Electra Bicycle User Manual

Page 10

Consult your dealer. Do not attempt to do this yourself, as it requires special

knowledge.

If your bike has a “quill” stem (fig. 7) you can ask your dealer to adjust the

handlebar height a bit by adjusting stem height.

A quill stem has an etched or stamped mark on its shaft which designates the

stem’s “Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum Extension”. This mark must not be

visible above the headset.

WARNING: A quill stem’s Minimum Insertion Mark must not be

visible above the top of the headset. If the stem is extended beyond

the Minimum Insertion Mark the stem may break or damage the fork’s

steerer tube, which could cause you to lose control and fall.

WARNING: On some bicycles, changing the stem or stem height can

affect the tension of the front brake cable, locking the front brake or

creating excess cable slack which can make the front brake

inoperable. If the front brake pads move in towards the wheel rim or out

away from the wheel rim when the stem or stem height is changed, the

brakes must be correctly adjusted before you ride the bicycle.

Some bicycles are equipped with an adjustable angle stem. If your bicycle

has an adjustable angle stem, ask your dealer to show you how to adjust if. Do

not attempt to make the adjustment yourself, as changing stem angle may also

require adjustments to the bicycle’s controls.

WARNING: Always tighten fasteners to the correct torque. Bolts that

are too tight can stretch and deform. Bolts that are too loose can

move and fatigue. Either mistake can lead to a sudden failure of the

bolt, causing you to lose control and fall.

Your dealer can also change the angle of the handlebar or bar end extensions.

WARNING: An insufficiently tightened stem clamp bolt, handlebar

clamp bolt or bar end extension clamping bolt may compromise

steering action, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Place

the front wheel of the bicycle between your legs and attempt to twist the

handlebar/stem assembly. If you can twist the stem in relation to the front

wheel, turn the handlebars in relation to the stem, or turn the bar end

extensions in relation to the handlebar, the bolts are insufficiently

tightened.

D. Control position adjustments

The angle of the brake and shift control levers and their position on the

handlebars can be changed. Ask your dealer to make the adjustments for you.

If you choose to make your own control lever angle adjustment, be sure to re-

tighten the clamp fasteners to the recommended torque (Appendix D or the

manufacturer’s instructions).

clamp can allow the saddle to move, causing you to lose control and fall.

Always tighten fasteners to the correct torque. Bolts that are too tight

can stretch and deform. Bolts that are too loose can move and fatigue.

Either mistake can lead to a sudden failure of the bolt, causing you to lose

control and fall.

Note: If your bicycle is equipped with a suspension seat post,

the

suspension mechanism may require periodic service or maintenance. Ask

your dealer for recommended service intervals for your suspension seat

post.

Small changes in saddle position can have a substantial effect on

performance and comfort. To find your best saddle position, make only one

adjustment at a time.

WARNING: After any saddle adjustment, be sure that the saddle

adjusting mechanism is properly seated and tightened before riding.

A loose saddle clamp or seat post clamp can cause damage to the

seat post, or can cause you to lose control and fall. A correctly tightened

saddle adjusting mechanism will allow no saddle movement in any

direction. Periodically check to make sure that the saddle adjusting

mechanism is properly tightened.

If, in spite of carefully adjusting the saddle height, tilt and fore-and-aft position,

your saddle is still uncomfortable, you may need a different saddle design.

Saddles, like people, come in many different shapes, sizes and resilience. Your

dealer can help you select a saddle which, when correctly adjusted for your body

and riding style, will be comfortable.

WARNING: Some people have claimed that extended riding with a

saddle which is incorrectly adjusted or which does not support your

pelvic area correctly can cause short-term or long-term injury to

nerves and blood vessels, or even impotence. If your saddle causes you

pain, numbness or other discomfort, listen to your body and stop riding

until you see your dealer about saddle adjustment

or a different saddle.

C. Handlebar height and angle

Your bike is equipped either with a “threadless”

stem, which clamps on to the outside of the steerer

tube, or with a “quill” stem, which clamps inside the

steerer tube by way of an expanding binder bolt. If

you aren’t absolutely sure which type of stem your

bike has, ask your dealer.

If your bike has a “threadless” stem (fig. 6) your

dealer may be able to change handlebar height by

moving height adjustment spacers from below the

stem to above the stem, or vice versa. Otherwise,

you’ll have to get a stem of different length or rise.