Dawes Cycles bike Owner's Manual - Page 11

Browse online or download pdf Owner's Manual for Bicycle Dawes Cycles bike. Dawes Cycles bike 16 pages.

DERAILLEUR GEARS

INTRODUCTION

The derailleur gear is so named because it works on the derailing principle to move the chain from one sprocket to

another. The number of gears is determined by multiplying the number of sprockets on the rear freewheel by the number

of chainrings on the front crank set.

By using different combinations of sprocket and chainwheel sizes, a wide range of gear ratios are available. The highest

gear is when the large chainwheel is coupled with the small sprocket and the lowest gear is when the small chainwheel

is combined with the largest rear sprocket.

The wide range of gears allows you to attempt all prevailing conditions while pedalling at the constant and efficient rate of

sixty revolutions per minute.

DERAILLEUR GEAR MAINTENANCE

To help ensure that your derailleur gear works efficiently and to prolong its life, it must be kept clean and free from excess

dirt build up and should be properly lubricated.

GEAR CHANGING

The rider's left gear lever controls the front derailleur and chain wheels. The function of the front derailleur is to move the

chain between the larger and smaller chain rings.

The rider's right gear lever controls the rear derailleur and sprockets.

The function of the rear derailleur is to move the drive chain from one gear sprocket to another.

The large rear sprockets generate low gears for hill climbing. The small rear sprockets develop high gear ratios for speed

work and downhill riding.

The small front chainring produces low gear ratios while the larger front chainrings produce higher gear ratios.

To operate your derailleur gear system efficiently and reduce damage, wear and reduce noise to a minimum, avoid using the

maximum crossover gear ratios of large chainring/large rear sprocket, small chainring/small rear sprocket.

CAUTION: For positive gear selection, observe these four precautions:

1. Change only when pedals and wheels are moving in a forward motion.

2. Reduce pedal pressure while changing gears.

3. Never back pedal when changing gear.

4. Never force the gear levers.

Gear selection should be made in anticipation of need since forward motion of the bicycle is required when changing gear. It

is advisable to change to a low gear before stopping in order to be in the proper gear when you start up. On hills, change gear

early while still maintaining forward pedalling speed.

Note. To understand the function and to carry out adjustments and maintenance of the unique gear system fitted on your

bicycle please refer to the manufacturer's leaflets provided within your manual pack.

SUSPENSION

Your cycle may be fitted with suspension units built into parts of the frame and forks. We recommend these are only

serviced by your dealer as required. More details may be found in the suspension manufacturer's handbook.

Front Suspension Unit

Pre Load Adjustmen t

We recommend that for optimum safe riding Pre-Load should be set as follows.

Pre-Load alters the amount of bottom bracket drop when seated on the saddle. We strongly recommend you

set Pre-Load so as to experience no more than 1" (25mm) of sag. Measured as a decrease in bottom bracket

height.

To adjust Pre-Load, grasp knurled adjuster (A) and spring, and either:

Increase Pre-Load by turning to compress the spring

Decrease Pre-Load by turning to allow spring extension.

Frame Suspension Unit

Bottom Bracket Height

Pre Load Adjust