Bicycle user manual

The article below gives tips on how to assemble and maintain your bike yourself.

Where to start?

Bicycles bought in a box must have the front wheel, handlebars, saddle and pedals correctly fitted before use. If you need advice, please call our helpline at +372 508 3309 – we’ll connect you to a technician who will give you instructions on how to assemble your bike. Riding an incorrectly or poorly maintained bicycle can be dangerous.

Attaching the front wheel

Place the front wheel in the fork so that it is as straight as possible in relation to the fork. Follow the direction of the arrow marked on the tyre – the arrow must rotate in the direction of travel. Then tighten the front wheel axle nuts firmly. The wheel must be at the centre of the fork.

Installation of pedals

The pedals are marked L (left) and R (right) at the ends of the axles. Tighten the pedals firmly. The pedal fastenings must be sufficiently tightened. After a few cycling cycles, check that the pedals are securely fastened.

Saddle fitting

To achieve an effective and comfortable riding position, the saddle height must be adjusted correctly. If the saddle is set too low, cranking feels difficult and is bad for your knees. The correct saddle height is when the knees are almost straight when cranking. The saddlery is fastened to the frame by means of a quick fastener or nut. The saddle tube must be positioned inside the saddle post in such a way that the maximum height mark on the tube is inside the saddle post. Ensure that the saddle bar is not raised above the maximum height mark. The saddle should be horizontal to the ground.

Steering (handlebar) installation

Setting the handlebars at the right height is essential for a comfortable driving position. The ideal handlebar height depends on the height and riding style of the cyclist. If the cyclist prefers to ride primarily in an upright position, mount the handlebars in the highest position. If you’re driving long distances and a lower driving position feels more comfortable, set the handlebars low. Slide the handlebar tube into the frame so that the maximum height mark is not visible. When the handlebar is at the right height, secure it with the bolt at the top. Make sure that the handlebar is not raised above the maximum height mark. The maximum height mark is shown as a horizontal line, marked around the pipe with short vertical lines or with the MAX mark.

Basket installation

There are two ways of attaching the front horn: by means of a clip (removable) and by resting on the fork above the front wheel. The clip-on removable basket simply goes around the lens with two screws. Care must be taken that the fastening does not move, if necessary, a rubber strip must be placed in between. The clip-on basket can support a maximum weight of 5-7 kg.

The ratchet basket will not come off and the ratchet must be fixed under the front wheel nuts. The basket is attached to the top of the ridge on one side by means of a fire fastener. On the other side, under the nuts of the neck (the tube where the lens post goes in).

Brake and gear adjustment

Make sure the brakes are in good working order before you start driving. The brake pads or discs must be in the correct position, i.e. in contact with the rim horizontally and over the entire surface. The brake pads must be exactly the same distance from the wheel/disc. The distance of the V-brake valve can be adjusted by tightening and loosening the screws at the bottom of the brake.

Gear adjustment

To adjust the gearshift, proceed as follows:

1. Crank the front gear lever onto the middle gear and make sure it is exactly in the middle between the gear lever levers.
2. Then, using the rear derailleur, crank through all the gears and make sure there is no “squeal” in any gear.
3. If you hear a whirring noise when you turn the crank, the initial position of the gearbox is not correct and you need to turn the plastic/metal screw on the rear gearbox cable until the whirring noise is heard.
4. If the chain does not want to stay on the top/bottom sprocket, is sticking there or comes off at the top/bottom, the two adjacent stopper screws need to be adjusted.

To adjust the Shimano Nexus gearshift, proceed as follows:

1. Crankshift for gear No 2 (middle gear).
2. The gearshift is located at the end of the rear wheel shaft, with the gear cable running along the wheel frame to it. Loosen the lock nut at the end of the rope with a No. 10 wrench.
3. Tighten the rope screw (with your fingers) so that the indicator is exactly between two lines in the gear selector window.
4. Tighten the counter nut again.

See also the explainer video on YouTube.

General bike maintenance

If you take good care of your bike, it will be safer to ride. If you are unsure of your skills, be sure to seek professional advice.

The main parts that need maintenance are:

• Chain: clean the chain of dirt and grease, dry and lubricate with a special lubricant. Wipe off excess oil. The chains stretch even under normal use. Adequate oiling of the chain will prolong its life. Check the tension of the chain regularly. If the chain is hanging, it has stretched too much and may come off.
• Tyres and rims: Make sure that the air pressure in the tyres is sufficient. The required air pressure is marked on the side of the tyre. It is easier to ride a bicycle if there is sufficient air pressure in the tyres. If the tyres are worn out, they need to be replaced. Also check the tightness of the spokes at least once a year.
• Brakes: make sure the brakes are working properly. Adjust them if necessary. If the brake pads or discs are worn, replace them.

If you don’t have the time to do the maintenance yourself, Velomarket’s bike shop can help.