4
If you have had a fall
Check out the en-
tire bicycle for any
changes. These
might be dents
and cracks in the
frame and forks, or
bent components.
And if parts like
the handlebars or
saddle have been
displaced or twisted, you must check that these
parts are properly seated and functioning.
• Take a close look at both frame and forks. If
you inspect the surface from a variety of an-
gles, in most cases any deformations will be
-
come clear.
•
Ensure that the saddle, seat tube, stem and
handlebars are still in the correct position. If
they are not, DO NOT bend the component
back out of its changed position without slack-
ening off the relevant threaded connection.
When tightening components it is essential
that you observe the stipulated tightening
torque. You will find the relevant values on
page 26 and in the section on “Quick releas-
es”, page 6.
• Check that both wheels are properly and se-
curely aligned within the frame and forks. Lift
the bicycle at both front and rear and spin the
relevant wheel to check. The rim must run
straight through between the brakes with-
out any contact. The tires must not touch the
brakes. For bicycles with disc brakes, inspect
the gap between the frame or forks and tires to
ensure that the wheel is not buckled.
• Check that both brakes are operating fully.
•
Do not set off again without having checked
that the chain is sitting securely on both the
front chain wheel and rear sprockets. It must
be engaged fully with the cogs. If you set off
and the chain jumps off a cog you may fall, at
the risk of very severe injury.
If you notice any change in your bicycle, DO
NOT continue cycling. Do not retighten any loose
parts without first checking them and always use
a torque wrench. Take the bicycle to your special-
ist dealer, describe the fall to him and have the
bicycle checked out!
Aluminium components are prone to
breaking without warning if they have
been deformed. Never use any com-
ponents which have been deformed or bent
after a fall, for example. Always replace such
components.
Carbon components can be seriously dam-
aged without displaying any visible evidence
of this. After a fall, have all carbon compo
-
nents checked out by your specialist dealer.
Please make these checks before
continuing after a fall or if your bicy-
cle falls over!
Aluminium parts cannot be safely bent back
into shape, while carbon components can
sustain damage which is not visibly to the eye.
Allow the bike to be checked by a specialist
retailer.
wear, which can impact the operating safety
of these parts.
If you use parts for longer than their intend-
ed lifetime, these can fail without warning.
This can lead to falls and serious injury!
