Table of Contents Keep this manual with the bicycle Important: Keep for future reference This manual is considered a part of the bicycle Meaning of safety signs and language .............1 that you have purchased. If you sell the bicycle, Foreword: Bicycles, accidents, and safety .......1 please give this manual to the new owner. Chapter 1: Guide to safe on- and off-road operation Life span of a bicycle Register your bicycle and its parts ...............................................................3 Bicycle registration is the only record we have Pre ride checklist ......................................................4 of who owns this bicycle. If it is necessary to Rules to ride safely ..................................................7 give you new instructions, your registration will Riding instructions...................................................9 provide us with your contact information. If you Safeguard your bicycle ..........................................11 choose to not complete the registration, make Warning about mechanical work .....................12 sure you check frequently for new information Townie GO! ...............................................................13 on the Electra web site. Also, registration and Use conditions .......................................................14 proof of purchase are necessary to make a warranty claim. Chapter 2: Maintenance Maintenance schedule .........................................15 It is easy to register on the Electra web site. Chapter 3: Inspection and adjustment Choose the web site for your country. If you A word about torque specifications ...............16 cannot find one for your country, use the web Handlebar and stem ..............................................17 site for the U.S.: Saddle (seat) and seatpost ................................18 http://www.electrabike.com/support/product- Derailleurs ............................................................... 20 registration Internal gear systems ............................................21 Shift levers ................................................................22 If you have questions Brake levers ..............................................................22 There are many models of Electra bicycles with Brakes .........................................................................23 a variety of equipment, so this manual might Wheels ......................................................................26 contain some instructions that do not apply Reflectors .................................................................30 to your bicycle. Some illustrations might be Cables .........................................................................31 different from your bicycle. For updates to this Crankarms and bottom bracket ........................31 manual, visit the Electra website. Headset ......................................................................31 Pedals ..........................................................................31 If you have questions after you read this manual, Chain ..........................................................................32 consult your retailer. If you have a question or Luggage carriers .....................................................32 problem that your retailer cannot answer or Training wheels .......................................................32 repair, tell us: Accessories ..............................................................33 Electra Bicycle Company Frameset (frame and fork) .................................33 Attn: Customer Service 1010 South Coast Highway 101 ..................................35 Chapter 4: Lubrication Suite 101 For more instructions .......................................36 Encinitas, CA 92024 USA 800.261.1644 Warranty .....................................................................36 TK16_MANUAL_Electra_Owners_v2.indd 1 5/18/16 2:39 PM Important: Keep for future reference Even if you have ridden a bicycle for years, it is important for EVERY person to read Chapter 1 before riding this bicycle! This manual shows how to ride your new bicycle Foreword: Bicycles, safely. Parents should explain Chapter 1 to a child or person who might not understand this accidents, and safety manual, especially regarding safety issues such A bicycle can be fun when used for as the use of a coaster brake. transportation, recreation, exercise, or competition. But a bicycle can also be This manual also shows you how to do basic dangerous, especially if you try to ride beyond maintenance. Some tasks should only be done the limits of your bicycle or the limits of your by your retailer, and this manual identifies them. ability. The skill or ability of a bicycle rider can vary greatly, just like the skill of an automobile Meaning of safety signs and driver or a skier. Do not ride in a manner that exceeds your ability. language In this manual, the Safety Alert symbol, a Each bicycle also has limits because of many triangle with an exclamation mark, shows a properties. This is a partial list: hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could • Design and materials of the bicycle cause injury. The most common cause of injury • Maintenance of the bicycle is falling off the bicycle. Even a fall at slow speed • Use of the bicycle: surface, speed, etc. can cause severe injury or death, so avoid any • Surface of the road or trail situation with the special markings of a grey If your bicycle is involved in any kind of impact, box, safety alert symbol, and these signal words: crash, or accident, have it inspected thoroughly by your retailer before you ride it again. ‘CAUTION’ indicates the possibility of mild or moderate injury. A bicycle cannot protect you in an ‘WARNING’ indicates the possibility of accident serious injury or death. Bicycles are not designed to withstand every situation. In a crash or impact, it is not This manual complies with these standards: uncommon for the bicycle to have damage and for you to fall. If you fall, your bicycle can not • ANSI Z535.6 prevent injury. Cars have bumpers, seat belts, • AS/NZS 1927:1998 air bags, and crumple zones. Bicycles do not, • BS 6102 : Part 1: 1992 so even a small crash at slow speed can cause • CEN 14764, 14765, 14766, 14781, 14872, 16054 injury or death. • CPSC 16 CFR 1512 Think safety • ISO 4210 Parts 1-9 and ISO 8098 Always “Think Safety” and avoid dangerous situations, which are usually obvious. However, not all dangerous situations are obvious. Many of those are shown in this manual; read at least Chapter 1 before you ride. Some of the high-risk stunts and jumps seen in magazines or videos are very dangerous. Even skilled athletes get severe injuries when they crash (and they do crash). TK16_MANUAL_Electra_Owners_v2.indd 1 5/18/16 2:39 PM Chapter 1: Guide to safe on- and off-road operation Chapter 1: Guide to safe on- and off-road operation This chapter explains important things you should know before a first ride, including safety information that is important to follow on every ride. Bicycle fit If your bicycle does not operate as you need, Your retailer will help you find a bicycle that has or if different parts are necessary for the safe the correct dimensions for your body. There operation of your bicycle, it may be possible to should be a minimum standover clearance of customize it. Consult your retailer. at least 1” (25 mm) between the top tube and you when you stand over your bicycle (Figure ‘Toe Overlap’ 1.1). For a mountain bicycle, we recommend 2-3” Some modern, high-performance bicycles, (50-75 mm) clearance. especially smaller sizes, use a short-wheelbase design with the front wheel close to the pedals. FIGURE 1.1 A = Minimum standover When the handlebar is turned during very slow clearance speeds, your foot or toe-clips could overlap or 1” (25 mm) for most bicycles touch the front wheel or fender (Figure 1.2). 2-3” (50-75 mm) for mountain bicycles This overlap is affected by the size of your feet, A the length of the crankarms, the size of the tires, and the pedals you choose. If you change any of these components, the amount of the overlap could change. FIGURE 1.2 You can adjust the saddle and handlebar to Toe overlap offer the best comfort and performance. Before you make these adjustments, read Warning about mechanical work on page 12, then refer to Chapter 3. Your bicycle has a weight limit. See Use Conditions on page 14. If you are not sure of the weight limit on your bicycle and its parts, consult your retailer. WARNING: If your foot or toe-clip touches Know how your bicycle operates the front wheel or fender, ‘toe overlap’ could The properties of your bicycle, if not used decrease your control and cause you to fall. correctly, can decrease your control of the Do not pedal when you turn at slow speed. bicycle. Before you ride fast or in conditions that are a challenge, learn the operation Powerful brakes and performance of all the mechanisms of The power of bicycle brakes changes with the your bicycle, especially brakes and steering Use Condition of the bicycle. Many models of components. Practice the first use of your modern brakes are very powerful; they are made bicycle at slower speeds in a flat, empty parking to stop a bicycle in wet or muddy conditions. If area. Practice again after any change to your it is necessary for your bicycle to have more—or bicycle. less—power to stop, consult your retailer about brake adjustments or other brake options for your bicycle. Also read Braking on page 9. 2 TK16_MANUAL_Electra_Owners_v2.indd