BICYCLE OWNERS MANUAL
www.avalanchebicycles.co.za
bicycle company
ESTABLISHED 1992
Nothing makes us happier than seeing people out riding bikes. For over twenty years Avalanche has supplied quality bicycles for avid cyclists. Avalanche bicycles have allowed thousands of cyclists just like you the opportunity to live happier, healthier lives because of the joy, exercise, and sheer exhilaration riding a bicycle brings.
2. THE FREEDOM OF CYCLING
We strongly encourage you to read through the owner’s manual before you take your new Avalanche bicycle for a spin. You will have a greater understanding for the general operation of the various components found on your new bike. Safe riding instructions are equally important and shouldn’t be overlooked. So even if you are an experienced cyclist, please take a moment to read through this manual before you ride.
Come Ride with Us.
1. SAFETY FIRST
WELCOME, AND CONGRATULATIONS…
on your purchase of a new Avalanche Bicycle.
3. LEARN MORE
We encourage you to get connected and learn more about proper riding and safety through your local Avalanche Retailer. Bike shop retailers are the best in the nation at providing sales and service for any and all your bicycle related needs. It’s the only place you’ll find knowledgeable staff ready to assist you with everything you’ll need to get the most out of your bike and your ride.
IMPORTANT : This manual contains important safety, performance and service information. Read it before you take the first ride on your new bicycle, and keep it for reference. Additional safety, performance and service information for specific components such as suspension or pedals on your bicycle, or for accessories such as helmets or lights that you purchase, may also be available. Make sure that your dealer has given you all the manufacturers’ literature that was included with your bicycle or accessories. If you have any questions or do not understand something, take responsibility for your safety and consult with your dealer or the bicycle’s manufacturer.
NOTE: This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair or maintenance manual. Please see your dealer for all service, repairs or maintenance. Your dealer may also be able to refer you to classes, clinics or books on bicycle use, service, repair or maintenance.
By choosing to ride a bicycle, you assume the responsibility for that risk, so you need to know — and to practice — the rules of safe and responsible riding and of proper use and maintenance.
Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury and damage.
4. GENERAL WARNING:
W ARRANT Y
As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety of your minor child, and that includes making sure that the bicycle is properly fitted to the child;
that it is in good repair and safe operating condition; that you and your child have learned and understand the safe operation of the bicycle; and that you and your child have learned, understand and obey not only the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle and traffic laws, but also the common sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling. As a parent, you should read this manual, as well as review its warnings and the bicycle’s functions and operating procedures with your child, before letting your child ride the bicycle.
WARNING: Make sure that your child always wears an approved bicycle helmet when riding; but also make sure that your child understands that a bicycle helmet is for bicycling only, and must be removed when not riding.
A helmet must not be worn while playing, in play areas, on playground equipment, while climbing trees, or at any time while not riding a bicycle.
5. A SPECIAL NOTE FOR PARENTS
Failure to follow this warning could result in serious injury or death.
•Avalanche Bicycle Company warrants its bicycles to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and in workmanship for a period from the date of purchase for:
6. WARRANTY
•5 years on the frame, as long as the bicycle is owned by the original owner.
•Suspension related equipment including complete forks as warranted by the original equipment manufacturer. For 1 year on Avalanche branded suspension forks.
•Three months on all original parts except for tires, tubes and cables.
c. Upon receipt and inspection of the bicycle by your Avalanche Bicycle Company dealer, the dealer may determine that this warranty does not apply, in which case, you will be so notified with a reason stated along with an estimate for repairs and return shipping. In no case will the Avalanche Bicycle Company be responsible for loss or damage intransit.
If you discover a defect within the warranty period, you must follow this procedure:
a. Return the bicycle to your local bicycle retailer. If the retailer from whom you purchased this bicycle determines upon examination that either a repair or replacement is justified and that determination is verified by the Avalanche Bicycle Company, a repair or replacement will be made in accordance with the warranty.
•In the event of a defective bicycle or part, the Avalanche Bicycle Company will, at its opinion, repair or replace the defective bicycle or part within warranty period, at no cost to you except for shipping and dealer charges if any.
b. When making claim under warranty, you must also bring to the original selling dealer a copy of the sales receipt or proof of original purchase.
W ARRANT Y
bicycle company
ESTABLISHED 1992
7. LIMITATIONS, EXCLUSIONS, AND OTHER RIGHTS:
b. The sole responsibility of the Avalanche Bicycle Company pursuant to the terms of this warranty if any, shall be repair and replacement.
Do not operate bicycles manufactured by Avalanche Bicycle Company with multiple riders or tow another person or vehicle.
The descriptions and specifications contained in this manual were effective at the time of printing.
Any of the foregoing will invalidate the warranty and the Avalanche Bicycle Company shall not be liable for any failure, loss damage or injury resulting from such uses and/or alterations.
a. This warranty does not cover tires, tubes or any failure due to accident, abuse, misuse or neglect, or as a result of normal wear and tear.
d. No modifications of this warranty are authorized. There are no promises, terms, conditions or warranties other than those contained herein.
Do not alter or use this bicycle manufactured by Avalanche Bicycle Company in stunt riding, dirt riding, similar activities or with motors or power driven assists as power driven vehicles.
The Avalanche Bicycle Company reserves the right to discontinue any model at any time and change the specifications or designs without notice.
c. The liability of Avalanche Bicycle Company shall in no event, exceed the original purchase or incidental damage of any nature, including for example, but not by any way of limitation exclusive expression of warranty by Avalanche Bicycle Company and is in lieu of any and all other warranties, written or implied.
BEF ORE Y OU RIDE
8. BICYCLE FIT
The ideal clearance will vary between types of bicycles and rider performance. This makes straddling the frame when off the saddle easier and safer in situations such as sudden traffic stops.
2. RIDING POSITION
b. Reach
1. CORRECT FRAME SIZE
When selecting a new bicycle, the correct choice of frame size is a very important safety consideration. Most full sized bicycles come in a range of frame sizes. These sizes usually refer to the distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the top of the frame seat tube.
a. Saddle Height
In order to obtain the most comfortable riding position and offer the best possible pedaling efficiency, the seat height should be set correctly in relation to the rider’s leg length.
The correct saddle height should not allow leg strain from over extension, and the hips should not rock from side to side while pedaling. While sitting on the bicycle with one pedal at its lowest point, place the ball of your foot on that pedal. The correct saddle height will allow the knee to be slightly bent in this position. If the rider then places the heel of that foot on the pedal, the leg should be almost straight.
To obtain maximum comfort, the rider should not over extend his or her reach when riding.
To adjust this distance, the position of the seat can be altered in relation to the seat pillar.
FOR SAFE AND COMFORTABLE RIDING THERE SHOULD BE A CLEARANCE OF BETWEEN 25MM AND 50MM BETWEEN THE GROIN AREA OF THE INTENDED RIDER AND A TOP TUBE OF BICYCLE FRAME, WHILE THE RIDER STRADDLES THE BICYCLE WITH BOTH FEET FLAT ON THE GROUND
-Ensure chain is oiled, clean and runs smoothly.
-Ensure break control cables are lubricated, correctly adjusted and display no obvious wear.
- Ensure tires have tread and have no bulges or excessive wear.
-Ensure tires are inflated to within the maximum recommended limit as displayed on the tire side wall.
- Check that axle nuts are tight. If your bicycle is fitted with quick release axles, make sure locking levers are correctly tensioned and in the closed position.
- Ensure all wheel spokes are tight and not broken.
2. Wheels and Tires
4. Chain
-Extra care is required in wet or dusty conditions.
-Ensure that the handlebars are set correctly in relation to the forks and the direction of travel.
-Ensure brake control levers are lubricated and tightly secured to the handlebar.
- Check that the head set locking mechanism is properly adjusted and tightened.
-Ensure brake shoe pads are not worn out and are correctly positioned in relation to the rims.
-Ensure handlebar and stem are correctly adjusted and tightened, and allow proper steering.
-Ensure front and rear brakes work properly.
- If the bicycle is fitted with handlebar end extensions, ensure they are properly positioned and tightened.
- Ensure rims run true and have no obvious wobbles or kinks.
3. Steering
9. SAFETY CHECKLIST
Before every ride, it is important to carry out the following safety checks:
1. Brakes
- Ensure pedals are securely tightened to the cranks.
5.Bearings
-Ensure all bearings are lubricated, run freely and display no excess movement, grinding or rattling.
- Ensure cranks are securely tightened to the axle and are not bent.
- Check that front and rear mechanisms are adjusted and function properly.
- Ensure control levers are securely attached.
6. Cranks and Pedals
7. Derailleurs
-Check headset, wheel bearings, pedal bearings and bottom brackets bearings.
- Ensure derailleurs, shift and control cables are properly lubricated.
9. Accessories 8. Frame and Fork
- Check that the frame and fork are not bent or broken.
- Ensure that all reflectors are properly fitted and not obscured.
- If either is bent or broken, they should be replaced.
BEF ORE Y OU RIDE
bicycle company
ESTABLISHED 1992
- Cross railway tracks at a 90 degree angle or walk your bicycle across.
- Use correct hand signals to indicate turning or stopping.
- Ride defensively. To other road users, you may be hard to see.
- When riding, obey the same road laws as all other road vehicles, including giving way to pedestrians, and stopping at red lights and stop signs.
General Rules
- Expect the unexpected such as opening car doors or cars
- Concentrate on the path ahead. Avoid potholes, gravel, wet road markings, oil, curbs, speed humps, drain grates and other obstacles.
- Ride predictably and in a straight line. Never ride against traffic.
10. Helmets
It is strongly advised that a properly fitting, ANSI or SNELL approved bicycle safety helmet be worn at all times when riding your bicycle. In addition, if you are carrying a passenger in a child safety seat, they must also be wearing a helmet.
11. RIDING SAFELY
The correct helmet should:
- Be lightweight - Fit correctly
ALWAYS WEAR A PROPER FITTED HELMET WHEN RIDING
- Have good ventilation - Be comfortable
- Be extra careful at intersections and when preparing to pass other vehicles.
- Don’t carry packages or passengers that will interfere with your visibility or control of the bicycle. Don’t use items that may restrict your hearing.
-Wear reflective clothing and use safety lights.
Wet Weather
- If you are wearing loose pants, use leg clips or elastic bands to prevent them from being caught in the chain.
-In wet weather you need to take extra care.
-Brake earlier, you will take a longer distance to stop.
- Familiarize yourself with all the bicycle’s features. Practice gear shifts, braking, and the use of tow clips and straps if fitted.
-Maintain a comfortable stopping distance from all other riders, vehicles and objects. Safe braking distances and forces are subject to the prevailing weather conditions.
-Decrease your riding speed, avoid sudden braking and take corners with additional caution.
-Be more visible on the road.
-Potholes and slippery surfaces such as line markings and railway tracks all become more hazardous when wet.
-When braking, always apply the rear brake first then the front. The front brake is more powerful and if it is not correctly applied, you may lose control and fall.
BEF ORE Y OU RIDE
- Do not exceed a comfortable speed, maintain control and take additional care.
- On the descent, use the high gears to avoid rapid pedalling.
-Wear reflective and light coloured clothing.
-Ride at night only if necessary. Slow down and use familiar roads with street lighting, if possible.
-Use a properly functioning lighting set compromising of a white front lamp and a red rear lamp.
-Some rear lights available have a flashing mechanism which enhances visibility.
Night Riding
-Ensure bicycle is equipped with a full set of correctly positioned and clean reflectors.
-If using battery powered lights, make sure batteries are well charged.
- If you reach the lowest gear and are struggling, stand up on your pedals. You will then obtain more power from each pedal revolution.
Pedaling Technique
-Position the ball of your foot on the centre of the pedal.
Hill Technique
- Gear down before a climb and continue gearing down as required to maintain pedalling speed.
- Learn to operate the gears properly.
-When pedalling, ensure your knees areparallel to the bicycle frame.
- To absorb shock, keep your elbows slightly bent.
6) Be aware of other road vehicles behind and nearby.
9) Never take your hands off the handlebars, or your feet off the pedals when riding downhill.
7) Before entering a street: Stop, look right, left and right again for traffic. If there’s no traffic, proceed into the roadway.
12. Rules for Children
To avoid accidents, teach children good riding skills with an emphasis on safety from an early age.
4) Do not ride at night.
5) Obey all the traffic laws, especially stops signs and red lights.
12 ’clock position and slightly point the inside knee in the direction you are turning. Keep the other leg straight; don’t pedal through fast or tight corners.
- Brake slightly before cornering and prepare to lean your body into the corner. Maintain the inside pedal at the
8) If riding downhill, be extra careful. Slow down using the brakes and maintain control of the steering.
2) Do not play in driveways or the road.
1) Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
Cornering Technique
3) Do not ride on busy streets.
BEF ORE Y OU RIDE
bicycle company
ESTABLISHED 1992
a. Derailleur Gears
Most multi-speed bicycles today are equipped with what are known as derailleur gears. They operate using a system of levers and mechanisms to move the drive chain between different sized driving gears or cogs. The purpose of gears is to let you maintain a constant, steady pedaling pace under varying conditions. This means your riding will be less tiring without unnecessary straining up hills or fast pedaling downhill. Bicycles come with a variety of gear configurations from 5 to 30 speeds. A 5-6 Speed bicycle will have a single front chain wheel, a rear derailleur, and a 5 to 6 cogs on the rear hub. Bicycles with more gears will also have a front derailleur, a front chain wheel with 2-3 cogs and up to 10 cogs on the rear hub.
13.GEARS – HOW TO OPERATE
b. Operating Principles
No matter how many gears, the operating principles are the same. The front derailleur is operated by the left shifter and the rear derailleur by the right. To operate you must be pedaling forward. You cannot shift derailleur gears when you are stopped or pedaling backwards. Before shifting, ease up on your pedaling pressure. On approaching a hill, shift to a lower gear before your pedaling speed slows down too much for a smooth shift. When coming to a stop, shift to a lower gear first so it will be easier when you start riding again. If, after selecting a new gear position you hear a slight rubbing noise from the front or rear gears, gently adjust the appropriate shifter until the noise goes away. For optimal performance and extended chain life, it is recommended that you avoid using the extreme combinations of gear positions for extended periods.
d. Thumb Shifters (top mounted)
Most mountain style bicycles are equipped with shifters mounted on the top of the handlebars and operated by the thumbs. To select a lower, easier gear, shift to a bigger rear cog and a small chain wheel. Pull the left shifter back to operate the derailleur. To select a higher, harder gear, shift to a smaller rear cog and a larger chain wheel. Push the left shifter forward for the front, and pull the right lever back for the rear.
c. Hand Twist Shifters
e. Below the Bar Shifters
Some bicycles are now being equipped with a shifting mechanism called Twist Shift, which is built into the handlebar grips and does not make use of separate levers. The actuating mechanism is built into the inside part of the grip that web of the thumb and index finger closes around. To select a lower gear, twist the right shifter toward you to engage a larger rear cog. You can shift one gear at a time by moving the Twist Shift one click or through multiple gears by continued twisting. By twisting the left shifter forward or away from you, a smaller chain wheel can be selected. To select a higher gear, twist the right shifter forward or away from you to engage a smaller rear cog. To engage a larger front chain wheel, twist the left shifter towards you. Single shifts can be achieved by twisting one click at a time and multiple shifts by larger twists.
Many mountain style bicycles now use a shift lever arrangement mounted on the underside of the handlebars which use two levers operated by the thumb and index finger.
To select a lower gear, push the larger (lower) right shifter with your thumb to engage a larger rear cog. One firm push shifts the chain one cog, continuing to push will move the chain over multiple cogs. Pulling the smaller (upper) left shifter with your index finger moves the chain from a larger to a smaller chain wheel. To select a higher gear pull the smaller (upper) right lever with your index finger to engage a smaller cog. Pushing the larger (lower) left lever with your thumb will move the chain from a smaller to a larger chain wheel.
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14. THE LIFESPAN OF YOUR BIKE AND ITS COMPONENTS
Use in competitive events, trick riding, ramp riding, jumping, aggressive riding, riding on severe terrain, riding in severe climates, riding with heavy loads, commercial activities and other types of non-standard use can dramatically shorten the life of the frame and components.
Nothing Lasts Forever, Including Your Bike.
When the useful life of your bike and or its components is over, continued use is hazardous.
Every bicycle and its component parts have a finite, limited useful life. The length of that life will vary with the
construction and materials used in the frame and
components; the maintenance and care that, the frame and components, receive over their life; and the type and amount of use to which the frame and components are subjected.
Any one or a combination of these conditions may result in an unpredictable failure. All aspects of use being identical, lightweight bicycles and their components will usually have a shorter life than heavier bicycles and their components. In selecting a lightweight bicycle or components you are making a trade-off, favoring the higher performance that comes with lighter weight over longevity.
So, If you choose lightweight, high performance equipment, be sure to have it inspected frequently.
You should have your bicycle and its components checked periodically by your dealer for indicators of stress and/or potential failure, including cracks, deformation, corrosion, paint peeling, dents, and any other indicators of potential problems, inappropriate use or abuse. These are important safety checks and very important to help prevent accidents, bodily injury to the rider and shortened product life.
When you need accessories, you can be sure your local Avalanche Authorized Dealer will have just what you’re looking for in the right size and for your type of riding.
15. ABOUT YOUR DEALER
Whether you’re new to cycling or an experienced pro, the Avalanche Bicycle Company’s extensive and
knowledgeable network of Independent Bicycle Retailers ensures you’re never far from expert repair and service to help keep your Avalanche bike running smoothly.
Your Avalanche bicycle meets today’s highest standards of quality, but it still needs care and maintenance on a regular basis.
Take advantage of your local Avalanche dealer’s experience and knowledge.
If you have questions or concerns about your bicycle, consult your dealer immediately.
All major repairs and adjustments to your bicycle should be done by professional cycling retailer.
To find the location of your nearest Avalanche Dealer visit our website.
www.avalanchebicycles.co.za
BEF ORE Y OU RIDE
bicycle company
ESTABLISHED 1992
www.avalanchebicycles.co.za
Nothing complicated, only down to earth, lifestyle bicycles and accessories loaded with energy, cool looks and fit right geometry.
Feel the earth move!
Stay fit, enjoy life.
bicycle company
ESTABLISHED 1992
