Even if you perform regular inspections, if you exceed the limit of strength of a given part, it may fail if overloaded. After any high force load, thoroughly inspect all the parts of your bike. High force loads include crashes, but you don't have to crash to put a high force load on your bike. For example, hitting a large hole in the road or a sharp bump such as a railroad track can put large forces on your bike.
The manner in which you ride will determine whether your bike and its parts will last. If you ride hard or aggressively, you should replace the bike and/or its parts more often than riders who ride smoothly or cautiously. When evaluating your use of the crankset, there are many variables: weight, speed, technique, terrain, maintenance, riding envi- ronment (humidity, salinity, temperature, etc.), and the frame or part
parts more frequently. If you aren't sure, ask your dealer.
Unlike metal parts, carbon fiber parts that have been damaged may not bend, bulge, or deform; a damaged part may appear to be normal to a cursory glance. Use the following procedures to inspect carbon fiber parts:
•Check for scratches, gouges, or other surface problems.
•Check the part for loss of rigidity.
•Check the part for delamination.
•Listen for unusual creaking or clicking noises.
These tests may not be conclusive.
The tests are difficult to describe, so as an aid to describing the tests we provide a movie of inspecting a carbon fiber part in the owner's manual section of the Bontrager web site. If you have any doubts about the integrity of a part, do not ride the bicycle.
Lubrication
Once a month clean and oil the chain. Place a rag behind the chain to avoid getting oil on the rest of the bicycle. Use a synthetic chain lube or similar lubrication. See your dealer for a recommended oil. After oiling your chain, wipe off the excess oil with a rag.
When installing a threaded part, apply a small amount of bicycle grease to the threads, except for aluminum chainring bolts. With alumi- num chainring bolts apply a drop of Loctite 222 to the threads.
Adjustment
The bearings in the bottom bracket of the Race XXX Lite crankset are permanently sealed. If the bearings are too tight or loose, follow the instructions in the Installation section. If this does not solve the prob- lem, replace the bearings.
Maintenance
