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Tubes & Punctures
Always use good quality inner tubes on your
trike. It is easiest to carry a spare inner tube
with you, and change it if you should be unlucky
enough to have a puncture. Front punctures are
fairly easy to mend, as the tyre can be removed
without taking the wheel off the bike. You may
find it easier to work on the front wheel if you put
the trike on its side first. Repairing a rear wheel
puncture is no different from any other cycle.
Spokes
Occasionally check for loose spokes. Broken
spokes are caused by spokes loosening up, and
then undergoing stress every time they take a
load. If you notice loose (or broken) spokes, or
an untrue wheel, take your bike to your local
bike shop to have the wheels re-trued. One
loose spoke puts an unfair load on the
spokes next to it, and one broken spoke is
usually followed by another.
5.9 Suspension
The rear suspension on ICE trikes runs on plain
bearings. These bearings are made from a
special low-friction, chemical resistant plastic.
They do not normally require lubrication. If you
should notice any significant amount of play in
the suspension joint, the bearings can be easily
adjusted.
There are 2 bolts under the swingarm bearings
which adjust the tension on the bearings.
Tighten these with a 4mm hex key only until the
play is removed. Do not overtighten; it will make
the suspension pivot stiff and wear the bearings
prematurely.
When the bearings can no longer be adjusted,
they will need to be replaced.
To do this:
•
Undo the 2 pivot pin clamp bolts under the
suspension mount. Loosen the bearing
adjustment screws.
•
Slide the pivot pin out of the bearings. If
it is reluctant to slide, tap gently using a
hammer and a small block of wood to move
the pin. Remove the swingarm.
•
Push the plastic bearings from the
swingarm. This can usually be done with
your fingers, although a small bit of wood
and a hammer will remove a stuck bearing
without damaging the swingarm.
•
Gently push or tap the new bearings into
place. Make sure they are pushed all the
way in.
•
Press the pivot pin back into place, and
tighten the 2 pivot pin clamp bolts. Re-
tighten the bearing adjustment screws to
remove any play.
