GT STREET MACHINE User Manual
Operating Manual and
Service Instructions
NEW
recumbent-
technology
2002
HP
Velotechnik
July 2002
General safety instructions
Intended use – 3
The first miles – 3
Legal requirements – 3
Load capacity – 4
Carrying luggage – 4
Transport in the car – 5
Do not take kids with you – 5
Trailers – 5
Added parts and accessories – 5
Fairings – 5
Replacement of parts – 6
No alteration of parts – 6
Final assembly – 6
Screws and bolts – 6
Adjusting your new bike
Adjusting the leg length – 7
Adjusting the seat position – 11
Adjusting the handlebars – 13
Adjusting the suspension – 16
Handling instructions
Learning the new riding technique – 24
Wear protective clothing – 25
Use cleatless pedals – 25
Slowly increase the strain – 26
Do not ride freehand – 26
How to ride correctly and safely – 26
Quick release levers – 27
Brakes – 28
Gear system – 30
Light system – 31
Prop stand – 32
Table of Contents
-
HP
Velotechnik
Maintenance and care
Wear and Tear – 33
Brakes – 33
Gear system – 35
Chain – 36
Chain tubes – 38
Chain roller – 40
Suspension fork – 41
Rear suspension element – 45
Swing arm pivot – 47
Seat – 48
Seat cushion – 49
Water bottle cage – 50
Mudguards – 50
Wheels – 51
Cleaning and conservation – 52
Storing the bicycle – 54
Screws and bolts – 54
Tightening torques for screws – 55
Warranty Pass
Warranty – 56
Warranty Pass – 57
Service Plan – 58
Proofs of service – 62
Revision July 2002. For latest product information, please check out our website at
www.hpvelotechnik.com. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
HP V
ELOTECHNIK
Bleichstrasse 5
65830 Kriftel / Germany
Tel. ++49 (0) 61 92 - 97 99 2-0
Fax ++49 (0) 61 92 - 91 02 18
thank you for buying a recumbent bike designed by HP VELO-
TECHNIK and congratulations on the purchase of your new
Street Machine GT! With the Street Machine GT, a high-quality
touring bike, you will enjoy many years of exhilarating riding
pleasure.
Your safety and your satisfaction are our main concern. On the
following pages, this manual will inform you about important
safety issues as well as maintenance and care instructions.
Even if you have many years of experience with bicycles please
do take your time to read this manual carefully before the first
ride.Your recumbent bike is designed with the latest bicycle
technology by HP V
ELOTECHNIK that partly needs special treat-
ment and care.
In this manual you will find detailed instructions on how to
optimize your Street Machine GT to meet your demands and
riding style as well as your size and weight.
In addition to this, we have put together a collection of information on care and maintenance as well as special technical advice from our engineers.
This guide helps you to keep your Street Machine GT in perfect
condition so that you will always have maximum fun, comfort
and safety.
Enjoy yourselves and have a great ride!
Paul J.W. Hollants, Dipl.-Ing. Daniel Pulvermüller
and the HP V
ELOTECHNIK team
1
HP
Velotechnik
Introduction
Dear customer,
To this user manual also belong the original
manuals of component manufacturers such as
the brake manufacturer, the gear system manufacturer and the pedal manufacturer.These manuals tell you in detail how to operate and
maintain those specific parts. Please do read
the manuals of the part manufacturers as carefully as the manual on hand. Please have other
users of your recumbent also read the manuals before using the bike.
The maintenance and adjustment of this recumbent partly require special tools and skills.
Do only work within your limits and, in the
interests of your own safety, do not go beyond. Should you be uncertain at any point, get
in contact with your local dealer.
The instructions in this manual apply only to a
completely assembled Street Machine GT with
standard parts from the series production of
HP VELOTECHNIK.
On special demand HP V
ELOTECHNIK delivers
frame kits with which a specialist dealer can
assemble a bicycle individually. In this case the
manuals on the operation and maintenance of
the parts only represent a guideline, please do
read every manual of every part manufacturer.
The specialist dealer is responsible for the expert assembly, please contact him for detailed
advice! A bicycle that has been assembled from
a frame kit must always be tested and approved by a qualified bicycle mechanic before your
first ride.
Introduction
2
HP
Velotechnik
Caution! The texts in the gray boxes are
particularly important for your safety.Texts
that begin with "Danger!" mark an immediate danger for your life and your health.
Please do read them carefully.
General safety instructions
3
HP
Velotechnik
Legal requirements
When you ride your bike on the public road it
must comply with national legislation and guidelines.These will vary from country to country.
In general, there are minimum standards for
brakes, reflectors and lighting systems, as well
as usually a general duty to ensure that your
vehicle is in roadworthy safe condition.There
will also be a duty to ride in a safe and responsible manner. If you ride your HP V
ELOTECHNIK
bike in traffic you should be sure to observe
all the applicable laws and regulations.
In most countries, including Germany and the
UK, two independent braking systems are required. Do not ride with only one brake working!
Please contact your local dealer to find out about your legal obligations.
General Safety Instructions
Intended use
Your Street Machine GT is a bicycle for the
use on streets and surfaced roads.
This bicycle is not designed for the use in racing and off-road riding, for jumping or acrobatics, and you must not ride across kerbs, stairs,
etc.
Damage through inappropriate use, assembly
errors, accidents or similar activities and willful
damage results in the loss of any warranty.
The intended use also includes the precise observation of the prescribed usage and maintenance regulations and instructions.
The first miles
The first 300 km are an important phase in
which you break in the bicycle. During the first
use of a new bicycle the screws may bed in
and come loose. Cables and spokes may
stretch. Please be very attentive during that
period.
After 300 km or after two months at the latest you will have to take your bicycle to a bicycle mechanic for the first service. Please record this first service and the tasks performed
in the warranty pass on page 57.This first service is the prerequisite for further use of the
bicycle and for your warranty claims.
4
HP
Velotechnik
Load capacity
The maximum load (rider + luggage) is 120 kg
(276 lbs).The maximum total weight (bicycle +
rider + luggage) is 140 kg (322 lbs).The lower
limit is valid. It is important to adjust the
spring stiffness of the suspension according to
the load, see the chapter about adjusting the
suspension in this manual, page 16.
Carrying luggage
Luggage transport is only allowed with the
special rear racks, lowrider racks and luggage
boxes offered by HP Velotechnik .
Maximum load:
Rear rack 25 kg (57 lbs)
Lowrider under the seat 25 kg (57 lbs)
Luggage box (Speedbag) 10 kg (23 lbs)
When a rear rack or a Speedbag is mounted
you have to make sure that when the rear suspension is fully compressed there is at least a
1 cm (
1
/3") distance between the rear tire or
mudguard and the rear rack. If you want to increase this distance you have to decrease the
suspension travel of the rear suspension element with clip-on spacers. For that purpose
please consult your local dealer.
Additional loading can influence thehandling of
your bike considerably. If you plan on riding
with heavy luggage we advise you to make a
test ride on a street with no traffic to adjust
to the new situation.
The load should be placed as close to the body of the rider as possible, since this leads to a
more stable performance.You can also improve the handling of the bike by positioning the
center of gravity of the luggage as low as possible, so pack heavy items in the bottom of
your panniers. Hang heavy panniers on the lowrider rack preferably to the rear rack.
Be careful that your luggage on the racks or in
the Speedbag is safely stored. Bags must be
tightly fastened to the rack so they can not
move. In no case may loose parts like straps or
belts touch the wheels, the derailleur or the
suspension.
We recommend waterproof bicycle bags by
the German manufacturer O
RTLIEB.You can buy
them with extra large hooks matching the
oversized tubes of the rack.You can also refit
those large hooks later.
Take care that your luggage does not cover
the lighting system and the reflectors of your
bicycle and that they stay fully functional.
In case you want to park your bicycle take care to lean it on a wall or any other solid object.With the kickstand alone it is not possible
to safely park a bicycle loaded with luggage, it
could fall down and be damaged.
General Safety Instructions
General safety instructions
5
HP
Velotechnik
Transport in the car
The best way of transporting your bicycle is
inside the car. See that it does not lie on the
derailleur.
If you want to transport it outside the car we
recommend a roof-rack or a rear carrier.Take
care to fasten your bicycle at the frame only.
Please remove any part that could come loose
during transport (seat cushion, water bottles,
luggage bags, pumps, pennants, etc.).
Do not take kids with you
The Street Machine GT is not designed for the
transport of children.You are not allowed to
mount a child's seat. It is only allowed to
transport children in a trailer that has been
specially designed for that purpose.
Trailers
You are allowed to use trailers up to 30 kg (68
lbs) with the Street Machine GT. Always check
that the suspension and the trailer still work
properly after you have mounted the trailer.
Take care that the trailer does not damage the
frame in case the bicycle falls over.
Added parts and accessories
Additional accessories may impair the function
of your Street Machine GT. We advise you to
generally ask your dealer before you mount
any special parts or accessories to your bicycle.
Take care that the handlebar and the suspension always stay mobile.You may not add any
parts to the handlebar or the seat that might
endanger the rider through sharp edged or
pointed shapes while steering, getting on and
off the bike or bumping against something.
Before you purchase a bell or a lighting system
make sure that these accessories conform to
your national laws and regulations.
Fairings
As front fairing for the Street Machine GT, you
may use the Streamer offered by HP
V
ELOTECHNIK. Please take care to assure a good
vision over the fairing and sufficient freedom
of movement below.
Please take into account that any fairing makes
the bicycle more prone to crosswind influences. In strong wind or gusts of wind unsafe situations may occur. Please remove the fairing
in such weather conditions before riding.
Caution! Do not fasten your bicycle at the
handlebar or, with disassembled wheels, at
the dropouts.The wind causes violent forces
that can stress the parts and therefore may
cause damage. Such damage may not be noticed immediately.
Caution! Mounting additional parts or accessories is at your own risk. It is important
that you carefully read the installation guide
of the manufacturer.Additions to the handlebar like fairings, handlebar fittings, bottle holders, etc. may impair your safety due to additional loading or clips with sharp edges.
6
HP
Velotechnik
Replacement of parts
The replacement of parts relevant for safety
(especially brakes, light system, stem, handlebar,
fork, drive train, suspension elements) should
only be done with original parts by a bicycle
mechanic, since it requires a certain degree of
skill, suitable tools and mechanical aptitude.
Any technical change you perform on your
own is at your own risk!
No alteration of parts
Final assembly
Your bike has been delivered to your specialist
dealer only partly assembled.
Your dealer has carefully finished the assembly,
perhaps altered the spefication of your bike to
meet your special requirements and performed a test ride. Please make sure that this
pre-delivery service is recorded in the warranty document at the end of this manual.
All screws must be checked and tightened, especially on the handlebar, stem, fork, swing arm
pivot and wheels. Please follow the tightening
torque settings listed in the table on page 55.
Rear derailleur and brakes must be checked
and adjusted. Please follow the instructions in
the manuals of the parts manufacturers that
come with this manual.
Screws and bolts
General Safety Instructions
Danger! If any part is deformed (e.g. due to
an accident or overload), especially frame,
fork, handlebar, seat mounts, pedals, cranks
and brakes, it is not allowed to use it any
further or repair it. Do not try to straighten
bent parts.You must replace them for your
own safety. If you do not replace a damaged
part it can result in a total failure of the part
and you may be seriously injured!
Caution! You are not allowed to perform
any work on the parts of the bicycle, especially frame, fork, handlebar and seat, which
might endanger their solidity.
These works include drilling holes, welding,
brazing, paint methods that add heat or any
other chemical treatment. If any of these
works is done improperly it may result in a
loss of strength through direct damage or
increased susceptibility to corrosion.
Caution! Screws must be tightened with
prescribed tightening torque. In this manual
tightening torques are given in "Nm“
(Newtonmeter).Always use a torque
wrench wherever a torque setting is given in
this manual. Never rely on "feel". Screws
tightened too much or not enough can
break, which can lead to dangerous accidents. In case you don't own a torque
wrench have your bicycle mechanic do the
respective work.You will find a table with
the prescribed torque settings on page 55 in
this manual.
Adjusting your new bike
7
HP
Velotechnik
Before the first ride: adjusting your
new Street Machine GT
The seating position is essential for your riding
comfort, well-being and efficient cycling on the
Street Machine GT.Therefore you should adjust the frame, seat, handlebar and suspension
to your individual requirements.
In order to adapt the Street Machine GT as
closely as possible to your body dimensions
and to find the ideal seating position you need
to adjust the front boom, seat and handlebars.
Adjusting the leg length: moving the
front boom
In order to adjust the leg length you have to
move the front boom (the front part of the
frame where the cranks are mounted) within
the main frame. Unscrew the screw M8x35 under the main tube with a 6 mm Allen key.Take
a grip on the front changer tube or both
cranks and move the front boom into the frame or pull it out while cautiously turning it.
When you pull out the front boom shift the
chain on the smallest chain ring and sprocket
and turn the cranks a little bit backwards while pulling.Thus the chain is not under tension.
Adjusting the leg length
Danger! All procedures described here re-
quire a certain degree of skill, suitable tools
and mechanical aptitude.After any adjustment perform a static check and take a testride on a quiet street, away from traffic. If
you have any doubts please contact your local dealer.
Caution! After you have unscrewed the
clamping screws take them off and examine
them for deformation. Lubricate threads and
heads thoroughly.Then re-fit the screws. If
they don't turn easily you will have to replace the screws.
Unscrew the clamping screw to adjust the front boom.
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HP
Velotechnik
In order to check the adjustments have another person hold the bicycle while you are sitting on the recumbent.
Adjust the front boom in such a way that your
leg is fully extended when your heel (wearing
flat shoes) is in the foremost position on the
pedal. Experience shows that the pedal-to-seat
distance on a recumbent can be slightly longer
than on a conventional bike.
While you are pedaling, the ball of your foot
should be positioned over the center of the
pedal axle.
It is important that your leg is not fully straightened when the crank is in the foremost position. If the distance is too great it is difficult to
overcome this dead point, pedaling becomes
uncomfortable and there is too much strain on
the sinews of your feet and legs. If the distance
is too short you may suffer from knee pain or
your legs bump on the handlebar.
For riders with a short leg length the front
boom has to be cut by a bicycle mechanic, so
that it can be inserted to the maximum. It is
important to trim the end of the tube neatly.
The bare metal of the shortened tube end has
to be protected against corrosion with a paint
stick or wax spray.
The opening of the main frame is padded with
a plastic paper sleeve that accomplishes the required clamping and protects the surface of
the front boom.When the front boom has
been completely removed take care not to damage the plastic paper adding while inserting it
again.
Adjusting the leg length
Adjust the front boon so that your knee will not be fully straightened when pedaling.
Caution! The minimum insertion depth of
the front boom into the main frame is 10
cm (4"). In no case may the end of the front
boom be visible in the clamping slot when
you look at the main frame from below, since it may result in a damage of the frame.
The rear end of the front boon must never be visible in the clamping slot.
Adjust the front boom so that the bottom
bracket axle is horizontal when you look at it
from the front. For that purpose look beyond
the bottom bracket shell at the rear wheel axle and align the front boom parallel to it.Align
your eyes with the bottom bracket axle and
not the front changer tube above.Then sit on
your bicycle and check the position. (Hint:
When you have the impression that the bottom bracket is turned alternately to the left
and then to the right when cycling you will have found the correct middle position).
Tighten the screw with a torque wrench (tightening torque 14-16 Nm). On your first ride
check whether there is sufficient clamping.
In order to move the bottom bracket tube
your specialist dealer has to adjust the chain
length. By default the Street Machine GT comes with a very long chain so that the adjustment range of the bicycle can be fully used without the need to lengthen the chain.
After the first adjustment of the leg length that
you have done together with your specialist
dealer while handing over the bicycle, the
chain has to be shortened so that the arm of
the derailleur is not fully turned forward while
shifting on the big chain ring in front and the
big sprocket behind.The derailleur must still
be able to compensate a length change of the
chain of at least 4 cm. In order to choose the
right chain length, please consult the manual of
the derailleur manufacturer.
Adjusting your new bike
9
HP
Velotechnik
Danger!If the screw is tightened too much
or bent, the screw can break! If the clamping
is insufficient the front boom can turn during a ride which may cause your feet to slip
from the pedals and lead to a dangerous fall.
Danger! After the chain has been shortened it has to be closed with a special closing
link or a chain riveting tool that expands the
rivet while riveting (i.e. R
OHLOFF- Revolver).
A poorly joined chain may break and thus
lead to a fall. Have adjustments of the chain
length or the changing of the chain be done
by your bicycle mechanic.
Caution! Take care that the chain tubes have at least a clearance of 5 cm (2") to the
rear derailleur and the front changer even
under maximum tension of the chain and
that the tubes stay tight in their fastenings.
Shorten the tubes if necessary. If the end of
the chain tube gets into the rotating drive
train it could be locked-up and destroyed.
The end of the rear chain tube has to be
tightly secured with a cable tie behind the
retention spring.
Check that there is at least a 5 cm (2") clearance between the
end of the chain tube and other parts of the drive train.
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HP
Velotechnik
After you have adjusted the front boom you
should seal the gap in the clamping slot between the front boom and the main frame with
wax or silicone in order to protect your frame
from the penetration of water and dirt and
hence damage through corrosion which may
lead to a broken frame.
We recommend you to slightly readjust the
front boom every 3 months so that knee, muscless and ankles will be used differently, and
you might find a more comfortable and more
efficient riding position.
A wrong adjustment may lead to pain in your
knees and inefficient pedaling. In addition we
recommend to ride with a high pedaling cadence, which means to pedal fast and with little pressure. Pedaling with too much pressure
may also lead to pain in the knees.You will find
more information about this on page 26.
Adjusting the leg length
Adjusting your new bike
11
HP
Velotechnik
Choose the right size
The selection of the right seat size and the
proper seat angle is crucial for a comfortable
feeling while riding a recumbent.
By the time you read this manual, you will already have chosen the correct seat size together
with your specialist dealer. In the following
section you will find the most important items
very briefly, in case you don't feel comfortable
with your current seat size.
The upper curve of the seat in the area of the
shoulder blades determines the correct seat
size:Through this shape the shoulder and neck
area is lifted from the recumbent position so
that the head rests in a natural and relaxed
position. For this reason you shouldn't need a
head rest if you have the right seat position. In
practice, a head rest is not very advisable because it makes it difficult to turn your head to
see the traffic behind you and it transfers unpleasant vibrations, even on a well suspended
bicycle.
In order to adjust the seat to your back length
the seat comes in four different sizes:
Approximate values are: Under a height of
1,73 m (5' 8") we recommend seat size S, up
to 1,83 m (6' 4") height seat size M, up to 1,93
m (6' 7") height seat size L, and above we recommend seat size XL. Since however the
length and the shape of the back differ from
person to person we recommend you to carry
out an extensive test ride before ordering. If
you are in doubt we advise you to choose the
larger size, since it will be more comfortable in
most cases.
The seat is too small when you have the impression that your back is pressed too much
into a "hunchback". It is too large when you
have the impression that the seat angle is too
far back when you are in the most upright position, or when you hit the upper seat edge
with the back of your head when you look upwards. Please note that our seat sizes only refer to the length of the seat; the seat width remains the same on all sizes.
Altering the seat shape
You can alter the seat shape individually to
match the shape of your back by adding foam
material under the seat cushion.The seat has a
special channel down the center for your spine
with an extra layer of foam for the spine in the
seat form.Thus, the spinal processi of the vertebrae are comfortably padded. Some people
have single vertebrae that stick out particularly. If your spine is like this you can cut out some padding material at the respective spot in
the spine channel.
The foam cushion in the spine channel is fastened with Velcro and is thus adjustable. Some
users find it comfortable when the seat rises a
little bit at the front edge.This raise gives a
little more hold to the front and can reduce a
possible feeling of slipping out, especially when
the seat position is upright.You can try it out
by fastening the foam cushion so that the lower end under the seat cushion forms a little
bump.You can purchase a special add-on for
your seat to permanently form such a bump.
Adjusting the seat position
HP VELOTECHNIK’s seats feature a special channel for the spine.
You can individually adjust the padding.
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HP
Velotechnik
Adjusting the seat angle
A big advantage of the Street Machine GT is
that you can adjust the seat angle very quickly.
For beginners or rides in the city you can
choose an upright seat position for a better
view, and for longer travels you can choose a
flat position for better aerodynamics.
The seat is fastened with two quick release levers on slotted aluminum seat mounts.You can
adjust the angle by 10 degrees by simply opening the two quick release levers. In the medium seat position the angle is about 35° from
horizontal.
Because of the special cam shape of the two
slotted holes, the seat effectively pivots around
a central axis, approximately in the area of the
lower lumbar vertebrae.This is the place where you support the biggest part of your pedaling force while riding, so this point determines
the distance to the pedals.The advantage of
this design is that you adjust the distance from
the seat to the bottom bracket only once as
described above, a change in the seat angle
does not require an adjustment of the front
boom.
Adjusting the seat with mounted
Speedbag
A mounted Speedbag impedes the access to
the rear quick release for the adjustment of
the seat angle.
Therefore you should adjust your seat prior to
mounting the Speedbag.You have to screw the
Speedbag to the seat afterwards.
It is possible to simplify the adjustment of the
seat by replacing the knurled nut of the rear
quick release by a big washer and a self-locking
hex headed nut.This allows you to tighten or
loosen the seat mounts with a tool you insert
from behind.
Adjusting the seat position
Caution! The two quick releases have to be
closed firmly (tightening force 15-20 kg / 45
lbs) to safely hold the seat.You are not allowed to open them while riding.After they
have been closed the imprint "close" must
be visible. If the quick releases are not tightened appropriately the seat can move while
riding and you may no more be able to
handle your bicycle.
Adjusting your new bike
13
HP
Velotechnik
Adjusting the handlebars
As standard equipment the Street Machine GT
comes with under seat steering.The position
of the handlebars is under the legs.
Alternatively, we offer above seat steering
where the handlebars are above the legs.
The handlebars are connected with the front
fork through a stem.There are different stems
for under seat steering in use:
a) a vertically adjustable stem that is inserted
in the steerer tube
b) a stem that is clamped onto the steerer
tube and at the same time fixes the
steering head bearing (so called "A head
stem")
Starting at the fork, both stems have to point
backwards to the seat.
a) Adjusting the stem - vertically adjustable
stem
Remove the rubber plug and undo the hex-headed screw that lies below. If the stem still
doesn't move then you can undo the clamping
in the stem shaft with a gentle punch on the
Allen key.
Mount your bicycle, fix the front wheel with
your feet and align the stem parallel to the
front wheel.
At the same time insert the stem so far in the
steerer tube that the handlebars move freely
under the seat even when the seat is in its
most upright position.The minimum distance
between seat and handlebars is 5 mm.Take care that the minimum distance between the
handlebar clamping at the stem and the frame
of your bike is 5 mm.
Adjusting the handlebars
Tighten the screw with 14-16 Nm. Check the
clamping by trying to turn the stem against the
front wheel. Remount the rubber cap.
b)Adjusting the stem - A head stem
The A head stem is clamped onto the steerer
tube with two screws.At the same time it fixes the steering head bearing.
Adjusting the stem
In case you only want to adjust the already
mounted stem parallel to the front wheel you
don't have to undo the screw on the cap.
Mount your bicycle, fix the front wheel with
your feet and align the stem parallel to the
front wheel.
Then tighten both clamping screws alternately
with 8-10 Nm. Check the clamping by trying
to turn the stem against the front wheel.
Check the play of the steering head bearing,
see below.
Danger! Adjusting the stem also requires
some work at the steering head bearing. In
case of assembly errors the danger of accidents is increased. If you are in doubt have
your bicycle mechanic adjust the stem.
Danger! The hex-headed screw in the cap
adjusts the play of the steering head bearing.
This screw does not help to clamp the stem
tightly to the steerer tube. It does not secure it against turning.Take care that both
clamping screws on the side are tightened as
prescribed after you have finished your
works at the stem. Otherwise the stem may
turn while riding and cause an accident.
Adjusting the head set bearing play
The head set bearing has to be adjusted so
that the fork with the front wheel turns easily
without showing play.
To check the bearing play pull the front brake
and grab with your other hand the upper bearing cup. Now move your bicycle back and
forth. If the steering head bearing has play the
upper cup moves noticeably in contrast to the
fixed part. In that case undo the clamping
screws and tighten the screw in the cap a bit
more.
To check whether the front wheel turns
smoothly lift your bicycle at the frame so that
the front wheel moves freely above the
ground. Lean your bike to the side. Now the
handlebars should moove smoothly immediately.When you hold the frame straight and
push the handlebars slightly they should move
smoothly from their middle position. If the bearing is too tight undo the clamping screws at
the side and loosen the hex-headed screw in
the cap a little bit by turning it anti clockwise.
Now move the stem upwards by swinging it a
little bit.
After you have adjusted the bearing play check
if the stem is adjusted in a parallel position to
the front wheel and tighten the two clamping
screws alternately with 8-10 Nm. Check the
clamping by trying to turn the stem against the
front wheel.
Check whether the handlebars move freely without touching the frame or the seat.
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Velotechnik
Removing/mounting the stem
Remove the lower quick release of the seat
mount and lift the seat.
Take off the cap of the steerer tube and remove the hex-headed screw in the cap completely.
Undo both clamping screws at the side of the
stem. Now you can remove the stem upwards.
To mount the stem put it on the lubricated
steerer tube.Tighten the clamping screws at
the side a little bit, put on the cap and tighten
the hex-headed screw again through the cap.
Adjust the steering head bearing. (see below).
Then tighten the two clamping screws alternately with 8-10 Nm. Check the clamping by trying to turn the stem against the front wheel.
Adjusting the handlebars
Caution! The stem fixes the steering head
bearing and holds the front fork with the
wheel.After the stem has been removed
these parts are no longer supported and
may fall down off the frame. Hold the fork
with one hand or secure the fork e.g. with a
cable tie at the frame.
While riding you should allow your arms to
rest in a relaxed position on the handlebars.
Do not pull on the handlebars. If the handlebars turn in the stem clamping during the ride
stop immediately and tighten the clamping
screw of the handlebars again. If the handlebars turn in a stem that is not sufficiently
clamped the handlebars or the stem might be
damaged or deformed. In that case a secure
clamping of the screw can no longer be guaranteed, even with the correct tightening torque, and handlebars and stem have to be exchanged.
You can make smaller adjustments by moving
the cables in their guides at the frame and the
handlebar, so that there is enough room at all
mobile parts. For this purpose you can move
the cable for the front changer a little bit into
or out of the frame. If this proves not to be
sufficient you will have to have your specialist
dealer shorten the cables or replace them by
longer cables.
Handlebar grips
The grips on the handlebar are susceptible to
wear and tear. Have your grips replaced by
your bike shop once they don't feel comfortable anymore.The grips always need to be attached firmly to the handlebar.
Adjusting your new bike
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Velotechnik
Adjusting the angle of the handlebars
By changing the angle of the handlebars you
can adjust the position of the grip to the
length of your upper body and your arms.
Most riders are comfortable with a 45° angle
so that the grip points diagonally to the front
and up.The more upright the grip position the
lesser is the maximum possible cramp of the
handlebars, since it touches your legs earlier.
In order to change the angle, undo the screw
of the handlebars clamping by some turns.Turn
the handlebars until they are in your favorite
position. Check that the stem clamps the
handlebars exactly in the middle.Tighten the
clamping screw with 10-12 Nm. Check the
correct clamping of the handlebars by mounting your bike and pulling the handlebars. In
doing so they must not turn.
Please take care that the clamping area of the
stem is thoroughly trimmed and does not have
any sharp edges which may lead to a rupture
of the handlebars.
Caution! After you have adjusted the handlebar position you also have to adjust the
length of the brake cables and shifter cables.
The cables have to run smoothly without
any sharp turns and they may not be bent or
stretched beyond their elastic limit when the
handlebar is at maximum cramping.Also avoid large arches that could be caught up in
other parts.
Danger! Every time you undo the clamping
connection you'll have to check the screw. It
must not be bent, corroded or damaged. In
addition to this you'll have to check the welded-on thread nut of the clamping.The thread must not be damaged and the screw
must turn easily. In case of damage or deformation you have to exchange the clamping
screw immediately.
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Velotechnik
Purpose of the adjustment of the
suspension
Your Street Machine GT is fitted with a suspension fork for the front wheel and a rear
swing arm for the suspension of the rear
wheel.This system compensates small bumps
on the road so that riding is comfortable and
the strain on your bicycle is reduced.
A well-adjusted suspension improves the traction of your bicycle. Especially in bends this
does not only allow a higher speed but it also
increases your safety.
In order to achieve maximum riding comfort,
the suspension settings have to match your
weight as well as the road condition.
The goals of the adjustment are:
● maximum use of the available suspension
travel without the suspension frequently
bottoming out
● quick reaction of the suspension without
obvious oscillation after having passed
a bump
● avoiding self inforcing oscillations, that means
increasing oscillations of the suspension
system due to pedaling influence, rhythmic
body movements or permanent wavy
underground
Suspension and damping
The suspension systems of the suspension fork
and the rear swing arm are fitted with the actual springs and dampers, which are mounted
separately.
Often, the terms suspension and damping are
used inappropriately in everyday language.
The spring is the elastic element that compresses and decompresses through the load,
which occurs on bumpy roads.While decompressing the spring releases the same energy it
has saved during compression.
The Street Machine GT is fitted with coil
springs of steel at the suspension fork and the
rear fork swing arm. In addition to this the
suspension fork contains springs made of microcellular foam elastomers. (MCU).
The damper slows down the process of compression and decompression.That means that
the bicycle after having passed a bump does
not immediately "spring" back to the initial position or even further than that.The damper
converts spring energy into friction and finally
into heat, and thus takes away energy from the
suspension system.That way the damper prevents that the spring swings uncontrolled after
an initial stimulation. In addition the damper
helps to avoid self inforcing oscillations of the
suspension that may be caused by reoccurring
stimulation like pedaling forces within a crank
revolution or the rhythmic up and down movement of the legs.
The hydraulic damping of the rear suspension
is adjustable, in case you have mounted the optional suspension element DMM ST8ARC.
Adjusting the suspension
Adjusting to load
The luggage carriers of the Street Machine GT
are mounted to the suspended part of the frame.That way your luggage is also fully suspended and it spares the material. Most notably,
even under heavy load the suspension will
compensate an uneven road much better and
quicker compared to a design where the luggage carrier would be mounted to the unsuspended parts, e.g. the rear swing arm.
Additional luggage changes the load of the
wheels and their suspension.The suspensions
are more compressed through the load.That
way, there is less suspension travel for bumps
while riding.Your suspension could seize up
more often.
The suspension of the front wheel is less affected since luggage at the rear rack almost only
puts weight on the rear wheel. Only in case of
heavy luggage on the lowrider under the seat
is there an influence on the front wheel.
In order to compensate the variations in the
load you can change the pre-load. For details
see the following chapter.
Theoretically this can compensate for a load
change of approx. 10 kg (23 lbs) at the rear
wheel. In case of higher variations in the load
you would have to exchange the spring for another spring with another spring stiffness. In
practice you can often do without it: the
Street Machine GT offers with 90 mm (3
1
/2") a
lot of suspension travel for a touring bike.
When you choose the spring stiffness so that
the full 90 mm are at your disposal when your
recumbent is under maximum load, you will
have a somewhat smaller but still very comfortable suspension travel when you ride without
luggage.
Adjusting your new bike
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Velotechnik
You should always set the damping as low as
possible to give the bicycle the possibility to
quickly react even to several bumps in a row.
You can ride the Street Machine GT with a
considerably lower damping than for example
a MTB: due to the relaxed and steady position
of the body the recumbent does not experience extreme variations in the load as it is
known from dancing on the pedals while riding
uphill on a mountain bike.
In addition to this, varying pedaling forces have
very little influence on the suspension of the
bicycle due to the No Squat design of the suspension system of the Street Machine GT. So
when you adjust the damping, always start with
a low damping.
It is necessary to choose the correct spring
stiffness to have a well operating suspension
system.The spring stiffness is a measure for
the compression of a spring at a certain load.
It is either given in "N/mm" (Newton per
Millimeters) or "lbs./inch" (Pounds per Inch).
Sometimes you only find "lbs." printed on the
springs.
The suspension is designed in a way that the
spring compresses considerably when you
mount your bicycle.This is called negative suspension travel and it enables the bicycle to decompress on bumpy roads. (Which is in fact a
definitely positive feature.) You should choose
a spring stiffness with which this negative suspension travel takes up around 30% of the
overall suspension travel.This value usually
provides a very comfortable ride on your fully
suspended recumbent bike designed by HP
V
ELOTECHNIK.
The knob must turn easily. If a knob does not
turn any further you have reached the final position. In that case turn the knob again in the
other direction about half a turn.
Do not turn the knob by force beyond the final position since this will damage the plastic
thread inside.
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Velotechnik
Adjusting the suspension
Adjusting the suspension fork
The front fork of the Street Machine GT comes with telescopic suspension forks from
BALLISTIC or M
EKS.
At your request different types of suspension
forks can be mounted to your Street Machine
GT, please notice the manuals of the suspension fork manufacturer that are possibly enclosed.
The suspension travel of the B
ALLISTIC fork is
approx. 40 mm (1
1
/2"), of the MEKS fork ap-
prox. 50 mm (2").
The suspension fork should compress by 30%
while mounting the bike, which corresponds to
10-12 mm.
You set this value by adjusting the pre-load of
the spring, provided you chose the correct
spring stiffness (page. 19).
Every model has a turning knob on the fork
legs that allows a simple adjustment of the
pre-load.
The suspension forks B
ALLISTIC XL-600All and
MEKS Carbon All have springs in both fork legs,
the suspension fork MEKS Carbon AC has
springs only in the left fork leg since the other
fork leg contains a hydraulic damping cartridge.
By turning the knobs clockwise you increase
the pre-load, by turning them anti clockwise
you decrease the pre-load.
It is sufficient to set the pre-load in the two
fork legs to approximately the same level. It is
not necessary to match them exactly.
Turning knob for the pre-load of the suspension fork BALLISTIC
XL-600All
Turning knob for the pre-load of the suspension forks MEKS
Carbon AC and M
EKS
Carbon All
Adjusting your new bike
19
HP
Velotechnik
Choosing the spring stiffness of the
suspension fork
Your suspension fork comes by default with a
standard spring that covers a wide range of load and riding styles.
If the spring stiffness should not meet your requirements after adjusting the pre-load or if
the suspension bottoms out too much, you
can order a spring with another spring stiffness through your dealer and have it mounted
there. For more information see page 41.
It is not important to exactly follow the recommended values for the negative travel, rather follow your feeling how the bicycle behaves during a ride, depending on the road situation.
While riding you should only seldom feel the
suspension bottoming out. However, in case
this never occurs the spring might be to hard
which means you don't use the total suspension travel.
The suspension fork MEKS Carbon AC is fitted
with a hydraulic damping unit. On the right
fork leg is a turning knob to adjust the damping.
You increase the damping by turning the knob
clockwise.
We recommend you to start with the lowest
possible damping. Only when the fork oscillates more than once after you have gone over a
bump should you increase the damping.
When the fork works fine when passing a single bump but stiffens distinctly when passing
several bumps that come quickly in a row, the
damping is too high. However, when the fork
"jumps" during the rebound movement the
damping has to be increased.
Turning knob for the adjustment of the damping of the suspension fork M
EKS Carbon AC.
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