ElliptiGO 8S, C-Series, 11R, Arc Owner's Manual

Owner’s Manual
Owner’s Manual
Welcome to the ElliptiGO® Family,
Thank you for purchasing an ElliptiGO bicycle. We have spent countless hours developing this fitness device and believe it to be the best form of low-impact exercise available. We hope you enjoy many years of healthy exercise and fun while riding it.
As you will see throughout this owner’s manual, we value your safety. We have designed your bike to be a safe, fun and eective workout system. However, it is not a toy. Your ElliptiGO bike is an advanced piece of fitness equipment designed to be used for exercise by responsible riders. Improper use of this tool can result in destruction of property, serious injury, maiming, or death. For your safety, before your first ride you should read the entire owner’s manual and pay particular attention to Chapters 2 and 3. This information is essential for understanding how to safely use and enjoy your machine. Although many of the components may look familiar to you, an ElliptiGO bike is very dierent from any other piece of fitness equipment or vehicle you may have used in the past. As a result, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you read and understand the information in this manual before riding it. Doing so could save your life.
In addition, we have safety and maintenance videos and information posted in the customer section of our website at www.elliptigo.com/support.html. If you have any questions or concerns, especially about how to safely use your ElliptiGO product, please contact us at any time at service@elliptigo.com.
Happy riding, Brent and Bryan ElliptiGO Co-Founders
Owner’s Manual
CHAPTER 1: IMPORTANT NOTIFICATIONS
CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT FAMILIARIZATION
General Overview Terminology and Component Overview Proper Handling & Carrying Procedure Kickstand Operation Quick Release Clamping Systems Steering Columns Brakes Gearing Systems Chain Tension Wheels, Tires and Tubes Chain Keeper
CHAPTER 3: RIDING
Basic Cycling Safety Adjusting the Fit Pre-Ride Safety Checklist Familiarization Ride Normal Riding Climbing and Descending Hills Riding in Adverse Conditions Competitive and Group Riding Stationary Trainers
CHAPTER 4: SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Servicing ElliptiGO Products Maintenance Chart What Happens if I Damage My ElliptiGO Cycle? How Long Will My Bike Last? Torque Requirements for Screws and Fasteners Satisfaction Guarantee and Limited Warranty
IMPORTANT:
This owner’s manual contains information regarding your components and how to do basic maintenance and service on your ElliptiGO® cycle. However, it is not intended to be a substitute for having your product serviced by a professional bicycle mechanic. YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR ELLIPTIGO BIKE ASSEMBLED, MAINTAINED AND SERVICED BY A PROFESSIONAL BICYCLE MECHANIC.
Table of Contents
Owner’s Manual
CHAPTER 1: Important Notifications
DO NOT SKIP THIS SECTION!
Like running and cycling, riding an ElliptiGO® elliptical bicycle involves a real risk of serious injury, maiming and death. Each time you ride your ElliptiGO cycle, you are assuming this risk. We cannot stress enough how important it is to wear a helmet and proper clothing, know and follow the rules of the road, ensure your bike is in good working order before and during your ride, and to use caution when riding. To help minimize your risk of injury when riding your elliptical bicycle it is critical that you read and understand the contents of this manual and become familiar with operating and maintaining your bike before you head out on the road.*
To highlight some of the most important safety concerns, this manual contains many “Warnings”, “Cautions” and “Alerts” which are set out conspicuously in the manual.
Safety Warning
The following symbol: WARNING! (the safety designator together with the word WARNING!), calls attention to a potential hazard that, if not properly addressed or avoided, could cause serious injury or death.
Safety Caution
The following symbol: CAUTION! (the safety designator together with the word CAUTION!), calls attention to a potential hazard that, if not properly addressed or avoided, could cause property damage or an injury.
Damage Alert
The designation ALERT! calls attention to a situation which, if not properly addressed or avoided, could cause serious damage to your ElliptiGO bike and/or void your warranty.
As you will see, most of the Safety Warnings and Cautions contained in this manual relate to conditions that could result in the rider losing control of the ElliptiGO bike and suering a fall. Every fall, regardless of the associated speed or cause, can result in serious injury or death for the rider, and injury to bystanders and property. As a result, a warning that indicates the rider may lose control and fall if a situation is not properly addressed or avoided may not also state that the resulting fall can cause serious injury or death. You should understand that this fact is always implied by the possibility of falling.
* No manual can address all of the potentially hazardous situations that could arise when riding a bike. As a result, we cannot provide guidance on how to safely ride the ElliptiGO bike in every circumstance. There are many unpredictable and unavoidable risks that are inherent in the sport of cycling. By choosing to ride a bike, you are voluntarily exposing yourself to these risks and are responsible for that choice.
Owner’s Manual
CHAPTER 2: Product Familiarization
General Overview
The ElliptiGO® elliptical bicycle is a completely new kind of exercise device and performs dierently from other machines you may have used in the past. If you treat it with respect, keep it maintained, and use it as intended, your ElliptiGO bike should provide you with many years of enjoyable outdoor exercise. Before your first ride, you
should read this manual in its entirety and get clarity on all aspects of the bike’s performance, function, or design that you do not understand. You should also consult
your physician prior to beginning any exercise plan, including exercising on your ElliptiGO bike, to ensure that you are healthy enough for such exercise. You can reach our customer service department to get any questions answered by sending an email to: service@elliptigo.com.
Intended Use
ElliptiGO bikes are intended to be used on paved surfaces by individuals weighing less than 250 pounds for the purpose of enjoying outdoor exercise.
The use of an ElliptiGO elliptical cycle in any other manner is improper and falls outside of the scope of what the product was designed to do.
WARNING! ELLIPTIGO ELLIPTICAL BICYCLES ARE NOT TOYS AND ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR USE BY CHILDREN. The ElliptiGO bike does not meet the safety requirements for use by children, nor is it configured for use by children. Because it lacks the safety features
required for children’s products, children can be seriously injured or killed while using the ElliptiGO bike. Consequently, DO NOT LET CHILDREN USE YOUR ElliptiGO BIKE. If you purchased your ElliptiGO product for a minor child, please contact ElliptiGO Inc. for a full refund immediately.
For use on Paved Surfaces
Our products have been optimized for riding on paved surfaces and there are certain aspects of our elliptical cycles that pose a risk to the rider if they are ridden “o-road” or on unpaved surfaces (including gravel, sand, or dirt). For example, the ElliptiGO bike’s tires are not designed to be taken onto surfaces other than paved roads and will have degraded stopping and maneuvering abilities in those conditions. Similarly, for bikes with guide track systems, those systems must be kept free from debris to function properly. Riding on unpaved roads drastically increases the likelihood of getting debris into the track system which can damage the track system or cause the rider to lose control and suer a fall. As a result, riding on unpaved roads falls outside the intended use of the ElliptiGO and could void your warranty.
Weight Restrictions
ElliptiGO bikes have a gross weight limit of 250 pounds for the rider and all accessories. By limiting the gross weight of the rider and accessories to 250 pounds combined, we have been able to create an aordable exercise device that delivers a high-performance fitness experience. This
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weight limit was relied upon for every aspect of the design, from the components we selected, to the frame materials and configuration, to the thickness of the drive arms and steering column. Riders weighing more than 250 pounds fully-laden can subject the elliptical cycle to loads that exceed those to which we have tested our products. This could result in catastrophic failure of key components during regular riding.
In addition, even if the product does not appear to be damaged by a rider who weighs more than 250 pounds, the fatigue and stress caused by such a rider could greatly diminish the lifespan of many of the components we use. As a result, allowing your elliptical bike to be ridden by someone who exceeds 250 pounds voids your warranty and could result in a catastrophic failure of one or more components causing a rider to suer a fall and be injured.
The Purpose of an ElliptiGO Elliptical Cycle
The purpose of an ElliptiGO elliptical cycle is to deliver a fun, low-impact, outdoor exercise experience. It is not to be used for trick riding and should never be used for stunts, jumps, wheelies, or other abusive maneuvers. These will dramatically reduce its service life and could cause a catastrophic failure of one or more of its components, causing the rider to suer significant injuries or death from a resulting fall.
WARNING! THE ELLIPTIGO BIKE HAS REAL LIMITATIONS IN WHAT IT CAN SUSTAIN. Misusing the bike can be extremely dangerous and void your warranty. Improper use of the bike, including riding with a combined
rider and accessories weight that exceeds 250 pounds or stunt, trick, or o-road riding, can cause a catastrophic failure of one or more components and result in the rider suering a serious injury or being killed. DO NOT ENGAGE IN THESE OR OTHER ABUSIVE ACTIVITIES.
Owner’s Manual
The picture below gives an overview of the components which make up the ElliptiGO® 3C and 8C products. These names will be referred to throughout the owner’s manual.
Terminology & Component Overview
3C and 8C Models
1 FRAME
2 PRELOAD COLLAR
3 STEERING COLUMN
4 STEM
5 SHIFTER
6 GRIP
7 HANDLEBAR
8 BRAKE LEVERS
9 CONTROL CABLES
10 FRONT BRAKES
11 FORK
12 FRONT WHEEL
13 TIRE
14 FRONT QUICK RELEASE
15 KICKSTAND
16 REAR BRAKE
17 REAR WHEEL
18 INTERNALLY GEARED HUB
19 CHAIN
20 CRANK ARM
21 CHAINRING GUARD
22 CHAINRING
23 DRIVE ARM AXLE
24 DRIVE ARM
25 FOOT PLATFORM
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1 FRAME
2 FOLDING STEERING COLUMN
3 STEERING EXTENDER
4 STEM
5 SHIFTER
6 GRIP
7 HANDLEBAR
8 BRAKE LEVERS
9 CONTROL CABLES
10 FRONT BRAKES
11 FORK
12 FRONT WHEEL
13 TIRE
14 FRONT QUICK RELEASE
15 KICKSTAND
16 REAR BRAKE
17 REAR WHEEL
18 INTERNALLY GEARED HUB
19 CHAIN
20 CRANK ARM
21 CHAINRING GUARD
22 CHAINRING
23 DRIVE ARM AXLE
24 DRIVE ARM
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The picture below gives an overview of the components which make up the ElliptiGO® 8S and 11R models. These names will be referred to throughout the owner’s manual.
Terminology & Component Overview
8S and 11R Models
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The picture below gives an overview of the components which make up the ElliptiGO Arc product. These names will be referred to throughout the owner’s manual.
Terminology & Component Overview
ElliptiGO Arc Model
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26 CHAIN KEEPER
27 CRANK ARM
28 FOOT PLATFORM
29 TOE CAGE (OPTIONAL ACCESSORY)
1 FRAME
2 PRELOAD COLLAR
3 STEERING EXTENDER
4 STEM
5 GRIP
6 HANDLEBAR
7 SHIFTER
8 BRAKE LEVERS
9 CONTROL CABLES
10 FRONT BRAKE
11 FRONT WHEEL QUICK RELEASE
12 FRONT WHEEL
13 TIRE
14 SWING ARM
15 DRIVE ARM
16 FOOT PLATFORM ASSEMBLY
17 CHAINRING GUARD
18 CHAINRING
19 CHAIN
20 REAR DERAILLEUR
21 CASSETTE
22 REAR WHEEL
23 REAR TIRE
24 REAR QUICK RELEASE
25 KICKSTAND (HIDDEN)
Owner’s Manual
Proper Handling and Carrying Procedure
C-Series and Models 8S and 11R
Picture 1 to the right demonstrates the proper method for handling, lifting or carrying your ElliptiGO® C-Series, 8S or 11R elliptical bike. The machine should be handled with one hand on the frame member which goes over the top of the rear wheel and the other hand on the steering column.
Picture 2 demonstrates an improper handling method which could result in bodily injury to the user.
CAUTION! The ElliptiGO bike should never be picked up by any of the moving mechanism components such as the drive arms, crank arms, chain, chain ring or rear wheel. Doing so could cause your hand, wrist or arm to get pinched by the mechanism potentially causing a significant injury.
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ElliptiGO® Arc Handling Picture 1 to the right demonstrates the proper method for handling, lifting or carrying your ElliptiGO Arc. The machine should be handled with one hand on the frame and the other hand on the steering column.  Picture 2 demonstrates an improper handling method which could result in bodily injury to the user. 
CAUTION! The ElliptiGO bike should never be picked up by any of the moving mechanism components such as the drive arms, crank arms, chain, chain ring or rear wheel. Doing so could cause your hand, wrist or arm to get pinched by the mechanism potentially causing a significant injury.
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Kickstand Operation
C-Series and Models 8S and 11R
These ElliptiGO® products are equipped with a very stable double leg kickstand. To operate the kickstand, follow these steps:
1. Retracting the Kickstand - To retract the kickstand grab the steering column with one hand and the frame member which goes over the top of the wheel with the other hand. Lift the back of the frame while kicking the kickstand in the rearward direction.
2. Extending the Kickstand - To extend the kickstand grab the steering column with one hand and the frame member which goes over the top of the wheel with the other hand. Lift the back of the frame while kicking the kickstand in the forward direction.
ALERT! Do not stand on bike with the kickstand extended. Standing on the bike with the kickstand extended can cause a fall or damage your frame and kickstand, voiding your warranty.
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ElliptiGO® Arc Kickstand The ElliptiGO Arc is equipped with a single-leg kickstand. To operate the kickstand, follow these steps:
1. Retracting the Kickstand - To retract the kickstand, stand on the side closest to the kickstand. Grab the steering column with one hand and lean the bike away from you so that the kickstand no longer touches the ground. Then sweep the kickstand backwards with your foot, ensuring that it fully seats into the riding position, approximately horizontal with the ground.
2. Extending the Kickstand - To extend the kickstand, stand on the side closest to the kickstand. Grab the steering column with one hand, lean the bike slightly away from you and kick the kickstand down and forward.
ALERT! Do not stand on bike with the kickstand extended. Standing on the bike with the kickstand extended can cause a fall or damage your frame and kickstand, voiding your warranty.
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Quick Release Clamping Systems
Your ElliptiGO® elliptical cycle comes equipped with quick release clamping systems on the front wheel, the steering column and, on some models, the rear wheel. These are critical parts of any elliptical cycle and riding with an improperly adjusted quick release is very dangerous. You must understand how to use the quick release systems correctly to be able to operate your bike safely.
Quick release clamping systems can generate a significant amount of clamping force when used correctly. This force is needed to keep your wheels attached to the frame and your steering column locked in place while riding. If a wheel detaches or your steering column collapses while riding you will likely fall and suer a serious injury.
Each quick release clamping system has three parts – a lever on one end, a nut on the other end, and a skewer in the middle. If properly adjusted, closing the lever generates a clamping force by pushing against the surface closest to the lever while simultaneously pulling against the surface nearest the nut. The lever has a cam-action system which can generate significantly more clamping force than using the lever or nut in a screw-like fashion can. The ideal clamping force for a quick release system on a bicycle is more than a typical person can generate using the lever as a screw, so it is important that you use the cam-action lever to operate all quick release systems.
WARNING! An improperly adjusted quick release lever can allow the steering extender to unexpectedly collapse or be removed from the bike or enable a wheel to become
loose or detach from the bike. Any of these situations could cause the rider to lose control of the elliptical cycle and suer a serious injury or be killed. IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU UNDERSTAND HOW TO OPERATE THE QUICK RELEASE LEVERS AND THAT YOU CHECK THE SECURITY OF ALL QUICK RELEASE LEVERS BEFORE EVERY RIDE.
Left: Location of quick release lever on front wheel. Below: Locations of quick release levers on steering columns.
Owner’s Manual
Adjusting the Quick Release Mechanism
The amount of clamping force for the quick release is controlled by the tension nut.
To increase the clamping force, turn the tension nut clockwise while holding cam lever fixed with the other hand.
To decrease clamping force, turn the tension nut counter-clockwise while holding cam lever fixed with the other hand.
A QUARTER TURN OF THE TENSION ADJUSTING NUT CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SAFE CLAMPING FORCE AND AN UNSAFE CLAMPING FORCE.
To check the clamping force, attempt to close the quick release lever. If you can close the quick release lever completely without using the fork, frame, or steering extender for leverage, and the lever closes without leaving a visible impression in your hand, then the quick release does not have enough clamping force. If, while using one hand on the fork, steering extender or frame for leverage, you cannot completely close the lever with the other hand, then the quick release has too much clamping force.
If there is too little clamping force, tighten the nut one-quarter turn and try clamping again. Repeat this until closing the lever requires grabbing the fork, frame or steering extender and leaves a mark in your hand. If there is too much clamping force, loosen the nut one-quarter turn and try clamping again. Repeat this until closing the lever requires grabbing the fork, frame or steering extender and the lever leaves a clear mark in your hand.
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Steering Columns
C-Series and Arc models come equipped with a non-folding steering column. 8S and 11R models come equipped with a folding steering column. All steering columns have a storage position and a riding position that can be adjusted vertically to accommodate a wide range of riders.
Non-Folding Steering Column – Models 3C, 8C and Arc Model
The non-folding steering column consists of the following components:
1. The base
2. The steering extender quick release
3. The safety index pin
4. The steering extender
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The Riding Position
When in the riding position, the steering extender is inserted to the correct depth in the base, the safety pin is fully inserted into the selected hole and the quick release lever is firmly closed. The correct depth is reached when the handlebar height is the most comfortable for the rider when riding and the “MAX EXTENSION” line is not visible above the base. This height is usually set so that the rider stands tall when riding with little to no weight on his/her hands or wrists.
To place the non-folding steering column into the riding position, follow these steps:
1. Place the bike on the kickstand.
2. Open the steering extender quick release.
3. Line up the safety groove on the side of the steering extender with the notch in the base and ensure that the control cables are in front of the steering column and not twisted around the steering extender.
4. Insert the steering extender into the base until it gently seats against the safety index pin.
5. Pull out the safety index pin with one hand and hold it while further inserting the steering extender into the base under until the desired handlebar height is reached. Ensure that the “MAX EXTENSION” line on the steering extender is not visible above the base.
WARNING! ENSURE THAT THE “MAX EXTENSION” LINE ON THE STEERING EXTENDER IS BELOW THE TOP OF THE BASE! Riding while the “MAX EXTENSION” line is above the base could result in the steering extender breaking during operation or being pulled out of the base, causing a fall. Never use an ElliptiGO product with the “MAX EXTENSION” line visible above the base.
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6. Release the safety index pin and make fine movements on the steering extender until the pin aligns with the correct hole on the steering extender and springs completely back into place. Ensure that no red marks are visible on the pin.
WARNING! THE SAFETY INDEX PIN
SHOULD BE FULLY SEATED SO THAT NO RED MARKINGS ARE VISIBLE ONCE THE STEERING HEIGHT IS SET. Failure to fully seat the index pin could result in the steering column collapsing during operation. This would likely cause the rider to lose control and fall.
7. Secure the steering extender quick release lever by grasping the steering extender for leverage and using enough force to leave an impression on your hand. See the Quick Release Clamping System section for details on closing quick release levers.
WARNING! Securing the quick release
properly is critically important. Failure to do so could result in the steering extender collapsing or being removed unexpectedly while riding, causing the rider to fall. Make sure to follow the instructions set out in the Quick Release Clamping Systems section when closing a quick release lever.
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NO! Do not exceed MAX EXTENSION
line!
Owner’s Manual
The Storage Position
To place the non-folding steering column into the storage position, follow these steps:
1. Open the steering extender quick release.
2. Pull and hold out the safety index pin with one hand while removing the steering extender from the base collar with the other hand.
3. The extender, stem, and handlebar assembly can now be placed securely near the ElliptiGO® bike for storage.
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Folding Steering Column - Models 8S and 11R
8S and 11R model ElliptiGO bikes come equipped with a steering column that telescopes to adjust the height of the riding position and folds for the storage position. The folding steering column consists of the following components:
1. The base
2. The collar
3. The column
4. The steering extender
5. The steering extender quick release
6. The steering collar quick releases
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The Riding Position
When in the riding position, the column extends vertically up from the base, the steering extender is set to the correct depth in the column, the bottom of the collar is flush with the top flange of the base and set to the “LOCK” position, and all quick release levers are firmly closed. The correct steering extender depth is reached when the handlebar height is the most comfortable for the rider when riding and the “MAX EXTENSION” line is not visible above the base. This height is usually set so that the rider stands tall when riding with little to no weight on his/ her hands or wrists.
To place the folding steering column into the riding position, follow these steps:
1. Place the bike on the kickstand.
2. Open both collar quick releases.
3. Slide the collar towards the handlebars along the steering column to clear the pivot.
4. Lift the steering column up into the vertical position so that it is in-line with the base.
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NO GAP
5. Rotate the collar so that the arrow aligns with the “OPEN” marking on the right side of the steering base.
6. Slide the collar down over the pivot until the bottom of the collar sits flush on the flange of the base.
WARNING! ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO GAP BETWEEN THE BOTTOM OF THE COLLAR AND THE STEERING BASE FLANGE! Allowing a gap between the collar and the base could result in the collar rising above the pivot during a ride and the entire steering column collapsing unexpectedly. This would likely result in the rider losing control and suering serious injuries from an ensuing fall.
7. Rotate the collar clockwise until the arrow on the collar aligns with the “LOCK” marking on the back of the steering column base.
8. Close both collar quick releases to lock the collar onto the steering column. The force applied to closing the lever should leave an imprint in your hand. See the section on Quick Release Clamping Systems above for details.
9. Open the steering extender quick release.
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10. Slide the extender until the handlebars are at a desired riding position. Ensure that the “MAX EXTENSION” line on the steering extender is not visible above the base.
WARNING! ENSURE THAT THE “MAX EXTENSION” LINE ON THE STEERING EXTENDER IS BELOW THE TOP OF THE BASE! Riding while the “MAX EXTENSION” line is above the base could result in the steering extender breaking during operation or being pulled out of the base, causing a fall. Never use an ElliptiGO product with the “MAX EXTENSION” line visible above the base.
11. Close the steering extender quick release lever firmly, using the steering column for leverage. The force applied to closing the lever should leave an imprint in your hand. See the section on Quick Release Clamping Systems above for details.
WARNING! Securing the quick releases properly is critically important. Failure to do so could result in the steering extender collapsing or being removed unexpectedly while riding, causing the rider to fall and be seriously injured. Make sure to follow the instructions set out in the Quick Release Clamping Systems section when closing a quick release lever.
WARNING! The steering column is one of the most important safety features on ElliptiGO products. Before you ride, it is critical that you ensure it has been secured properly in the riding position and the quick release levers are fully closed with the appropriate amount of tension. Failure to properly secure the steering column into the riding position before riding can result in the unexpected folding of the steering column and failure to secure a quick release can result in the unexpected collapsing or removal of the steering column extender, any of which will likely cause the rider to fall and be seriously injured or killed.
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Do not exceed MAX EXTENSION line.
Owner’s Manual
The Storage Position
To place the folding steering column into the storage position, follow these steps:
1. Open both collar quick releases.
2. Rotate collar 90 degrees counter­ clockwise until index mark on collar lines up with “OPEN” mark on base.
3. Slide collar up above folding pivot.
4. Fold the steering column inward toward the center of the bike 90 degrees.
5. Slide the collar back so the groove on the collar engages the steering base.
6. While holding the collar tight against the steering base, close both collar quick-releases to lock into the storage position.
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Brakes
Your elliptical bike comes equipped with front and rear rim brakes actuated by hand levers attached to the handlebars. One lever actuates the front brake and the other actuates the rear brake. The brakes are comprised of the following components:
1. Left brake pad
2. Left caliper
3. Brake noodle
4. Quick release bracket
5. Brake cable boot
6. Brake cable
7. Right caliper
8. Right brake pad
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Each brake has a quick release mechanism that enables the corresponding wheel to be removed without deflating the tire. To open the brake quick release system, follow these steps:
1. Place the bike on the kickstand.
2. With one hand, squeeze the calipers together.
3. While holding the calipers, use the other hand to pull the brake noodle towards the hinge of the bracket (towards the left caliper). Use a finger of the hand squeezing the calipers to push the bracket cage down while simultaneously pulling up on the brake noodle so that the brake cable passes through the slot in the top of the quick release bracket.
4. Release the calipers so that they can spring open. To close the brake quick release system, follow these steps:
1. Place the bike on the kickstand.
2. With one hand, squeeze the calipers together.
3. With the other hand, pull the brake noodle towards the hinge of the bracket and slide the cable through the slot in the bracket. Then release the brake noodle so that it slides through the large hole at the edge of the bracket.
4. Release the calipers and test the brakes by actuating the corresponding brake lever on the handlebars and ensuring the close properly.
WARNING! Ensure that the brake quick release system is properly closed and your brakes are functioning properly before riding your bike. If the brake quick release system is open or closed improperly, the brake will not function. Riding without operating brakes is extremely dangerous
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and drastically increase the likelihood that the rider will collide with another object and suer serious injury.
The correct way to apply the brakes under normal stopping conditions is to gently actuate both levers, having the rear brake engage the rear rim first and then slowly applying the front brake until it engages the front rim, then applying force to lever simultaneously to bring the bike to a smooth, controlled stop.
However, there is more to it than this, especially in emergency braking situations. Braking force is at its peak just before a wheel “locks up” and starts to skid. Once a wheel locks up, the braking force is greatly reduced and, more importantly, the bike becomes extremely dicult to control. The important skill to learn to optimize braking eectiveness is how to get to the maximum braking force quickly without locking up a wheel. This is best done by smoothly and eciently increasing the braking force until maximum braking force is reached, as opposed to pulling the brakes to the point of maximum braking force immediately, which will likely result in overshooting on one or both brakes, causing tire lock up and skidding.
WARNING! Always apply the brakes in a smooth controlled manner. Start braking with the rear brake first, but always use both brakes to control speed. Applying the brakes too quickly or with too much force can result in a wheel “locking up” and the rider losing control and suering a fall.
Be aware that as you slow down, inertia will cause your
body weight to move forward. The quicker you slow down, the quicker your body weight will shift forward. This eect makes avoiding rear wheel lock up even more challenging because one of the variables that determine when a wheel will lock up is the amount of weight supported by that wheel. The lighter the weight, the less force required to lock up the wheel. As a result, proper braking requires an adjustment for this shift in body weight as well as an active eort on your part to minimize this eect by consciously shifting your weight rearward during braking. However, usually to accommodate for this shift in body weight, you should apply more braking force to the front wheel and less to the rear wheel as the rate of deceleration increases and your weight is disproportionately borne by the front wheel. This weight distribution inequality becomes even more pronounced when braking downhill. The declined slope encourages a greater shift in weight towards the front wheel during deceleration, increasing the likelihood of a rear wheel lock up and requiring more braking force to be placed on the front wheel during an emergency stop.
Also, as discussed above, wet road conditions greatly reduce the stopping ability of an elliptical bike. Rim brakes rely on friction between the brake pad and the rim to slow rotation of the wheel. A wet rim will reduce the amount of friction that can be generated, especially at the initial stages of braking. Similarly, a wet road surface reduces the amount of traction for the tires, allowing the wheels to lock up more easily. These are two of the primary reasons why we discourage riding during wet conditions. If you must ride when the roads are wet, then the best way to adjust for this loss in stopping power is to slow down, to
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