a finite, limited useful life. ALL
• CO-OP CYCLES FRAMES AND COMPONENTS SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY CHECKED BY AN REI OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL BICYCLE MECHANIC for signs of wear, damage, stress and/or other potential points of failure.
• The frequency of these checks is affected by frequency of use, environmental considerations, bicycle type, riding style, riding conditions and other factors. Please contact us for additional information.

CONTACT US

PHONE

• Our Contact Center is open daily, 4am to 11pm Pacific Time.
• From the U.S. and Canada: 1-800-426-4840 International: 1-253-891-2500 (English language only)
• Fax: 1-253-891-2523
• ONLINE REI.com
• MAIL: REI, Sumner, WA 98390 coopcycles.com

RETAIL STORES

To learn which REI retail location will best serve your needs, please visit REI.com/stores or call the Contact Center.

Co-op Cycles REV BAL Owner’s Manual

This manual contains important information affecting your child’s safety and the proper use of the Co-op Cycles REV BAL balance bike. A manual cannot teach how to ride, and a manual the size of an encyclopedia could not cover every combination of bicycle, rider and conditions. REI and other companies offer great varieties of online, printed and person-to-person learning opportunities. Please take the time to appropriately inform yourself if you have a question or concern. This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair, or maintenance manual. It contains basic assembly and uses instructions. This manual is not a detailed service guide for any part of your balance bike. Please contact your local REI store or another reputable bicycle dealer for all service, repairs, or maintenance. REI or your other service provider should also be able to refer you to online materials, classes, or books on bicycle use and maintenance.

Service Locations

REI would like to be your primary contact for service and adjustment of your bicycle, instruction on its use, and any other questions. In those locations where there is no REI store, please contact your local bicycle shop. If you choose another service location, all Co-op Cycles-brand service parts will come from REI. Please contact us with questions.

GENERAL WARNING FOR RIDER AND GUARDIAN

As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety of your minor child, which includes making sure that the balance bike is properly fitted to the child; that it is in good repair and safe operating condition; that you and your child have learned and understand the safe operation of your balance bike; and 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 manual and its warnings and review the product functions and operating procedures with your child, before letting your child ride the balance bike.
This manual contains many “Warnings” and “Cautions” concerning the consequences of failing to maintain or inspect your balance bike and failing to follow safe riding practices.

WARNING

• The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death.
• The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury, or is an alert against unsafe practices.
• The word CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a situation that, if not avoided, could result in serious damage to your balance bike.
• Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition that can occur while riding, this manual makes no representation of the safe use of the balance bike under all conditions. There are risks associated with the use of any bicycle that cannot be predicted or avoided and that is the sole responsibility of the rider.
• MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CHILD ALWAYS WEARS AN APPROVED BICYCLE HELMET WHEN RIDING; BUT ALSO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CHILD UNDERSTANDS THAT A BICYCLE HELMET IS FOR BICYCLING
• ONLY AND MUST BE REMOVED WHEN NOT RIDING.
• FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
• We strongly urge you to read this manual in its entirety before your child’s first ride. At the very least, read and make sure that you understand each point in this section, and refer to the cited sections on any issue that you don’t completely understand.

BALANCE BIKE ASSEMBLY

1. Inflate tires to the recommended pressure located on the tire sidewall using a bicycle pump. Note: The valve caps are child-resistant; push down and turn counterclockwise to remove them (see fig. 1).
2. Loosen the stem bolt by turning it counter-clockwise using the included Z wrench. Twist the handlebars so they are perpendicular to the front wheel. Retighten by turning the stem bolt clockwise.(See fig. 2.)
3. Ensure stickers on fork blades face forward (see fig. 3).

BALANCE BIKE FIT

Seat Adjustment

Height: Loosen (counterclockwise) the Seatpost collar bolt using the Z wrench. Adjust the seat height so the child’s shoes touch the ground when sitting on the seat (see fig. 10). Retighten (clockwise) with seat pointing straight ahead. Ensure the “Min. insertion mark” on the Seatpost is not exposed (see fig. 4).

Handlebar Adjustment

• Height: Loosen (counterclockwise) the stem bolt (note: handlebar may need to be twisted slightly side to side to unbind). Adjust stem height, and then retighten (clockwise) the stem bolt. Ensure the “Min. insertion mark” on the stem is not
• exposed. Fore/aft rotation: Loosen (counterclockwise) the handlebar clamp bolts, rotate handlebar to desired position and then retighten (clockwise) the handlebar clamp bolts. (See fig. 5.)

SAFETY FIRST

Most serious bicycle injuries involve head injuries that can be avoided if the rider wears an appropriate bicycle helmet (see fig. 6).

The helmet should be

• Certified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). (Look for the label on the helmet.)
• Properly sized for your child
• Properly fitted to your child
• Properly attached to your child’s head
• Undamaged

FAILURE TO WEAR A HELMET WHEN RIDING UNNECESSARILY EXPOSES THE RIDER TO THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

When riding your Co-op Cycles REV BAL, always wear

• Shoes with rubber soles and closed toes.
• Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that it can become tangled in the toy.

Things to remember

• The REV BAL does not have brakes. Use closed-toe shoes, and make sure seat height is adjusted so the child’s shoes are flat on the ground while he/she is sitting on the seat (see fig. 10).
• For use on smooth, flat surfaces only. Avoid curbs, steps, drop-offs, hills and inclines.
• THE REV BAL IS NOT DESIGNED FOR USE WITH TRAINING WHEELS.
• Maintain a safe distance from roads, traffic and bodies of water, including in-ground pools.
• Never use in icy or wet conditions.
• For daytime use only.
• Do not replace valve caps with non-child-resistant caps.

• The maximum load is 60 pounds. • Minimum stand-over height is 17.25″ • Complies with American safety standards for toys
• ASTMF 963, CPSC 16 CFR 1303, H.R. 4040 CPSIA
• 2008 Section 101, H.R. 4040 CPSIA 2008 Section

MECHANICAL SAFETY CHECK

Routinely check the condition of your balance bike before every ride. Do not ride the REV BAL if it has any cracks, even a small one.

Warning label

Do not remove it. If your warning label is damaged or missing, contact REI for a no-charge replacement (see fig. 7).

Nuts, bolts, screws, and other fasteners

• Make sure that the following fasteners on your balance bike are tightened to the correct torque specifications:
• Stem bolt: 13 foot-pounds
• Handlebar clamp bolts: 13 foot-pounds
• Seatpost binder: 13 foot-pounds
• Axle nuts: 20 foot-pounds
• Correctly tightening a fastener requires a calibrated torque wrench. A professional bicycle mechanic with a torque wrench should torque the fasteners. If you choose to work on your own bicycle, you must use a torque wrench and the correct tightening torque specifications. If you need to make an adjustment at home or in the field, we urge you to exercise care and to have the fasteners you worked on checked by your local REI store as soon as possible.

CORRECT TIGHTENING FORCE ON FASTENERS —NUTS, BOLTS, SCREWS—ON YOUR BICYCLE IS IMPORTANT. INCORRECT TIGHTENING FORCE CAN RESULT IN COMPONENT FAILURE THAT CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL AND FALL WITH THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel off the ground two or three inches, then let it bounce on the ground. Does anything sound, feel or look loose? Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole balance bike. Any loose parts or accessories? If so, secure them. If you’re not sure, take your balance bike to your local REI store, especially if anything breaks or bends. Do not ride your balance bike if any part is damaged.

Tires

1. Make sure tires are correctly inflated to the pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
2. DO NOT USE TIRES SIZED ANY LARGER THAN (57-203) 12 ½” X 2 ¼”, AS IT MAY CREATE A PINCH HAZARD, EXPOSING THE CHILD TO A RISK OF MINOR OR MODERATE INJURY.
3. Are the tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tires before riding the balance bike. The size and pressure rating are marked on the sidewall of the tire (see fig. 8). Exceeding the recommended maximum pressure may blow the tire off the rim. The best and safest way to inflate a bicycle tire to the correct pressure is with a bicycle pump that has a built-in pressure gauge. Gas station air hoses and other air compressors are not made for bicycle tires. They move a large volume of air very rapidly and will raise the pressure in your tire very rapidly, which could cause the tube to explode and increase the risk of injury.
4. THERE IS A SAFETY RISK IN USING GAS STATION AIR HOSES OR OTHER AIR COMPRESSORS, EXPOSING THE CHILD TO A RISK OF MINOR OR MODERATE INJURY.
5. Punctured tires can be repaired with an inner tube repair kit available at your local REI store or bike shop.

Wheels

The balance bike’s front fork uses a secondary wheel retention washer to reduce the risk of the wheel disengaging from the fork if the wheel is incorrectly secured. The rear wheel is secured with a clip-on type secondary retention device. (See fig. 9.)

DO NOT REMOVE OR DISABLE THE SECONDARY RETENTION DEVICES, AS THIS EXPOSES THE CHILD TO A RISK OF MINOR TO MODERATE INJURY.

As its name implies, the secondary retention device serves as a backup for a critical adjustment. If the wheel is not secured correctly, the secondary retention device reduces the risk of the wheel disengaging from the fork. Replacements for lost or missing secondary retention devices are available at REI. Are the wheels true? Spin each wheel. If a wheel wobbles side-to-side even slightly, take the balance bike to a qualified bike shop to have the wheel evaluated.
Clean the wheels. Inspect the hub for cracks where the spokes are attached. Inspect the rim where the spokes meet it.

Stem

Clean and inspect carefully for cracks. Pay particular attention to the underside of the stem. Examine the edges of each weld on the stem. See also the closely related handlebar section, below.

Handlebar

• Remove from the stem. Clean and inspect carefully for cracks. Pay particular attention to the area where the handlebar emerges from the stem.
• Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition. Also, be sure the handlebar ends are plugged.

LOOSE OR DAMAGED HANDLEBAR GRIPS CAN CAUSE YOUR CHILD TO LOSE CONTROL AND FALL. UNPLUGGED HANDLEBARS CAN CUT AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Seatpost and Saddle

Remove from the frame using the Z wrench. Clean and inspect all parts carefully for cracks, and ensure the seat is held securely to Seatpost. Tighten screw (under the seat) if the seat is loose.

Corrosion

Excessive corrosion and cracks are signs that a part is at the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. Your balance bike is covered by the REI Guarantee (see inside front cover); however, no product will last forever.
Store your balance bike in a dry place to reduce corrosion.

Chips and Scratches

Small chips or minor scratches may be touched up with automotive paint, fingernail polish or hobby shop paint.

Bicycle Lifespan
Nothing lasts forever, including your balance bike.

• When the useful life of your balance bike or its components is over, continued use is hazardous.
• ALL FRAMES AND COMPONENTS SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY CHECKED BY A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC for indicators of stress and/or potential breakage, including cracks, deformation, delamination, creaking sounds, corrosion, paint peeling, dents and any other indicators of potential problems, inappropriate use or abuse. These are important safety checks and are very important to help prevent accidents, bodily injury to the rider and shortened product life.

FIRST RIDE

Instructions for use

1. Find an open, flat area away from traffic and hazards for the child to learn how to ride the balance bike.
2. Adjust the seat height so the child is on the seat with shoes flat on the ground and hands gripping the handlebars (see fig. 10).
3. Instruct the child to propel the REV BAL forward using a “walking” motion with their feet.
4. Have the child practice gliding by lifting feet momentarily until it feels comfortable to glide.
5. To stop or slow the REV BAL, have the child drag his or her shoes on the ground.
6. Have the child practice steering by leaning the REV BAL from side to side.
7. Instruct the child not to jump with the balance bike. Jumping can be fun, but it can put huge and unpredictable stress on the toy and its components. Riders who insist on jumping with their balance bike risk serious damage to the REV BAL as well as to themselves.

CHANGING COMPONENTS OR ADDING ACCESSORIES

• There are components and accessories available to enhance the comfort, performance and appearance of your balance bike. However, if you change components or add accessories, you do so at your own risk. Co-op Cycles may not have tested that component or accessory for compatibility, reliability or safety on your balance bike.
• Before installing any component or accessory, including a different size tire, make sure that it is compatible with your balance bike by checking with your local REI store. Be sure to read, understand and follow the instructions that accompany the products you purchase for your balance bike.
• FAILURE TO CONFIRM COMPATIBILITY, PROPERLY INSTALL, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN ANY COMPONENT OR ACCESSORY CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE OR COMPROMISE CONTROL OF YOUR CO-OP CYCLES REV BAL. A POORLY MAINTAINED TOY IS MORE LIKELY TO BREAK OR MALFUNCTION, LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

CAUTION

INCOMPATIBLE ACCESSORIES OR POORLY OR IMPROPERLY MOUNTED ACCESSORIES CAN AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR BICYCLE AND MAY BE UNSAFE, CAUSING RISK OF MINOR TO MODERATE INJURY.

MAINTENANCE

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ARE CRITICAL TO YOUR SAFETY AND THE LONGEVITY OF YOUR Co-op Cycles REV BAL. A POORLY MAINTAINED TOY IS MORE LIKELY TO BREAK OR MALFUNCTION, LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Cleaning

• Use only water and dishwashing liquid. Do not use abrasive or harsh chemical cleaners/solvents.
  Do not power-wash or use water under high pressure to clean your balance bike. Power washing can force contaminants into parts where they can promote corrosion and result in accelerated wear, creating a risk of injury.

• DO NOT USE COMPRESSED AIR TO DRY.

• Seatpost and Stem Lubrication

• Clean and apply grease before inserting the Seatpost and stem into the frame.

• Bearing Lubrication

• Clean and apply grease to wheel and headset bearings as necessary.

• SERVICE

• If you want to repair your Co-op Cycles REV BAL balance bike, we recommend that you ask someone with experience to check the quality of your work the first time you work on something and before you ride the bike. We also recommend that you ask your local REI store for guidance on what spare parts would be appropriate for you to have once you have learned how to replace such parts when they require replacement.

• SERIAL NUMBER

• The serial number for your Co-op Cycles REV BAL is located on the back of the seat tube (see fig. 11). The serial number should also appear on your original purchase documents.

PARTS OF THE CO-OP CYCLES REV BAL

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

• Find an open, flat area away from traffic and hazards for the child to learn how to ride the Co-op
• Cycles REV BAL balance bike.
• Adjust the seat height so the child is on the seat with shoes flat on the ground and hands gripping the handlebars.
• Instruct the child to propel the balance bike forward using a “walking” motion with his or her feet.
• Have the child practice gliding by lifting feet momentarily until it feels comfortable to glide.
• To stop or slow the balance bike, have the child drag his or her shoes on the ground.
• Have the child practice steering by leaning the balance bike from side to side.
• Instruct the child not to jump with the balance bike. Jumping can be fun, but it can put huge and unpredictable stress on the toy and its components. Riders who insist on jumping with their balance bike risk serious damage to the bike as well as to themselves.
• REI MASTER TECHNICIANS ENSURE YOU GET EXPERT SERVICE
• From basic maintenance to complete overhaul—even when building—any job or question about your bike can be handled by REI Master Technicians.
• REI Master Techs know bikes inside and out. An intensive certification program at the renowned Barnett Bicycle Institute in Colorado ensures it.
• Every REI bike shop staff member is trained and certified by the REI Master Tech in each store, so you can count on getting consistent, knowledgeable service every time.
• 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE AND LIMITED WARRANTY
• We stand behind everything we sell. If you are not satisfied with your REI purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund within one year of purchase. REI’s guarantee doesn’t cover ordinary wear and tear or damage caused by improper use or accidents. If your item has a manufacturing defect in its materials or workmanship, you can return it at any time. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
• Co-op Cycles are sold exclusively at REI: visit us at REI.com

References

• Co-op Cycles: Bikes for Road, City, Adventure Touring & Mountain Biking | REI Co-op
• REI Outlet: Discount & Sale Outdoor Clothing & Gear | REI Outlet
• REI: A Life Outdoors is a Life Well Lived | REI Co-op
• REI Store Locator: Find an REI Store Near You | REI Co-op

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