Bicycle company BICYCLE OWNERS MANUAL - www.avalanchebicycles.co.za - Avalanche Bicycle ...
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bicycle company
ESTABLISHED 1992
BICYCLE OWNERS MANUAL
www.avalanchebicycles.co.zaWELCOME, AND CONGRATULATIONS… NOTE: This manual is not intended as a comprehensive
on your purchase of a new Avalanche Bicycle. use, service, repair or maintenance manual. Please see your
Come Ride with Us. dealer for all service, repairs or maintenance. Your dealer
may also be able to refer you to classes, clinics or books on
bicycle use, service, repair or maintenance.
1. SAFETY FIRST
We strongly encourage you to read through the owner’s
manual before you take your new Avalanche bicycle for a 4. GENERAL WARNING:
spin. You will have a greater understanding for the general Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury and damage.
operation of the various components found on your new By choosing to ride a bicycle, you assume the responsibility
bike. Safe riding instructions are equally important and for that risk, so you need to know — and to practice — the
shouldn’t be overlooked. So even if you are an experienced rules of safe and responsible riding and of proper use and
cyclist, please take a moment to read through this manual maintenance.
WARRANTY
before you ride.
2. THE FREEDOM OF CYCLING
Nothing makes us happier than seeing people out riding
bikes. For over twenty years Avalanche has supplied quality
bicycles for avid cyclists. Avalanche bicycles have allowed IMPORTANT : This manual contains important
thousands of cyclists just like you the opportunity to live safety, performance and service information. Read it
happier, healthier lives because of the joy, exercise, and before you take the first ride on your new bicycle, and
sheer exhilaration riding a bicycle brings. keep it for reference. Additional safety, performance and
service information for specific components such as
suspension or pedals on your bicycle, or for
3. LEARN MORE accessories such as helmets or lights that you
We encourage you to get connected and learn more about purchase, may also be available. Make sure that your
proper riding and safety through your local Avalanche dealer has given you all the manufacturers’ literature
Retailer. Bike shop retailers are the best in the nation at that was included with your bicycle or accessories. If
providing sales and service for any and all your bicycle you have any questions or do not understand
related needs. It’s the only place you’ll find knowledgeable something, take responsibility for your safety and
staff ready to assist you with everything you’ll need to get consult with your dealer or the bicycle’s manufacturer.
the most out of your bike and your ride.5. A SPECIAL NOTE FOR PARENTS 6. WARRANTY
•Avalanche Bicycle Company warrants its bicycles to the
As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and in
activities and safety of your minor child, and that includes workmanship for a period from the date of purchase for:
making sure that the bicycle is properly fitted to the child;
that it is in good repair and safe operating condition; that you •5 years on the frame, as long as the bicycle is owned by the
and your child have learned and understand the safe original owner.
operation of the bicycle; and that you and your child have
learned, understand and obey not only the applicable local •Suspension related equipment including complete forks as
motor vehicle, bicycle and traffic laws, but also the common warranted by the original equipment manufacturer. For 1
sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling. As a parent, year on Avalanche branded suspension forks.
you should read this manual, as well as review its warnings
and the bicycle’s functions and operating procedures with •Three months on all original parts except for tires, tubes
WARRANTY
your child, before letting your child ride the bicycle. and cables.
WARNING: Make sure that your child always wears •In the event of a defective bicycle or part, the Avalanche
an approved bicycle helmet when riding; but also make Bicycle Company will, at its opinion, repair or replace the
sure that your child understands that a bicycle helmet is defective bicycle or part within warranty period, at no cost to
for bicycling only, and must be removed when not you except for shipping and dealer charges if any.
riding.
A helmet must not be worn while playing, in play areas, If you discover a defect within the warranty period, you must
on playground equipment, while climbing trees, or at follow this procedure:
any time while not riding a bicycle. a. Return the bicycle to your local bicycle retailer. If the
Failure to follow this warning could result in serious retailer from whom you purchased this bicycle determines
injury or death. upon examination that either a repair or replacement is
justified and that determination is verified by the Avalanche
Bicycle Company, a repair or replacement will be made in
accordance with the warranty.
b. When making claim under warranty, you must also bring
to the original selling dealer a copy of the sales receipt or
proof of original purchase.
c. Upon receipt and inspection of the bicycle by your
Avalanche Bicycle Company dealer, the dealer may
determine that this warranty does not apply, in which case,
you will be so notified with a reason stated along with an
estimate for repairs and return shipping. In no case will the
Avalanche Bicycle Company be responsible for loss or
damage intransit.
bicycle company
ESTABLISHED 19927. LIMITATIONS, EXCLUSIONS, AND OTHER 8. BICYCLE FIT
RIGHTS:
a. This warranty does not cover tires, tubes or any failure 1. CORRECT FRAME SIZE
due to accident, abuse, misuse or neglect, or as a result of When selecting a new bicycle, the correct choice of frame
normal wear and tear. size is a very important safety consideration. Most full sized
bicycles come in a range of frame sizes. These sizes
b. The sole responsibility of the Avalanche Bicycle usually refer to the distance between the center of the
Company pursuant to the terms of this warranty if any, shall bottom bracket and the top of the frame seat tube.
be repair and replacement.
The ideal clearance will vary between types of bicycles and
BEFORE YOU RIDE
c. The liability of Avalanche Bicycle Company shall in no rider performance. This makes straddling the frame when
event, exceed the original purchase or incidental damage of off the saddle easier and safer in situations such as sudden
any nature, including for example, but not by any way of traffic stops.
limitation exclusive expression of warranty by Avalanche
Bicycle Company and is in lieu of any and all other
warranties, written or implied.
FOR SAFE AND COMFORTABLE RIDING THERE SHOULD BE A CLEARANCE OF BETWEEN
25MM AND 50MM BETWEEN THE GROIN AREA OF THE INTENDED RIDER AND A
d. No modifications of this warranty are authorized. There TOP TUBE OF BICYCLE FRAME, WHILE THE RIDER STRADDLES THE BICYCLE
are no promises, terms, conditions or warranties other than WITH BOTH FEET FLAT ON THE GROUND
those contained herein.
Do not alter or use this bicycle manufactured by Avalanche 2. RIDING POSITION
Bicycle Company in stunt riding, dirt riding, similar activities a. Saddle Height
or with motors or power driven assists as power driven In order to obtain the most comfortable riding position and
vehicles. offer the best possible pedaling efficiency, the seat height
Do not operate bicycles manufactured by Avalanche Bicycle should be set correctly in relation to the rider’s leg length.
Company with multiple riders or tow another person or The correct saddle height should not allow leg strain from
vehicle. over extension, and the hips should not rock from side to
Any of the foregoing will invalidate the warranty and the side while pedaling. While sitting on the bicycle with one
Avalanche Bicycle Company shall not be liable for any pedal at its lowest point, place the ball of your foot on that
failure, loss damage or injury resulting from such uses pedal. The correct saddle height will allow the knee to be
and/or alterations. slightly bent in this position. If the rider then places the heel
The descriptions and specifications contained in this manual of that foot on the pedal, the leg should be almost straight.
were effective at the time of printing.
The Avalanche Bicycle Company reserves the right to
discontinue any model at any time and change the b. Reach
specifications or designs without notice. To obtain maximum comfort, the rider should not over
extend his or her reach when riding.
To adjust this distance, the position of the seat can be
altered in relation to the seat pillar.9. SAFETY CHECKLIST
Before every ride, it is important to carry out the following
5.Bearings
safety checks:
-Ensure all bearings are lubricated, run freely and display no
1. Brakes excess movement, grinding or rattling.
-Ensure front and rear brakes work properly. -Check headset, wheel bearings, pedal bearings and bottom
-Ensure brake shoe pads are not worn out and are correctly brackets bearings.
positioned in relation to the rims.
-Ensure break control cables are lubricated, correctly
BEFORE YOU RIDE
6. Cranks and Pedals
adjusted and display no obvious wear.
- Ensure pedals are securely tightened to the cranks.
-Ensure brake control levers are lubricated and tightly
- Ensure cranks are securely tightened to the axle and are
secured to the handlebar.
not bent.
2. Wheels and Tires
7. Derailleurs
-Ensure tires are inflated to within the maximum
- Check that front and rear mechanisms are adjusted and
recommended limit as displayed on the tire side wall.
function properly.
- Ensure tires have tread and have no bulges or excessive
- Ensure control levers are securely attached.
wear.
- Ensure derailleurs, shift and control cables are properly
- Ensure rims run true and have no obvious wobbles or kinks.
lubricated.
- Ensure all wheel spokes are tight and not broken.
- Check that axle nuts are tight. If your bicycle is fitted with
8. Frame and Fork
quick release axles, make sure locking levers are correctly
- Check that the frame and fork are not bent or broken.
tensioned and in the closed position.
- If either is bent or broken, they should be replaced.
3. Steering
9. Accessories
-Ensure handlebar and stem are correctly adjusted and
- Ensure that all reflectors are properly fitted and not
tightened, and allow proper steering.
obscured.
-Ensure that the handlebars are set correctly in relation to the
forks and the direction of travel.
- Check that the head set locking mechanism is properly
adjusted and tightened.
- If the bicycle is fitted with handlebar end extensions, ensure
they are properly positioned and tightened.
4. Chain
-Ensure chain is oiled, clean and runs smoothly.
-Extra care is required in wet or dusty conditions.
bicycle company
ESTABLISHED 199210. Helmets
It is strongly advised that a properly fitting, ANSI or SNELL - Be extra careful at intersections and when preparing to
approved bicycle safety helmet be worn at all times when pass other vehicles.
riding your bicycle. In addition, if you are carrying a
passenger in a child safety seat, they must also be wearing - Familiarize yourself with all the bicycle’s features. Practice
a helmet. gear shifts, braking, and the use of tow clips and straps if
The correct helmet should: fitted.
- Be comfortable
- Be lightweight - If you are wearing loose pants, use leg clips or elastic
- Have good ventilation bands to prevent them from being caught in the chain.
BEFORE YOU RIDE
- Fit correctly
- Don’t carry packages or passengers that will interfere with
your visibility or control of the bicycle. Don’t use items that
ALWAYS WEAR A PROPER FITTED HELMET WHEN RIDING may restrict your hearing.
-When braking, always apply the rear brake first then the
11. RIDING SAFELY front. The front brake is more powerful and if it is not
correctly applied, you may lose control and fall.
General Rules
-Maintain a comfortable stopping distance from all other
- When riding, obey the same road laws as all other road riders, vehicles and objects. Safe braking distances and
vehicles, including giving way to pedestrians, and stopping forces are subject to the prevailing weather conditions.
at red lights and stop signs.
Wet Weather
- Ride predictably and in a straight line. Never ride against -In wet weather you need to take extra care.
traffic. -Brake earlier, you will take a longer distance to stop.
-Decrease your riding speed, avoid sudden braking and take
- Use correct hand signals to indicate turning or stopping. corners with additional caution.
-Be more visible on the road.
- Ride defensively. To other road users, you may be hard to -Wear reflective clothing and use safety lights.
see. -Potholes and slippery surfaces such as line markings and
railway tracks all become more hazardous when wet.
- Concentrate on the path ahead. Avoid potholes, gravel,
wet road markings, oil, curbs, speed humps, drain grates
and other obstacles.
- Cross railway tracks at a 90 degree angle or walk your
bicycle across.
- Expect the unexpected such as opening car doors or cars
backing out of concealed driveways.Night Riding Cornering Technique
-Ensure bicycle is equipped with a full set of correctly
positioned and clean reflectors.
- Brake slightly before cornering and prepare to lean your
-Use a properly functioning lighting set compromising of a body into the corner. Maintain the inside pedal at the
white front lamp and a red rear lamp. 12 ’clock position and slightly point the inside knee in the
-If using battery powered lights, make sure batteries are well direction you are turning. Keep the other leg straight; don’t
charged. pedal through fast or tight corners.
BEFORE YOU RIDE
-Some rear lights available have a flashing mechanism
which enhances visibility. 12. Rules for Children
-Wear reflective and light coloured clothing.
-Ride at night only if necessary. Slow down and use familiar To avoid accidents, teach children good riding skills with an
roads with street lighting, if possible. emphasis on safety from an early age.
1) Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
2) Do not play in driveways or the road.
3) Do not ride on busy streets.
4) Do not ride at night.
5) Obey all the traffic laws, especially stops signs and red
lights.
Pedaling Technique 6) Be aware of other road vehicles behind and nearby.
-Position the ball of your foot on the centre of the pedal. 7) Before entering a street: Stop, look right, left and right
-When pedalling, ensure your knees are parallel to the again for traffic. If there’s no traffic, proceed into the
bicycle frame. roadway.
- To absorb shock, keep your elbows slightly bent. 8) If riding downhill, be extra careful. Slow down using the
- Learn to operate the gears properly. brakes and maintain control of the steering.
9) Never take your hands off the handlebars, or your feet off
Hill Technique the pedals when riding downhill.
- Gear down before a climb and continue gearing down as
required to maintain pedalling speed.
- If you reach the lowest gear and are struggling, stand up
on your pedals. You will then obtain more power from each
pedal revolution.
- On the descent, use the high gears to avoid rapid
pedalling.
- Do not exceed a comfortable speed, maintain control and
take additional care.
bicycle company
ESTABLISHED 199213.GEARS – HOW TO OPERATE
a. Derailleur Gears c. Hand Twist Shifters
Most multi-speed bicycles today are equipped with what are Some bicycles are now being equipped with a shifting
known as derailleur gears. They operate using a system of mechanism called Twist Shift, which is built into the handlebar
levers and mechanisms to move the drive chain between grips and does not make use of separate levers. The actuating
different sized driving gears or cogs. The purpose of gears is mechanism is built into the inside part of the grip that web of
to let you maintain a constant, steady pedaling pace under the thumb and index finger closes around. To select a lower
varying conditions. This means your riding will be less tiring gear, twist the right shifter toward you to engage a larger rear
BEFORE YOU RIDE
without unnecessary straining up hills or fast pedaling cog. You can shift one gear at a time by moving the Twist Shift
downhill. Bicycles come with a variety of gear configurations one click or through multiple gears by continued twisting. By
from 5 to 30 speeds. A 5-6 Speed bicycle will have a single twisting the left shifter forward or away from you, a smaller
front chain wheel, a rear derailleur, and a 5 to 6 cogs on the chain wheel can be selected. To select a higher gear, twist the
rear hub. Bicycles with more gears will also have a front right shifter forward or away from you to engage a smaller rear
derailleur, a front chain wheel with 2-3 cogs and up to 10 cog. To engage a larger front chain wheel, twist the left shifter
cogs on the rear hub. towards you. Single shifts can be achieved by twisting one
click at a time and multiple shifts by larger twists.
b. Operating Principles
No matter how many gears, the operating principles are the d. Thumb Shifters (top mounted)
same. The front derailleur is operated by the left shifter and Most mountain style bicycles are equipped with shifters
the rear derailleur by the right. To operate you must be mounted on the top of the handlebars and operated by the
pedaling forward. You cannot shift derailleur gears when thumbs. To select a lower, easier gear, shift to a bigger rear
you are stopped or pedaling backwards. Before shifting, cog and a small chain wheel. Pull the left shifter back to
ease up on your pedaling pressure. On approaching a hill, operate the derailleur. To select a higher, harder gear, shift to a
shift to a lower gear before your pedaling speed slows down smaller rear cog and a larger chain wheel. Push the left shifter
too much for a smooth shift. When coming to a stop, shift to forward for the front, and pull the right lever back for the rear.
a lower gear first so it will be easier when you start riding
again. If, after selecting a new gear position you hear a slight e. Below the Bar Shifters
rubbing noise from the front or rear gears, gently adjust the Many mountain style bicycles now use a shift lever
appropriate shifter until the noise goes away. For optimal arrangement mounted on the underside of the handlebars
performance and extended chain life, it is recommended that which use two levers operated by the thumb and index finger.
you avoid using the extreme combinations of gear positions To select a lower gear, push the larger (lower) right shifter with
for extended periods. your thumb to engage a larger rear cog. One firm push shifts
the chain one cog, continuing to push will move the chain over
multiple cogs. Pulling the smaller (upper) left shifter with your
index finger moves the chain from a larger to a smaller chain
wheel. To select a higher gear pull the smaller (upper) right
lever with your index finger to engage a smaller cog. Pushing
the larger (lower) left lever with your thumb will move the chain
from a smaller to a larger chain wheel.14. THE LIFESPAN OF YOUR BIKE AND ITS 15. ABOUT YOUR DEALER
COMPONENTS
Nothing Lasts Forever, Including Your Bike. Whether you’re new to cycling or an experienced pro, the
Avalanche Bicycle Company’s extensive and
When the useful life of your bike and or its components is knowledgeable network of Independent Bicycle Retailers
over, continued use is hazardous. ensures you’re never far from expert repair and service to
Every bicycle and its component parts have a finite, limited help keep your Avalanche bike running smoothly.
useful life. The length of that life will vary with the When you need accessories, you can be sure your local
construction and materials used in the frame and Avalanche Authorized Dealer will have just what you’re
BEFORE YOU RIDE
components; the maintenance and care that, the frame and looking for in the right size and for your type of riding.
components, receive over their life; and the type and amount Your Avalanche bicycle meets today’s highest standards of
of use to which the frame and components are subjected. quality, but it still needs care and maintenance on a regular
basis.
Use in competitive events, trick riding, ramp riding, jumping, Take advantage of your local Avalanche dealer’s experience
aggressive riding, riding on severe terrain, riding in severe and knowledge.
climates, riding with heavy loads, commercial activities and If you have questions or concerns about your bicycle,
other types of non-standard use can dramatically shorten the consult your dealer immediately.
life of the frame and components. All major repairs and adjustments to your bicycle should be
Any one or a combination of these conditions may result in done by professional cycling retailer.
an unpredictable failure. All aspects of use being identical,
lightweight bicycles and their components will usually have a To find the location of your nearest Avalanche Dealer visit
shorter life than heavier bicycles and their components. In our website.
selecting a lightweight bicycle or components you are
making a trade-off, favoring the higher performance that www.avalanchebicycles.co.za
comes with lighter weight over longevity.
So, If you choose lightweight, high performance equipment,
be sure to have it inspected frequently.
You should have your bicycle and its components checked
periodically by your dealer for indicators of stress and/or
potential failure, including cracks, deformation, corrosion,
paint peeling, dents, and any other indicators of potential
problems, inappropriate use or abuse. These are important
safety checks and very important to help prevent accidents,
bodily injury to the rider and shortened product life.
bicycle company
ESTABLISHED 1992Nothing complicated, only down to earth,
lifestyle bicycles and accessories loaded with
energy, cool looks and fit right geometry.
Stay fit, enjoy life. bicycle company
ESTABLISHED 1992
Feel the earth move!
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