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5.11 Storage
If you are using the trike most days, it is best to
store it somewhere dry and well ventilated. A
damp, covered trike will quickly develop surface
corrosion of its components, and eventually,
the frame. If you are storing your bike for any
considerable period (over winter or a long
holiday):
•
Clean the bike and lubricate.
•
Store the trike indoors where it will be dry.
Hanging storage is good. Outdoor storage
under cover is acceptable if there good air
circulation around the trike. Outdoors under
a tarpaulin will actually accelerate any
corrosion and can damage the paintwork
and components.
•
Set the gears to the smallest sprocket and
chainring. This keeps the derailleur springs
and cables under minimum tension.
5.12 Frame number
The frame number is marked on the under side
of the main cross joint as well as on a sticker on
the underside of the trike.
i
TIP:
note that the lock nuts at
each end of the track rods have left-
and right-handed threads (the left hand
threaded nuts have a small notch to
identify them). This allows the track to
be adjusted very precisely.
To avoid excessive tyre wear the front wheels
must be kept parallel. Tracking only needs to
be checked if you suspect damage through an
accident, if unusual wear starts on one or both
front wheels, or the feel of the steering changes.
Before adjusting the tracking, check to make
sure the track rods are not bent and the ball
joints are in good condition as well as checking
the wheel axles.
Use a long ruler or a piece of rod to measure
between the inside of the tyres at the front of
the tyres, and then at the rear, all measured at
axle height. The distance (between the arrows)
should be the same, or up to 2mm less at the
front (toed-in).
If the tracking is out of adjustment, loosen the
two lock nuts on one trackrod, and rotate the
rod (a small rotation gives a fairly large change
in track). Tighten up the lock nuts when the
distance is correct.
5.10 Adjusting the
tracking
•
Ensure the tyres are properly inflated
before storing the trike, and check them
every month or two. Storing a trike on soft
or deflated tyres is not recommended.
•
Before putting the bike back into service,
go through all the maintenance and
adjustment instructions in this manual to
ensure the trike is working properly.
