Looking After Your Bike
• Then starting from the top of the wheel by the valve, use both hands and start to remount the tyre by pushing the edge of the tyre towards the centre of the rim. • With half of the tyre mounted, press the valve up into the tyre. You should feel it adjust and the tyre seat into the rim. Not doing this could cause the tyre to bulge once fully inflated. • Fit the rest of the tyre, rolling the last part on with your thumbs. Try not to use the tyre levers to clip over the last piece; this will cause the tube to pinch. Inspect that the tube is not caught between the tyre bead and the rim at any point. • Start pumping up the tyre until you think you are about half pressure. Stop and assess the tyre, making sure it looks seated and there are no wobbles. Spin the wheel slowly. Once satisfied, pump to normal inflation.
Looking After Your Bike Service and Maintenance How much of your bike’s service and maintenance you can do yourself depends on your level of skill and experience, and on whether you have the special tools required. In most cases it is best to get your Avanti Dealer to service your bike.
Warning: Many bike service and repair tasks require special knowledge and tools. Do not begin any adjustments or service on your bike if you have the slightest doubt about your ability to properly complete them. Improper adjustment or service may result in damage to the bike or cause an accident which can result in serious injury.
Break in Period Your bike will last longer and work better if you break it in before riding it hard. Control cables and wheel spokes may stretch or “seat” when a new bike is first used and may require readjustment by your Avanti Dealer. Avanti Dealer’s typically suggest you bring the bike in for a 30 day checkup. Another way to judge when it’s time for the first checkup is to bring the bike in after three to five hours of hard off-road use, or 10 to 15 hours of on-road or more casual off-road use. But if you think something is wrong with the bike, take it to your Avanti Dealer before riding it again.
General Maintenance Other handy stuff to know
If you want to do your own maintenance here are the things you should look out for:
• You can’t change your tyre diameter, but you can consider a change in width. A wider tyre can give a more comfortable ride and better traction. A narrower tyre offers easier pedalling and better speed. • Always keep a spare set of inner tubes on hand. They are fairly cheap, and punctures are common.
1. Before every ride: Perform a 60 second safety check (page 21). 2. After every long or hard ride; if the bike has been exposed to water or grit; or at least every 160 km: Clean the bike and lightly oil the chain, freewheel cogs and rear derailleur pulley bushings. Wipe off excess oil. 3. After every long or hard ride or after 10 to 20 hours of riding: Squeeze the front brake and rock the bike forward and back. Does everything feel solid? If you feel a clunk with each forward or backward movement of the bike, you probably have a loose headset. 4. L ift the front wheel off the ground and swing it from side to side. Does it feel smooth? If you feel any binding or roughness in the steering, you may have a tight headset. 5. Grab one pedal and rock it toward and away from the centre line of the bike; then do the same with the other pedal. Does anything feel loose?
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