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Felt Bicycle Owner's Manual

Other manuals for Bicycle: Owner's Manual

Summary of Bicycle

  • Page 1

    1 owner‘s manual introduction dear felt owner, thank you for purchasing a felt bicycle. Your new bicycle is a sophisticated, high-quality machine. Every component of your bicycle, from the frame to the fork and each individual part has been designed, manufactured and assembled with great care. Your ...

  • Page 2

    2 introduction ............................................................................................ 1 table of contents ................................................................................... 2 before your first ride ..................................................................

  • Page 3

    3 before you go on a ride, we strongly encourage you to consider your safety by doing the following: • always ride with a properly sized and adjusted helmet (a) . • wear straight-cut trousers or cycling-specific shorts. • wear shoes with a non-slip, firm sole. • felt also recommends wearing protecti...

  • Page 4

    4 only use your felt bike for its intended purpose, as it may otherwise not stand up to the stress and fail! In case you will use your bike for another than its intended purpose, the warranty will become void. Before carrying baggage with your felt bike, please have a look at your bike card and the ...

  • Page 5

    5 3. Are you familiar with the brake system? Check whether the lever of the front brake is in the position you are used to (right or left). If this is not the case, you will need to learn to get used to it, as inadvertent use of the front brake can throw you off your bike! Or ask your felt dealer to...

  • Page 6

    6 before every ride check the following points before setting off: 1. Are the quick-release levers (a) of the front and rear wheel properly closed and the bolts of the seat post and other components tightened? For more informa- tion see the chapter “how to use the quick-releases“ . Improperly closed...

  • Page 7

    7 6. Let your felt bike bounce on the ground from a small height (a) . If there is any rattling, see where it comes from. Check the bearings and bolts, if necessary. 7. If your felt bike has suspension, check the frame: press down on your bike and see whether the spring elements retract and extend a...

  • Page 8

    8 after an accident 1. Check whether the wheels are still firmly fixed in the drop-outs and whether the rims are still centred with respect to the frame or fork. With rim brakes spin the wheels and watch the gap between rims and brake pads (a) . If the width of the gap changes markedly and you have ...

  • Page 9

    9 5. Lift your felt bike up a few centimetres and let it bounce onto the ground (a) . If this causes any sort of noise, search for loosened bolts or components. 6. Check that the mudguards (if fitted) still maintain their regular distance from the tires (b) . If not, realign them. 7. Finally, take a...

  • Page 10

    10 how to use the quick-releases as the use of quick-releases is not always common knowledge, they have been the cause of accidents. Please learn their correct usage and handling. Quick-release retention mechanisms essentially consist of two operative ele- ments: 1. The hand lever on one side of the...

  • Page 11

    11 how to mount thru axle wheels with the conventional thru axle system slide the thru axle through fork and hub in a way that the head of the allen bolt (a) comes to a rest on the right side, (the chain side of the bicycle). Once the axle is mounted, gently cycle the fork a few times, thus excludin...

  • Page 12

    12 adjusting the bike to the rider your body height is the decisive criteria for the frame size you need for your felt bike. Make particularly sure you have enough clearance between your crotch and the top tube so that you do not hurt yourself if you have to get off your bike quickly (a) . By choosi...

  • Page 13

    13 adjusting the saddle to the correct height the correct saddle height for almost all bicycle types is the height which gives maximum pedalling comfort and efficiency. When pedalling, the ball of your big toe should be positioned above the centre of the pedal spindles. With your feet in this positi...

  • Page 14

    14 verify that the seat clamp is sufficiently tight by taking hold of the saddle at both ends and then trying to rotate the seat post inside the seat tube (a) . If it does rotate, you will have to retighten the clamping bolt or quick-release, and do the check again. Does the leg stretch test now pro...

  • Page 15

    15 adjusting the height of the handlebars the height of the handlebars determines how much your upper body will be inclined forward. Lowering the handlebars gives the rider a streamlined position and brings more weight to bear on the front wheel. However, it also entails an extremely for- ward leani...

  • Page 16

    16 adjustable stems there are various solutions for adjusting the tilt of the front part of the stem: some designs use bolts on the sides of the joint (a) , others have bolts coming from above or below (b) , and some versions are equipped with additional locking mechanisms or adjusting bolts. Ask yo...

  • Page 17

    17 conventional stems release the expander bolt by two to three complete turns (a) . You should now be able to turn the stem freely inside the fork. If this is not the case, release the bolt by tapping it gently with a hammer. With most allen bolts, you will first need to stick the allen key into it...

  • Page 18

    18 stems for threadless systems, the aheadset* system (*aheadset is a registered trade mark of the dia-compe company which invented the threadless fork tube system.) on bikes with an aheadset the stem also serves to adjust the initial headset bearing pressure. If you change the position of the stem,...

  • Page 19

    19 correcting the fore-to-aft position and horizontal tilt of the saddle the inclination of your upper body, and hence your riding comfort and pedalling power, are also influenced by the distance between the grips of the handlebars and the saddle (a) . This distance can be altered slightly by changi...

  • Page 20

    20 adjusting saddle position and tilt patent clamping with one bolt or two parallel bolts with so called patent seat posts one or two bolts secure the clamping mechanism, which controls the tilt and the horizontal position of the saddle. Release one or both bolts at the top of the seat post. Undo th...

  • Page 21

    21 clamping with saddle clamp another version is the saddle clamp which usually has two nuts seated on a single through bolt. Release the nuts no more than two to three turns to begin with, oth- erwise the whole assembly can come apart (a) . Move the saddle forward or backward as desired. You may ha...

  • Page 22

    22 adjusting the tilt of the handlebars, bar ends and brake levers the handlebars of mountain and bmx bikes are usually slightly bent at the ends. Set the handlebars to a position in which your wrists are relaxed and not turned outwards too much. To adjust the angle of the handlebar, release the all...

  • Page 23

    23 bar ends give you additional ways of gripping the handlebars. They are usually fixed in a position that gives the rider a comfortable grip (a) when pedalling out of the saddle, i.E. Almost parallel to the ground or tilted slightly upwards. Release the bolts, which are usually located on the under...

  • Page 24

    24 adjusting the braking response with road, triathlon and cyclocross bikes riders with small hands should check the lever position at the point the brake pads have first contact with the rim. This distance should be adjusted by the felt dealer to the length of the rider’s fingers directly when buyi...

  • Page 25

    25 triathlon handlebars in triathlons and time trials (training and competition) (a) , where a particularly aero- dynamic seating position is important, so called aero handlebars are used (b) . With these aero models the gear levers are often positioned at the handlebar ends. When you ride with your...

  • Page 26

    26 special characteristics of carbon special characteristics of carbon components made of carbon-reinforced plastics also referred to as carbon or crp for short need to be taken into account: carbon (a) is an extremely strong material which combines high resistance with low weight. Please note that ...

  • Page 27

    27 protect the exposed areas of your carbon frame (e.G. Steerer tube, under- side of the down tube etc.) against rubbing cables or stone chips with special pads ( (c) on page 26) your felt dealer keeps for sale. Also keep in mind that carbon is sensitive to pressure. Do not lean your felt bike carel...

  • Page 28

    28 important information on use, care and maintenance the brake system brakes are used for adjusting one’s speed respective to the surrounding terrain and traffic. In an emergency situation, the brakes must also bring the bike to a halt as quickly as possible. Such emergency braking is also a study ...

  • Page 29

    29 rim brakes (a) the friction generated by braking causes wear to the brake pads as well as to the rims. Frequent rides in the rain and dirt can accelerate wear on both braking sur- faces. Once the abrasion of the rim has reached a certain critical point, the rim can rupture under the tire pressure...

  • Page 30

    30 checking, adjusting and synchronizing v-brakes and cantilever brakes common cantilever and v-brake designs have two brake arms mounted separately on either side of the rim. When pulling the brake lever, both arms are connected by the cable, the pads touch the rim. V-brakes are mounted on mtbs and...

  • Page 31

    31 characteristics of shimano nexave brakes and some models from different manufacturers with power modulator the v-brakes of the shimano nexave system and some dia-compe models have a power modulator (b) , which is located on the upper side of the brake arms or directly integrated into the brake le...

  • Page 32

    32 checking, adjusting and synchronizing racing or side-pull brakes with side-pull brakes, the brake arms are suspended from a common point, thus forming an integral system. When pulling the brake lever, both arms are controlled by the cable, the pads then touch the rim. Check whether the brake pads...

  • Page 33

    33 checking, adjusting and synchronizing u-brakes many bmx bikes are equipped with a rotor (also known as a gyro) (a) connected to the brake callipers, also referred to as u-brakes. Common u-brake designs have two brake arms mounted separately on either side of the rim. When pulling the brake lever,...

  • Page 34

    34 adjustment at the brake pads and bowden cables another possible means of adjusting the brake is by means of an adjusting bolt located at the front brake (a) . Release the knurled nut of the bolt through which the cable passes, unscrew the adjusting bolt by a few turns and finish by retightening t...

  • Page 35

    35 synchronization some u-brakes are equipped with two bolts for the adjustment of the brake’s initial spring tension. These are located on the axle on which the brake arms pivot around and are fixed to the frame. Hold the outer sleeve nut with a spanner in its original position and loosen the inner...

  • Page 36

    36 drum or roller brakes with these brake systems the brake pads and surfaces are largely protected against the influences of the weather. The braking power is transmitted through cables from the levers to the brakes. Checking and adjusting regularly check whether you get a positive braking response...

  • Page 37

    37 disc brakes disc brakes (a) are distinguished by their formidable braking power and good weather resistance. They respond a lot faster in wet conditions than rim brakes do and produce their normal high power within a very short time. They also require fairly little maintenance and do not wear dow...

  • Page 38

    38 checking hydraulic disc brakes regularly check the lines and connections for leaks while pulling on the lever. If brake fluid leaks out, contact your felt dealer immediately, as a leak can render your brakes useless. Check the pads for wear by inspecting the thickness of the braking material atta...

  • Page 39

    39 the gears the gears on your bike serve to adjust your pedalling power to the respective sur- roundings, wind conditions, and the desired speed. A low gear (where in the case of derailleur gears the chain runs on the small chainring at the front and a large sprocket at the rear) allows you to clim...

  • Page 40

    40 derailleur gears – how they work and how to use them mountain bike gear lever gear shifting is initiated by operating a lever on the shifter, a combined brake and gear lever unit or by a short turn of the wrist with the twist grip, as the case may be. Because of the variety of different products,...

  • Page 41

    41 pressing the large shifter lever of sram trigger shifters (picture (d) page 40) located under the handlebar with your thumb, shifts the chain to the bigger chain- rings at the front or larger sprockets at the rear. The smaller shifter, located under the handlebar as well, but higher than the big ...

  • Page 42

    42 bar end gear lever with shimano and sram bar end shifters (a) for triathlon and time trial use the shifter is pressed downwards to move the chain to the smaller sprockets in the rear, i.E. To achieve a higher gear, and to the smaller chainrings in the front, i.E. To achieve a lower gear. By pulli...

  • Page 43

    43 checking and adjusting derailleur gears the derailleur gears (a) of your felt bike were carefully adjusted by your felt dealer before delivery. However, bowden cables may stretch a little during the first kilometres of use, making gear-changing imprecise. This will result in the chain not wanting...

  • Page 44

    44 if the screws are not marked, you will have to find out by trial and error. Turn one of the screws, counting the number of turns, and watch the derailleur (a) . If it does not move, you are turning the wrong one. Turn back the counted rotations to find its original position. Then try the same pro...

  • Page 45

    45 multi-speed hubs – internal gear hubs two advantages of multi-speed hubs are their enclosed design and the fact that you can switch up to 14 gears from one gear to the next all on the same lever. Besides this, the chain lasts a lot longer than with derailleur gears, provided it is serviced regula...

  • Page 46

    46 adjustment multi-speed hubs need not be adjusted very often. The adjusting mechanisms are located at the hubs (a) or at the shifting lever. There are two (red) marks on the hub which have to be brought into alignment by adjusting the cable. Read the operating instructions of the gear manufacturer...

  • Page 47

    47 chain maintenance regular and correct lubrication of your bicycles chain makes for enjoyable riding and prolongs its service life. It is not the quantity; rather the distribution and regular application of lubricant that counts. Clean the dirt and oil off your chain with an oily rag from time to ...

  • Page 48

    48 the wheels and tires the wheel (a) consists of the hub, the spokes and the rim. The tire is mounted onto the rim so that it encases the tube. There is a rim tape running around the trough of the rim to protect the sensitive tube against the spoke nipples and the edges of the rim trough, which are...

  • Page 49

    49 tires, tubes, rim tape, valves, inflation pressure the tires provide the friction needed for carrying the bike forward on the riding sur- face. At the same time they should grant minimum rolling friction and enhance the rider’s comfort by absorbing small shocks. The suitability of a tire for road...

  • Page 50

    50 an exception to this is the tubeless systems for mountain bikes. In this case, the rim and tire hold the air without a tube. If your bike is equipped with tubeless tires, please read the manual of the wheel/tire manufacturers, before using them. Inflation pressure is often given in the old system...

  • Page 51

    51 a compressed air dispenser must only be used very carefully as you may otherwise overinflate the tire and make it burst. To let out air, press the needle in the centre of the valve using, e.G., a spanner/key. Hand pumps are often unsuitable for inflating tires to high pressures. A better choice i...

  • Page 52

    52 wheel fastening: wheel nuts or quick-releases the wheels are attached to the frame at the hub axles. Each axle is clamped tight in its drop-outs by means of hexagon nuts or a quick-release. Furthermore, there are thru axle wheels for mountain bikes. Never ride a bike without having checked first ...

  • Page 53

    53 repairing punctures tire punctures can happen to any cyclist. Flat tires are by far the most common mishap during cycling. As long as you have the necessary tools for changing tires and tubes and a spare tube or a repair kit, this need not be the end of your cycle ride. For bikes with quick- rele...

  • Page 54

    54 turn the wheel nut anticlockwise or open the quick-release lever as described above. If you cannot remove the wheel after releasing the lever, it is probably still being held in place by drop-out safety tabs. These either come as projections (a) which jut into the drop-outs or as metal catches wh...

  • Page 55

    55 if required, repair the puncture according to the instructions of the manufacturer of the repair kit or use a new spare tube. In the case of high pressure tires, felt recommends not to repair punc- tures. If you have removed the tire, you should also check the rim tape (a) . The tape should lie s...

  • Page 56

    56 towards the end, you will have to pull the tire vigorously downwards to make the already mounted portion of the tire slip towards the deepest part of the rim trough (a) . This will ease the job noticeably on the last centimetres. Check again if the tube lies properly inside the tire and press the...

  • Page 57

    57 mounting wheels to mount a wheel, follow the reverse procedure of wheel removal. Make sure the wheel is correctly seated in the drop-outs and accurately centred between the legs of the fork or the seat and chain stays. Make sure the quick-release and the drop-out safety tabs are correctly seated....

  • Page 58

    58 the headset the headset connects the fork to the frame, but allows it to move freely. It must afford virtually no resistance to turning if the bike is to run straight, stabilizing itself as it travels. Shocks caused by uneven road surfaces expose the headset to con- siderable levels of stress. In...

  • Page 59

    59 conventional headset (a) the adjustment tolerance between there being play in the bearings and them being set too tight is very small. The bearing can easily be damaged. This is a job for a skilled mechanic. If you want to try it nevertheless, you need two large and flat open-end wrenches. Releas...

  • Page 60

    60 threadless headset: “aheadset“ the special feature of this system is that the stem does not sit within the fork steerer tube, but rather is clamped onto the outside of the fork steerer tube, which in this case is threadless. The stem is an important part of the headset bearing system. Its clampin...

  • Page 61

    61 the suspension fork the majority of the mountain and hybrid bikes are equipped with suspension forks (a) . This feature gives you better control of your bike on rough surfaces. It notice- ably reduces the strain on you and your bike caused by the mechanical shocks from the terrain. Suspension for...

  • Page 62

    62 almost all fork manufacturers include well-written instructions with their products. Read these carefully before changing any settings or doing any maintenance on your fork. If the cable tie has moved along the entire travel range, or if you can hear the fork hit the end of its travel, the spring...

  • Page 63

    63 maintenance suspension forks are components of sophisticated design and require a consid- erable amount of maintenance and care. This has led almost all suspension fork manufacturers to establish service centres where customers can have their forks thoroughly checked and overhauled at regular int...

  • Page 64

    64 the suspension seat post suspension seat posts (a) enhance the cyclist’s comfort when riding on uneven ground. They can be used on roads as well as field tracks. As a rule, suspension seat posts are designed for a cyclist of average weight, i.E. 75 kilograms. Their shock-absorbing properties can ...

  • Page 65

    65 c c the rear shock full suspension bikes are equipped not only with a suspension fork but also with movable rear stays which are sprung and damped by a shock absorber (a) . With felt bikes this normally works with an air spring element. Damping is usually con- trolled by the use of oil. What to b...

  • Page 66

    66 to measure the maximum shock travel push the rubber o-ring up to the shock body. Then screw on a shock pump to the shock and release all the air pres- sure. Very carefully compress the rear shock by pressing down on the saddle until it stops (a) . Then inflate the shock absorber to the recommende...

  • Page 67

    67 once this is done, adjust the compression stage. You will notice the changes in the speed the rear shock compresses. Adjusting the compression adjuster towards the closed or maximum position will give you a firmer less active ride. Take your felt bike for a test ride on different kinds of surface...

  • Page 68

    68 after washing your mountain bike apply a little lubrication spray to the bases of the rear shocks and to the joints of the connection pieces (a) . This provides lubrica- tion and makes for silent riding. Check the secure mounting of the rear shock to the frame. The swing arm runs on sealed plain ...

  • Page 69

    69 things worth knowing about bikes and cycling helmets and protective clothing cycling helmets are a must when riding a bike. Your felt dealer has a large assort- ment of helmets of different sizes. Take your time when buying a helmet and keep on the one you prefer for a while before making your fi...

  • Page 70

    70 read the operating instructions of the pedal and shoe manufacturers carefully. Your felt dealer will be pleased to help you, if you should have any questions. The usual way to engage with the pedal is to turn it to the horizontal using the tip of the cleat (the plate on the sole of the shoe) and ...

  • Page 71

    71 accessories there are all sorts of accessories on the market that are intended to increase your pleasure in cycling. There are electronic computers that show your current and average speed, your daily and annual mileage as well as the duration of the present ride. Real deluxe models give the diff...

  • Page 72

    72 transporting baggage there are various ways of carrying baggage on a bike. Your choice will primarily depend on the weight and volume of the baggage and on the bicycle you want to use. Many cyclists carry their baggage in a rucksack on their back (a) . To minimize the effect on your bike’s handli...

  • Page 73

    73 taking the bike by car / plane the most convenient way to safely transport your bike is to put it into the boot (a) of your car. There, the bike is protected from dirt and any dynamic influences during the transport. Take care to protect the boot of the car. If necessary, line the boot before sto...

  • Page 74

    74 children’s bikes children are among the most vulnerable of road users - not only because of their lack of experience and skills, but also for the simple reason that they are smaller, making it difficult for them to see things or to be seen. If you want your child to use their bicycle on the road,...

  • Page 75

    75 adjustment adjusting the bicycle to the bodily proportions of a child is even more important than in the case of an adult. In determining the height of the saddle you will need to find a compromise that allows the child to reach the ground with both feet when sitting on the saddle while at the sa...

  • Page 76

    76 assembling and equipping frame sets felt frames can also be delivered plain for individual assembly and fitting (a) . Frames are delivered ready for assembly, i.E. With threads cut, bearing shells and seat tube reamed out. Use high-grade grease, when mounting the components (except for carbon sea...

  • Page 77

    77 general notes on care and inspection your felt dealer will have assembled and adjusted your felt bike ready for use when you come to collect it. Nevertheless, you have to service it regularly and have your local felt dealer do the scheduled maintenance work this is the only way to ensure that all...

  • Page 78

    78 sheltering and storing the bike if you regularly service your bike during the year, you will not need to take any special precautions when storing it for a short time, apart from securing it against theft. It is advisable to store the bike in a dry and airy place. There are some things to bear in...

  • Page 79

    79 service and maintenance schedule the bike will be due for its first maintenance after 100 to 300 kilometres or three to six weeks. The bedding in phase typically involves spokes slightly losing tension, cables stretching, gears becoming out of adjustment and bearings settling, so there is every r...

  • Page 80

    80 component what to do before every monthly annually other ride intervals headset check for play x headset regrease d hubs check for play x hubs regrease d lighting check x metal surfaces polish at least every 6 months paint polish at least every 6 months pedals check for play x pedals clean and gr...

  • Page 81

    81 recommended torques for bolted connections all bolted connections on the components of your felt bicycle have to be tigh- tened carefully and checked regularly to ensure the safe operation of the bike. This is best done with a torque wrench that disengages as soon as the desired torque has been r...

  • Page 82

    82 component bolted connection shimano * campagnolo** sram *** nm nm nm brake levers bolt of fastening clamp (allen bolt) 6-8 5-7 (rim brakes) mounting bracket bolt (screwdriver) 2.5-3 hub quick-release lever 5-7.5 locknut for adjustment of quick-release hub bearing 10-25 free-wheel hub sprocket clu...

  • Page 83

    83 component shimano* magura** avid*** nm nm nm brake caliper bolt at frame/fork 6-8 6 5-7 (rw) 9-10 (fw) brake lever clamp bolt 6-8 4 single-bolt clamping (juicy 5) 4-5 double-bolt clamping (juicy 7/carbon) 2.8-3.4 sleeve nuts on brake lines near lever and normal brake line on caliper 5-7 4 5 alu-c...

  • Page 84

    84 torques of add-on parts always follow the indicated values on the components (a) . In case the torques are not marked on the parts, start with the below mentioned approximate values and increase the torque by half increments until you have reached the upper limit. Never exceed the indicated maxim...

  • Page 85

    85 warranty and guarantee warranty your bike was manufactured with care and delivered to you by your felt dealer fully assembled. As initial purchaser in the eu, you have full warranty rights within the first two years after the purchase. Please contact your felt dealer in the event of defects this ...

  • Page 86

    86 a note on wear some components of your bike are subject to wear due to their function. The rate of wear will depend on care and maintenance and the way you use your bike (extent of use, riding in the rain, dirt, salt etc.). Bikes that are often left standing in the open may also be subject to inc...

  • Page 87

    87 guarantee your felt bike is guaranteed by the manufacturer for two (2) years against process- ing and material defects (as of date of purchase to the initial original buyer). In the event that the bike or one of its components shows any processing or material defect within the guaranteed period, ...

  • Page 88

    88 imprint this manual complies with the requirements of the european standards: en 14766 en 14781 en 14764 en 14765 this manual does not help you to assemble a bike from individual parts, to repair it or to make a partly assembled bike ready-for-use! Technical details in the text and illustrations ...