Bicycle company BICYCLE OWNERS MANUAL - www.avalanchebicycles.co.za - Avalanche Bicycle Company
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bicycle company ESTABLISHED 1992 BICYCLE OWNERS MANUAL www.avalanchebicycles.co.za
WELCOME, AND CONGRATULATIONS… on your purchase of a new Avalanche Bicycle. NOTE: This manual is not intended as a comprehensive bicycle company ESTABLISHED 1992 Come Ride with Us. use, service, repair or maintenance manual. Please see your dealer for all service, repairs or maintenance. Your dealer may also be able to refer you to classes, clinics or books on 1. SAFETY FIRST bicycle use, service, repair or maintenance. We strongly encourage you to read through the owner’s manual before you take your new Avalanche bicycle for a spin. You will have a greater understanding for the general operation of the various 4. GENERAL WARNING: components found on your new bike. Safe riding instructions are Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury and damage. equally important and shouldn’t be overlooked. So even if you are By choosing to ride a bicycle, you assume the responsibility an experienced cyclist, please take a moment to read through this for that risk, so you need to know — and to practice — the manual before you ride. rules of safe and responsible riding and of proper use and WARRANTY maintenance. 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 thousands of cyclists just like you the opportunity to live happier, healthier lives because of the IMPORTANT : This manual contains important joy, exercise, and sheer exhilaration riding a bicycle brings. safety, performance and service information. Read it before you take the first ride on your new bicycle, and keep it for reference. Additional safety, performance and 3. LEARN MORE service information for specific components such as We encourage you to get connected and learn more about proper suspension or pedals on your bicycle, or for riding and safety through your local Avalanche Retailer. Bike shop accessories such as helmets or lights that you retailers are the best in the nation at providing sales and service for purchase, may also be available. Make sure that your any and all your bicycle related needs. It’s the only place you’ll find dealer has given you all the manufacturers’ literature knowledgeable staff ready to assist you with everything you’ll need that was included with your bicycle or accessories. If to get the most out of your bike and your ride. you have any questions or do not understand something, take responsibility for your safety and consult with your dealer or the bicycle’s manufacturer.
5. A SPECIAL NOTE FOR PARENTS •In the event of a defective bicycle or part, the Avalanche Bicycle As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities Company will, at its opinion, repair or replace the defective bicycle bicycle company ESTABLISHED 1992 and safety of your minor child, and that includes making sure that or part within warranty period, at no cost to you except for shipping the bicycle is properly fitted to the child; that it is in good repair and dealer charges if any. and safe operating condition; that you and your child have learned and understand the safe operation of the bicycle; and If you discover a defect within the warranty period, you must follow that you and your child have learned, understand and obey not this procedure: only the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle and traffic laws, a. Return the bicycle to your local bicycle retailer. If the retailer from but also the common sense rules of safe and responsible whom you purchased this bicycle determines upon examination that bicycling. As a parent, you should read this manual, as well as either a repair or replacement is justified and that determination is review its warnings and the bicycle’s functions and operating verified by the Avalanche Bicycle Company, a repair or replacement procedures with your child, before letting your child ride the will be made in accordance with the warranty. WARRANTY bicycle. 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 WARNING: Make sure that your child always wears an purchase. approved bicycle helmet when riding; but also make sure that your child understands that a bicycle helmet is for c. Upon receipt and inspection of the bicycle by your Avalanche bicycling only, and must be removed when not riding. Bicycle Company dealer, the dealer may determine that this A helmet must not be worn while playing, in play areas, on warranty does not apply, in which case, you will be so notified with a playground equipment, while climbing trees, or at any time reason stated along with an estimate for repairs and return shipping. while not riding a bicycle. In no case will the Avalanche Bicycle Company be responsible for Failure to follow this warning could result in serious injury loss or damage intransit. or death. 7. LIMITATIONS, EXCLUSIONS, AND OTHER RIGHTS: a. This warranty does not cover tires, tubes or any failure due to 6. WARRANTY accident, abuse, misuse or neglect, or as a result of normal wear and tear. •The Avalanche Bicycle Company, warrants the frame and the rigid fork of each new Avalanche Bicycle to be free of defects in b. The sole responsibility of the Avalanche Bicycle Company material and workmanship for a period of five years from the date pursuant to the terms of this warranty if any, shall be repair and of purchase, for the original purchaser. •All other components, replacement. are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of 3 months from the original date of purchase. It is c. The liability of Avalanche Bicycle Company shall in no event, important to remember always keep the original proof of exceed the original purchase or incidental damage of any nature, purchase. including for example, but not by any way of limitation exclusive expression of warranty by Avalanche Bicycle Company and is in lieu Ebikes: Electric bike motor, controller and battery pack for a of any and all other warranties, written or implied. period of 1 year from the original date of purchase. bicycle company ESTABLISHED 1992
8. BICYCLE FIT bicycle company ESTABLISHED 1992 1. CORRECT FRAME SIZE d. No modifications of this warranty are authorized. There are no When selecting a new bicycle, the correct choice of frame size promises, terms, conditions or warranties other than those contained is a very important safety consideration. Most full sized herein. bicycles come in a range of frame sizes. These sizes usually refer to the distance between the center of the bottom bracket e. In the event that a warranty claim arises, the original owner will and the top of the frame seat tube. need to provide the original proof of purchase together with the bike being claimed. Contact an authorized retailer to initiate a warranty The ideal clearance will vary between types of bicycles and BEFORE YOU RIDE claim. Warranty claims will only be accepted if: The bicycle has rider performance. This makes straddling the frame when off been used ONLY for its intended purpose. the saddle easier and safer in situations such as sudden traffic stops. The warranty does not cover use of the bicycle in competition and/or commercial activities. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, improper assembly or follow-up maintenance, installation of parts or accessories not originally intended or compatible with the 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 bicycle as sold, damage or failure due to accident, misuse or TOP TUBE OF BICYCLE FRAME, WHILE THE RIDER STRADDLES THE BICYCLE WITH BOTH FEET FLAT ON THE GROUND neglect, or modification of frame, fork or components. The Avalanche Bicycle Company warranty applies only to bicycles that are assembled by an authorised dealer. Please note this 2. RIDING POSITION warranty does NOT cover any bicycle that is assembled by a a. Saddle Height consumer. In order to obtain the most comfortable riding position and offer the best possible pedaling efficiency, the seat height should be Do not alter or use this bicycle manufactured by Avalanche Bicycle set correctly in relation to the rider’s leg length. The correct Company in stunt riding, dirt riding, similar activities or with motors or saddle height should not allow leg strain from over extension, power driven assists as power driven vehicles. and the hips should not rock from side to side while pedaling. Do not operate bicycles manufactured by Avalanche Bicycle While sitting on the bicycle with one pedal at its lowest point, Company with multiple riders or tow another person or vehicle. place the ball of your foot on that pedal. The correct saddle Any of the foregoing will invalidate the warranty and the Avalanche height will allow the knee to be slightly bent in this position. If Bicycle Company shall not be liable for any failure, loss damage or the rider then places the heel of that foot on the pedal, the leg injury resulting from such uses and/or alterations. should be almost straight. The descriptions and specifications contained in this manual were b. Reach effective at the time of printing. To obtain maximum comfort, the rider should not over extend his or her reach when riding. The Avalanche Bicycle Company reserves the right to discontinue To adjust this distance, the position of the seat can be altered any model at any time and change the specifications or designs in relation to the seat pillar. without notice.
9. SAFETY CHECKLIST Before every ride, it is important to carry out the following bicycle company ESTABLISHED 1992 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 1992
10. Helmets bicycle company It is strongly advised that a properly fitting, ANSI or SNELL - Be extra careful at intersections and when preparing to ESTABLISHED 1992 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 bicycle company -Ensure bicycle is equipped with a full set of correctly ESTABLISHED 1992 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 1992
13.GEARS – HOW TO OPERATE bicycle company a. Derailleur Gears c. Hand Twist Shifters ESTABLISHED 1992 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 bicycle company Nothing Lasts Forever, Including Your Bike. Whether you’re new to cycling or an experienced pro, the ESTABLISHED 1992 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 1992
Nothing 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 Come Ride with Us. www.avalanchebicycles.co.za
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