Raleigh 2008 manual Service Intervals, Before every ride Mechanical Safety Check

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first time you work on something and before you ride the bike, just to make sure that you did everything correctly. Since that will require the time of a mechanic, there may be a modest charge for this service.

A. Service Intervals

Some service and maintenance can and should be performed by the owner, and requires no special tools or knowledge beyond what is presented in this manual.

The following are examples of the type of service you should perform yourself. All other service, maintenance and repair should be performed in a properly equipped facility by a qualified bicycle mechanic using the correct tools and procedures specified by the manufacturer.

1.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 dealer. Your

Mechanical Safety Check (Section 1.C) will help you identify some things that need readjustment. But even if everything seems fine to you, it’s best to take your bike back to the dealer for a checkup. Dealers 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 about 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 dealer before riding it again.

2.Before every ride: Mechanical Safety Check

(Section 1.C)

3.After every long or hard ride if the bike has been exposed to water or grit, or at least every 100 miles: Clean the bike and lightly oil the chain. Wipe off excess oil. Lubrication is a function of climate. Talk to your dealer about the best lubricants and the

recommended lubrication frequency for your area.

4.After every long or hard ride or after every 10 to 20 hours of riding:

• Squeeze the front brake (if you have one) and rock the bike forward and back. Everything feel solid? If you feel a clunk with each forward or backward movement of the bike, you probably have a loose headset. Have your dealer check it.

• Lift the front wheel off the ground and swing it from side to side. Feel smooth? If you feel any binding or roughness in the steering, you may have a tight headset. Have your dealer check it.

• Grab one pedal and rock it toward and away from the centerline of the bike; then do the same with the other pedal.

Anything feel loose? If so, have your dealer check it.

• Take a look at the brake pads. Starting to look worn or not hitting the wheel rim squarely? Time to have the dealer adjust or replace them.

• Carefully check the control cables and cable housings. Any rust? Kinks? Fraying? If so, have your dealer replace them.

• Squeeze each adjoining pair of spokes on either side of each wheel between your thumb and index finger. Do they all feel about the same? If any feel loose, have your dealer check the wheel for tension and trueness.

• Check the frame, particularly in the area around all tube joints; the handlebars; the stem; and the seatpost for any deep scratches, cracks or discoloration. These are signs of stress-caused fatigue and indicate that a part is at the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced.

• Check to make sure that all parts and accessories are still secure, and tighten any which are not.

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Contents For single-speed bicycles Read it before you take the first ride On your new bicycleGeneral Warning Special note for parentsContents First Safety firstMechanical Safety Check Bike fitHandlebar and saddle alignment Make sure the saddle First rideSafety Riding SafetyWear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan Wet Weather Riding Night RidingBicycling in Traffic Downhill, Stunt or Competition BikingChanging Components or Adding Accessories FitStandover height Saddle positionHandlebar height and angle Brake reach TechBrakes Coaster Brake How the coaster brake works Adjusting your coaster brakeHand Brakes How hand brakes work Page Wheels Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices Removing a Bolt‑On Front WheelInstalling a Bolt‑On Rear Wheel with Hand Brake Installing a Bolt‑On Front WheelRemoving a Bolt‑On Rear Wheel with Hand Brake Installing a Bolt‑On Rear Wheel with Coaster Brake PedalsWhich may cause you to lose control and fall Tires and Tubes Service Tire ValvesService Intervals Before every ride Mechanical Safety CheckIf your bicycle sustains an impact Driveway Rideout Appendix aLessons Turning Without WarningFollowing the Leader SummaryAppendix B Page Appendix C Installing a Quick Release Front Wheel Removing a Quick Release Rear Wheel Seatpost Quick Release Raleigh America, Inc. Bicycle Limited Warranty