HP Velotechnik Gekko fxs Operating Manual And Service Instructions
recumbent
2016
technology
... recline in style!
Velotechnik
HP
hpvelotechnik.com
Operating manual
and service instructions
Feb. 2016
OrthoFlex-Seat
Handlebar
Trike fender
Rear rack
Rear light and
braking light*
Gearhub
Chain and chaintubes
Idler
Standing-up aid*
Trike fender
Front boom quick adjust*
Companion bar*
Brake lever
Cranks and
chainrings
Headlight
Twist shifter
Pedals with heelstrap
and foot clamp
Track rod
Retention belt system
Mirror*
Front boom
Brake discs
Scheme of the Gekko fxs and its components.
Parts marked with * are options.
Parts marked with ** belong to the optional electric assist system.
Hub motor**
Batterie**
Folding hinge
Introduction
Dear customer,
thank you for buying the recumbent bike Gekko fxs designed by HP
Velotechnik and congratulations on the purchase of your new recumbent tricycle!
With this high-quality tricycle, you will enjoy many years of exhilarating riding pleasure.
Your satisfaction and the safety of your child 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 rst ride. Your
recumbent tricycle is designed with the latest recumbent technology
by HP
In this manual you will nd detailed instructions on how to optimize
your tricycle 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. Important: Please send us the attached
warranty registration form for your extended warranty (see page 76).
Velotechnik that partly needs special treatment and care.
This guide helps you to keep your tricycle in perfect condition so you
will always experience maximum fun, comfort and safety.
Enjoy yourselves and have a great ride!
Paul J.W. Hollants, Dipl.-Ing. Daniel Pulvermüller and the
HP
Velotechnik team
Velotechnik
HP
1
Content
Safety instructions 4
General safety instructions 4
Intended use 5
Indications 5
Contraindications 5
Individualisation 5
Load capacity 6
Carrying luggage 6
Final assembly 6
Bolts and nuts 7
Quick release levers 7
The rst miles 8
Safety instructions (bicycle) 9
Legal requirements 9
No alteration of parts 9
Frame number and identication marks 10
Added parts and accessories 10
Replacement of parts 10
Transport of children 11
Pedelec system 11
Trailer 11
Handling instructions 12
Riding a recumbent tricycle 12
Learning the new riding technique 12
How to ride correctly and safely 13
Wear protective clothing 13
Use special pedals 13
Slowly increase the strain 14
Adjusting your new tricycle 15
Basic adjustment of the frame length 15
The OrthoFlex mesh seat 17
Adjusting the seat mesh 18
Adjusting the seat back angle 18
Padding with seat cushion elements 18
Attaching the retention belt system 19
The head rest 21
Adjusting to your size 22
Adjusting the front boom 22
Adjusting the length with front boom quick
adjust 25
Special pedals 27
Heel support pedal 27
Ergonomic pedal / Ergonomic pedal with
lower leg xation 29
Clipless pedal 34
Adjusting the handlebars 36
A good setting for the handlebars 36
Setting the width and angle 36
Adjusting the cable length 38
Handlebar grips 38
Folding 39
Folding of Gekko fxs 39
Lighting system 43
Lighting systems for bicycles 43
Brakes 45
Handling of the brakes 45
One-hand operation for brakes 46
Maintenance of the brakes 47
Hydraulic brakes 48
HP
Velotechnik
2
Content
Gear system and chain 50
Handling of the gear system 50
Adjusting the gear system 51
Chain 52
Chain tubes 54
Replacing the tubes 55
Chain roller 55
Go SwiSSDriVe pedelec system 56
Wheels 57
Disassembling the wheels 57
Tyres 57
Front wheels 58
Rear wheel 58
Spokes 58
Headset 59
Adjusting the headset 59
Wheel alignment 60
Measuring toe-setting 60
Adjusting toe setting 60
Mudguards 63
Front mudguards 63
Mounting of front mudguards 63
Rear rack 64
Rear rack 64
Water bottle cages 65
Water bottle cage 65
Comfort and ability options 66
Companion bar 66
Adjustment of the companion bar 66
Standing-up aid 67
Walking aid mount 67
Handling of the walking aid mount 67
Handrest 68
Maintenance and care 70
Maintenance routine 70
Wear and tear 70
Cleaning, conservation and disinfection 70
Storing the bicycle 72
Transport in the car 72
Technical Data 73
Technical Data 73
Tightening torques 74
Tightening torques 74
Warranty and Service 76
Warranty 76
Warranty policy 76
Warranty pass 77
Warranty pass 77
Service plan 85
Revision February 2016. For latest product
information and manuals, please check out
our website at www.hpvelotechnik.com.
hP Velotechnik ohG
Kapellenstraße 49
D-65830 Kriftel
Tel. +49 - 61 92 - 97 99 2-0
Fax +49 - 61 92 - 97 99 2-299
HP
Velotechnik
3
General safety instructions
The manuals of component manufacturers
such as the brake manufacturer, the gear
system manufacturer, and the pedal manufacturer also belong to this manual. They give
detailed information on operating and
maintaining these specic parts. Please read
the manuals of the part manufacturers as
carefully as this manual.
Please share the information you have read
with your child and involve it in this process.
Make sure, that it has understood all relevant functions of safety. Please provide this
manual to any other user of your recumbent before using it. Attendants of mentally
handicapped persons have to make them
Safety instructions
understand all safety-related functions prior
to every ride; these drivers are only allowed
to use the Gekko fxs supervised by an adult.
The maintenance and adjustment of this
recumbent partly requires special tools and
skills. Do only works within your limits and,
for the purpose 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 Gekko fxs tricycle
with standard parts from the series production of HP
The texts in the grey boxes are particularly
important for your safety. Please read them
carefully. The signs explained below will be
used in this document without beeing
explained again!
Danger! Texts that begin with
„Danger!“ mark an immediate danger for
your life and your health. Please read them
carefully.
Attention! Hints with the text
„Attention“ are important for your safety!
Velotechnik.
4
HP
Velotechnik
General safety instructions
Intended use
Use your
the intended use.
The Gekko fxs is a bike for the use on
streets and paved roads. This tricycle is not
designed for the use in racing and off-road
riding, for jumping or acrobatics, and you
must not ride across curbs, stairs, etc.
The Gekko fxs allows children and teenager
with specic handicaps (see indications) to
gain individual mobility. Physiotherapy gets
supported, to hold up and keep balance
is trained as well as the coordination of
movements.
The power transmission takes place in a
reclined position. Actuation occurs by a
rotation that the leg muscles transmit on
the pedal cranks. An optional electric motor
can give support.
Using your bike on public roads is only
allowed if it has been equipped with the accessories that are required by the applicable
trafc regulations of the country in which
you are using it.
Never drive without holding on! Before
your rst ride, read the chapter “Riding
a recumbent tricycle” on page 12 and
get carefully used to the different vehicle
performance.
Damage through inappropriate use, assembly errors, accidents or similar activities
and wilful 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.
hP Velotechnik tricycle only for
Indications
According to your child‘s therapist suggestion, indications for riding this tricycle may be:
Neuromuscular disorders:
e. g. cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
The tricycle can also be used for rehabiltation of the mobility with coordination or
balance disorders and restricted natural
movement.
The tricycle should always be considered
when a child owing to its special physical
conditions is unable to ride standard children bicycles or vehicles, even with training
wheels.
Contraindications
The bike may not be used by persons
who are not able to ride a bike safely and
independent. For example in the case of
blindness or the unability to move necessary extremities controlled.
Individualisation
It is possible to adapte the Gekko fxs to
indivual demands. HP
huge variety of optional accessories. For
example: electric motor, one-hand operation, special pedals, head rest, standing-up aid,
handrest, walking aid mount and companion
ba r.
Velotechnik offers a
Safety instructions
HP
Velotechnik
5
General safety instructions
Load capacity
The maximum load (rider + luggage) is
100 kg (220 lbs). The maximum total weight
(bicycle + rider + luggage) is 130 kg
(286 lbs). The lower limit is valid. With a
coupled trailer, the maximum total weight
must not exceed 130 kg (286 lbs).
Carrying luggage
Luggage transport is only allowed with the
special racks designed by HP
Rear rack on Gekko fxs
Danger! Additional loading can
inuence the handling of your tricycle considerably. If you plan on riding with heavy
luggage we advise you to make a test ride
on a street with no trafc to get used to
the new situation.
Velotechnik.
Take care that your luggage is safely stored
on the racks. Bags must be tightly fastened
to the racks so they can not move. Make
sure that loose parts like straps or belts can
not touch the wheels, the derailleur, or the
suspension.
The rear rack is designed for standard
tricycle panniers. Take care that your luggage
does not cover the lighting system and the
reectors of your tricycle and that they stay
fully functional.
Maximum load for carriers:
The maximum load on the rear rack is 25 kg
(55 lbs).
Final assembly
Your tricycle has been delivered to your
specialist dealer only partly assembled.
Your dealer has to have carefully nished
the assembly, perhaps altered the specica-
tion of your tricycle to meet your special
requirements and has to have performed
a test ride. Please make sure that this predelivery service is recorded in the Warranty
Pass at the end of this manual.
All screws must be checked and tightened,
especially on the handlebar, stem, knuckles,
swing arm pivot and wheels. Please follow
the tightening torque settings listed in the
table on page 74.
The load should be placed as close to the
body of the rider as possible, since this
results in better riding performance. You can
also improve the handling of the tricycle by
positioning the centre of gravity of the luggage as low as possible, so pack heavy items
in the bottom of your panniers.
HP
Velotechnik
6
Derailleurs and brakes must be checked and
adjusted. Please follow the instructions in
the manuals of the parts manufacturers that
come with this manual.
General safety instructions
Bolts and nuts
Attention! Screws must be
tightened with prescribed tightening torque.
In this manual tightening torques are given
in „Nm“ (Newton meter). Always use a
torque wrench wherever a torque setting is
given in this manual. Never rely on „feeling“.
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 nd tables with
the prescribed torque settings on page 88
and 89 in this manual.
Screws gradually settle in and hence they
can come loose. Therefore check the screws
regularly if they are tightened appropriately
with a torque wrench.
In the tables on page 74 and 75 you will nd
the prescribed tightening torques, they refer
to greased screws!
The grease also prevents your screws from
seizing in their threads so that they won‘t
unscrew anymore. In particular, screws
made of stainless steel are susceptible to
this and therefore have always to be put in
with grease.
Do use high quality acid free grease, if possible a lubricant with added solid particles
like Teon or MoS2. Their ingredients still
work properly after the thinner grease has
been removed from the contact surfaces.
Alternatively you can use thread locker e.g.
loctite, that you apply to the screw before
you put it into the thread.
Always check the screws very diligently for
signs of corrosion. Rust at the screw heads
may also lead to the screw seizing in the
thread. When the metallic and shiny coating
of galvanised screws comes off and discloses
dull, gray-brown steel you have to exchange
the screw.
When you exchange screws please only use
screws of the same type. Screws come in
different strength classes. Please only use
galvanised screws of the same type and
strength, corresponding to the German
strength class 8.8 or stainless steel screws
grade A2-70, when not given any other
recommendation. If you are in doubt please
ask your specialist dealer.
Safety instructions
Quick release levers
Quick release levers hold wheels and seat in
position. A quick release lever consists of
two basic parts: the lever on one side provides the clamping force. With the adjusting
nut on the other side you adjust the clamping tension on the screw thread.
Danger! An incompletely or improperly closed quick release can result in
parts coming loose and hence in a crash,
possibly resulting in serious injury.
To open the quick release, move the lever
away from the frame. In doing so the
inscription „open“ should be visible on the
lever.
To close the quick release, move the lever
with power in the other direction so that
the word „close“ is visible on the outward
side of the lever.
HP
Velotechnik
7
General safety instructions
At the start of the lever‘s motion, for, say,
half of its movement, the lever should move
very easily, without any clamping action. In
the second half of the lever‘s movement the
force on the leer should increase considerably, corresponding in the end to 15 – 20 kg
(33 – 40 lbs). In its nal position, the lever
should come parallel with the tricycle and
should not stick out to one side.
Check the security of the lever by attempting to twist the lever. If the lever can
be made to pivot around in a circle the
clamping is too loose. You must re-open the
quick release, hold the lever and increase
the clamping tension. Do this by screwing
the adjustment nut on the other side by
half a turn. Close the lever and check the
clamping anew.
Finally, check that the part being secured is
rmly xed: Lift each wheel several inches
off the ground and give it a slap onto the
tire from above. A properly xed wheel will
remain secure in the frame‘s dropouts. Parts
that are fastened with a quick release open
easily. Thus, they are more susceptible to
theft. Therefore, always secure the wheels
with a lock when you park your tricycle. It
is also possible to exchange the quick releases with special security screws (e.g. from
Pitlock) that can only be opened with a
special tool. For this please consult your
local specialist dealer.
The rst miles
The rst 300 km (186 miles) are important
for breaking in the tricycle. During the rst
use of a new tricycle the screws may settle
and become loose. Cables and spokes may
stretch. Bearings may show play. Please be
very attentive during that period.
After 300 km or after two months at the latest you will have to take your tricycle to a
bicycle mechanic for the rst service. Please
record this rst service and the works
performed in the warranty pass on page
77. This rst service is the prerequisite for
further use of the tricycle and for your
warranty claims.
Danger! Check the proper setting
of quick release levers always before riding,
especially when the bicycle has been unattended.
HP
Velotechnik
8
Safety instructions (bicycle)
Legal requirements
When you ride your tricycle on public
roads it must comply with national legislation and guidelines. They will vary from
country to country.
In general, there are minimum standards for
brakes, reectors 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
Velotechnik tricycle in trafc 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 nd out about your legal obligations.
In the scope of German StVZO your equipment has to meet the following requirements:
• two functional, independent brakes
• a dynamo or battery driven lighting sys-
tem with a white headlight aiming
forward whose beam center touches the
road 10 m ahead
• a red taillight and a red rear reector
which may be combined
• at least one white reector aiming for-
ward and a red large area reector with
“Z” label aiming to the back
• two yellow reectors attached to the
spokes in every wheel; may be substituted
by tires or rims with white reective ring
• yellow pedal reectors on both sides for
the pedals
• a bell
By default the Gekko fxs is equipped accordingly to the current valid StVZO.
As an addition, we recommend to mount a
ag on a pole for better visibility in trafc.
You can nd a bracket for the pole at the
rear rack or the rear light mount.
The safety equipment on your tricycle must
be checked before every ride and maintained in proper condition.
Trafc regulations may change. Please check
currently valid regulations or ask your
specialist dealer.
In Germany, children under the age of eight
only may use a bicycle on sidewalks and
under adult supervision. Take especially care
of pedestrians.
No alteration of parts
Attention! You are not allowed
to perform any work on the parts of the
tricycle, 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 by direct damage or increased susceptibility to corrosion.
Safety instructions
HP
Velotechnik
9
Safety instructions (bicycle)
Frame number and identication
marks
The frame number is placed on the one side
of the steering tube. If needed, an additional
identication number can be engraved at
the other side of the stering tube.
However, we recommend to use adhesive
stickers for additional identication numbers.
Position for identication mark on the Gekko fxs
Added parts and accessories
Attention! 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, handle-
bar ttings, bottle holders, etc. may impair
your safety due to additional loading or clips
with sharp edges.
Additional accessories may impair the function of your recumbent tricycle. We advise
you to generally ask your dealer before you
mount any special parts or accessories to
your tricycle.
Take care that the handlebar and the wheels
always stay moveable. You must 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 tricycle 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.
Replacement of parts
The replacement of parts relevant for safety
(especially brakes, lighting system, stem,
handlebar, knuckle, drive train) may 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! This can also result
in the loss of any warranty.
Danger! If any part is deformed
(e.g. due to an accident or overload), especially frame, knuckles, handlebar, seat
mountings, 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!
10
HP
Velotechnik
Safety instructions (bicycle)
Transport of children
Velotechnik tricycles are not designed
HP
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.
Pedelec system
Instructions for the use and safety of the
optional pedelec systems are referred in the
systems manufacturer‘s manuals. Please read
them carefully before use.
Trailer
You are allowed to use trailers (double trail
only) up to 40 kg (88 lbs).
When using a rear rack, you will need a
weber coupling.
Please make sure the maximum allowed
load on the trailer hitch is not exceeded.
weber offers a special, lowered coupling for
chariot trailers on 20 inch rear wheels.
Safety instructions
HP
Velotechnik
11
Riding a recumbent tricycle
Learning the new riding technique
Your new tricycle has been assembled by
your dealer and adjusted together with
you as described on the pages 15 and
following in the chapter „Adjusting your
new tricycle“. Before you sit down on your
tricycle and enjoy your rst ride please
make yourself familiar with the instructions
on riding technique and handling.
To ride this recumbent you will have to
make yourself acquainted with the different
Handling instructions
riding position. Make sure that you and all
other future users of this tricycle will have
read this manual carefully prior to the rst
ride. If you are in doubt please consult your
local dealer.
Before the rst ride the users of this
recumbent have to practice and make themselves familiar with the different handling.
We recommend to practice on a quiet road
away from trafc. Before you ride the tricycle in trafc you must master the handling
completely.
Danger! Never touch the ground
with your feet while the tricycle is still
moving. The feet could be caught on the
ground and be pulled backwards and
dragged under the cross bar which could
lead to a serious injury. We strongly recommend using a pedal binding system like
clipless pedals or toe clips and straps.
Keep all three wheels on the ground while
riding. If you are cornering too fast, your
tricycle can be upset and fall over. Lean into
curves when turning sharply. At high speed,
keep your upper body quiet as any upper
body movements can inuence the steering
of the tricycle.
Practice cornering away from trafc to learn
what speed is safe at a specic turning angle.
If you lift up a front wheel, immediately
steer in the opposite direction to bring it
safely back to the ground.
Attention! When getting on and
off the tricycle, make sure to avoid pulling
at the handle bars or stepping on the tie
rods. To get off the tricycle, sit upright on
the front seat edge and then stand up. Grip
the front wheels or the seat back as extra
support, not the handlebars. If you pull
rmly at the handlebars, the steering can
be damaged.
HP
Velotechnik
12
Danger! Please be aware that due
to your low seat height other road users
may notice you very late. Ride anticipatory
with this in mind.
This is especially important while riding in
darkness. You yourself have a much better
view than others perceive you. Ride defensively. We recommend mounting a well visible
and reecting ag to the tricycle while using
it in trafc. Find more information about
lighting systems on page 43. Please ask your
dealer for more information.
Riding a recumbent tricycle
How to ride correctly and safely
Attention! Always carry your
tricycle over stairs and curb stones. Do
not ride through big road holes. Especially
when road holes are lled with water it is
very difcult to guess how deep they really
are.
In case you hit such an obstacle, frame and
steering may be damaged which can result
in a serious fall. At rst, the damage may
be unnoticed. Please check your tricycle
immediately for deformations and cracks. If
you are in doubt please consult your local
dealer.
Do not ride freehand
Danger! In order to ride safely
you have to keep both hands at the handlebar. Even when signalling keep at least one
hand at the handlebar. Otherwise, unforeseen bumps in the road or oscillations of
the steering may lead to a serious fall.
How to ride correctly and safely
Always adjust your speed to the trafc, the
road and the weather conditions. Ride slowly in curves and on unknown roads. Always
ride at a safe distance from other road
users, and when you ride in a group never
ride side by side.
most attentive car driver may not see you
due to your low riding position.
Wear protective clothing
Riding a tricycle is a potentially dangerous
sport where accidents can happen even
when you take care of every safety instruction prescribed.
We recommend you to wear an approved
bicycle helmet that ts well. Protect yourself
by wearing special sports clothing that ts
tight and is reective. If you‘re wearing
wide pants use clips to protect them from
getting caught in the chain – or use an old
fashioned method and put the pants in your
sockets.
When you fall with a recumbent you’ll usually land on the side of your hips and your
hands. Wearing reinforced cycling shorts and
gloves reduces the danger of skin injuries
considerably.
Use special pedals
The Gekko fxs comes with heel support
pedals by default.
If you wish, you can equip your recumbent
tricycle with clippless pedals, ergonomic
safety pedals or ergonomic pedals with
lower leg xation. To accomodate persons
with different physical impairments, the ergonomic versions can optional be choosed
for one side or both side.
Find more information on pages 27 and
following.
Handling instructions
When you approach a trafc light never ride
past the line of waiting cars since even the
HP
Velotechnik
13
Riding a recumbent tricycle
Slowly increase the strain
We recommend you to perform only short
rides without much power during the rst
weeks. Always use a low gear and ride with
a high pedalling frequency. Only after having
acquired some training do increase the
strain slowly.
When you ride on a recumbent you use
different muscles than on a conventional
bicycle, and they have to be trained rst. The
very high position of the bottom bracket
requires your muscles and blood transport
system to slowly familiarise with the new
position. In case of an overload the blood
circulation in your legs may be affected
which shows in loss of power, a prickling in
the toes, falling asleep of the legs or cramps.
When you feature a sporty way of riding it
can take up to 6 months until you have become accustomed to your new recumbent.
If there is pain in your knees occuring while
riding this is usually the result of too much
power put into pedalling. The good support
of the back sometimes misleads to putting
the full power of the legs in the pedal, simi-
lar to the leg training machines in a tness
center. When you repeat it regularly it is
harmful for the knees. Pain in the knees often results from an overuse of the muscles
in the knee that can also be strengthened by
exercise.
Please contact your physician if you have
pain over a longer period of time.
Also, a wrong adjustment of the front boom
to the leg length (in most cases too short)
can lead to pain in the knees. Advices for
increasing the training can be found in a lot
of cycling books or magazines. Your pedalling frequency should stay between 80 – 100
revolutions per minute and not fall below
60 while going uphill. If necessary consult
your local dealer and have him adapt the
gear range to your style of riding.
HP
Velotechnik
14
Adjusting your new tricycle
Your position on the recumbent bicycle is
essential for your riding comfort, well-being
and efcient cycling. Therefore you should
adjust the frame, seat, handlebar and suspension to your individual requirements.
Find detailed information about the possibilities of adjustment on the following pages.
Danger! All procedures described
here require a certain degree of skill, suitable tools and mechanical aptitude. After
any adjustment perform a static check and
take a test ride on a quiet street, away from
trafc. If you have any doubts please contact
your local dealer.
Basic adjustment of the frame length
For the basic adjustment of the frame length
for different body heights, the rear frame
tube and the seating have to be adjusted
with the blue quick release levers.
Adjusting range of the Gekko fxs
If your tricycle is equipped with the optional
front boom quick adjust, please read the instructions in the separate manual in addition
to the following instructions.
The Gekko fxs can be adapted for riders
between 1,20 m to 1,80 m (3'11" to 5'11").
The basic adjustment takes place by changing the frame length.
In order to adapt the bicycle as closely as
possible to your body dimensions and to
nd your ideal position you need to adjust
the front boom, seat and handlebars.
If you open these quick release levers of the
OrthoFlex-seat, seat depth and frame length
can interdependent be slided in or pulled
out.
First, open the seatback quick release lever
that allows to adjust the seat angle. Then,
swivel the seatback to the front.
Opening the seat back quick release lever
Velotechnik
HP
15
Handling instructions
Adjusting your new tricycle
1
2
Rear frame with frame quick release levers (1) and
seat quick release levers (2)
Now open the frame quick release lever
(on the left side, in front of the rear wheel).
Then, you can slide the rear frame part in
or pull it out to the required lenght.
Make sure, that the end of the frame tube
is not visible in the clamping slot when you
look from below. In the case it is visible,
slide the rear frame part back in until the
tube end is not visible anymore.
If the desired length is reached, align the
rear frame part to a neutral position. Then,
close the quick release lever only half.
Open the two seat quick release levers at
the rear edges of the seating. If necessary,
knock a little on the quick release levers in
order to loosen the wedge inside the seat
tube.
Then, you can slide the seating length in or
pull it out. If the movement is not working
or wedged, you can help with small knocks
on the lower part of the seatback.
Make sure, that the seat net in the front
part slides along as well.
The seating length can be slided in or pulled out.
Next, slide the seating so far in that you can
insert the seat mountings easily back into
the mounting of the seatback quick release
levers.
Check if the seat back is perpendicular to
the riding direction if you look from above.
Correct if not.
Then close the seating quick release levers
and the frame quick release levers completely.
Finally, adjust the desired seat back angle
(see page 18) and close the seat quick
release lever.
You can use the optional adjustable end
stops, that allow an exact positioning of the
seat.
Attention! The minimum insertion
depth of the rear frame part into the main
frame is 6,5 cm (2 1/2"). The end of the
rear frame part must not be visible in the
clamping slot when you look at the main
frame from below, since this may result in a
damage of the frame.
16
HP
Velotechnik
Adjusting your new tricycle
The OrthoFlex base length can be be inni-
Attention! Always tightly close
the seatback quick release lever, the seating
quick release levers and the frame quick release levers. The seat is a structural part of
the tricycle frame. An opened quick release
may lead to frame damage. Please pay attention to the instructions about quick release
levers on page 7.
The OrthoFlex mesh seat
The Gekko fxs comes with the OrthoFlex mesh seat. The seat is integrated into
the frame and remains on the tricycle for
folding. The seat cushion and the characteristic of the seat net material the OrthoFlex
mesh seat is slightly cushioned.
The seat mesh is washable and has lateral
reective strips to improve visibility at dusk.
In the top of the backrest is a practical
pouch where you can put small items like
keys, wallet as well as an optional rain protection cover for the seat.
tely adjusted together with the rear frame
to the riders size (see page 15). With a
quick release, the seat angle can be adjusted
between 48 and 64 degrees.
The contour of the seat can be adapted
to the natural S-shape of the spine. The
support of the pedaling forces takes place in
the area of the lumbar vertebrae. By arranging the eight individually adjustable padding
elements in the seat pockets adjustments in
the lordotic area (lower lumbar spine) are
possible.
The OrthoFlex-seat is also a practical base
platform for therapeutic changes by an
orthopaedic technician who can install
custom seat support pads in the pockets.
The adjustment of the seat mesh and the
proper seat angle is crucial for a comfortable feeling while riding your recumbent.
The Gekko fxs has a retention belt system
with customizable straps on the seat. The
adjustable retention belt system can be
used, depending on the therapeutic need, as
lap belt or as 4- or 5-point-belt.
Handling instructions
OrthoFlex mesh seat with retention belt system
The seat can be individually adjusted to
different therapeutic needs.
Riders above 1,40 m (4'7") can install an
optional head-rest, adjustable in height and
angle.
At the left top edge of the seatback is an
adapter for a ag post.
Velotechnik
HP
17
Adjusting your new tricycle
Adjusting the seat mesh
Eight tension belts on the back side of the
seat allow the adjustment oft the seat net
to your needs.
Does the seat feel to soft or gives you the
feeling of sitting on the seat frame, increase
the tension of the belts on the back side of
the seat.
Attention! Always tightly close
the seatback quick release lever. The seat is
a structural part of the tricycle frame. An
opened quick release may lead to frame
damage. Please pay attention to the instruc-
tions about quick release levers on page 7.
Is it hard or uncomfortable, or do you feel
like slipping off when going through curves,
release the belts in the relating area.
It may be necessary to put a high force on
the belts to apply sufcient tension to the
belts. If it can not be done by hand, make
use of a at nose pliers and pull the lose
end of the belts rmly. To easily loosen the
belt, pull up the round end of the strap
retainer.
Adjusting the seat back angle
A great advantage of the OrthoFlex mesh
seat on your Gekko fxs is the possibility
to adjust the seat back angle very quickly.
Thus rides in an upright seat position or in
a at position are possible according to the
individual needs.
The seat back is fastened with a quick
release lever on a slotted aluminium seat
mounting. You can adjust the seat back angle
by 16 degrees by simply opening the quick
release lever. Having set up your desired
seat back angle close the quick release tightly to make sure the seat back will not move
during the ride.
Padding with seat cushion elements
The sides of the seat are equipped with
special pockets – their openings are clearly
marked by blue ribbons. Open the hookand-loop straps of the mesh seat there.
The pockets for the padding are closed with hook-andloop straps.
Now, you can arrange the eight individually
adjustable padding elements in the pockets
according to the rider‘s needs.
You can slightly reduce the tension of the
seat seat net to get more play for inserting
the padding elements.
18
HP
Velotechnik
Adjusting your new tricycle
the OrthoFlex seat.
1
The entire seat mesh can be detached from
the seat frame and be washed at 30° C with
the tension belts.
3
Attaching the retention belt system
2
4
The OrthoFlex seat with adjustable padding cushions.
Following areas may be padded:
Head
The padding cushions No. 1 may be adjusted
in distance and height in order to support
the head in an ideal position and give some
orientation.
Lordotic area (lower lumbar spine)
The padding cushions No. 2 may be adjusted
in width and height to form a lumbar
support.
Sides
The padding cushions No. 3 and 4 may be
adjusted in width to give lateral support and
orientation.
Every padding cushion can be individually
cut with a knife. Replacements of padding
cushions may be reordered. When not
needed, the seat can also be used without
padding cushions.
The retention belt system on the Gekko
fxs consists of a lap belt, a harness belt and
a crotch belt. These can be combined as a
single 2-point belt and a 4- or 5-point belt.
5-point retention belt
Depending on the required retaining function, straps may be removed or re-attached
to the seat. The belts can be adapted to the
body proportions.
For attaching the belts to the tricycle, the
tension straps and the seat frame are used.
First attach the lap belt with the two supplied neoprene hook-and-loop sleeves to
the rear seating tension belt.
Handling instructions
After adjusting the padding cushions, close
the sides and press the hook-and-loop
straps tightly together.
Proceed as described above, if you want to
use custom-made orthopedic moldings in
HP
Velotechnik
19
Adjusting your new tricycle
Attaching the lap belt
Then the harness belt is looped on the thick
seat frame cross tube between the seat
mountings. The straps then go underneath
the upper seatback tension belt and the
thin seat frame cross tube. The harness belt
parts are connected with a slidable buckle.
With this, the desired width of the harness
belt can be adjusted at the neck. The left
and right side of the lap belt get put through
the loops at the ends of the harness belt.
Positioning of the harness belt
Position of the crotch belt
Open or close the lap belt with the red
press button of the lap belt buckle.
Attention! Loose belt parts can be
caught in the wheel and cause an accident.
Make sure that the belt is always closed and
no loose belt ends are hanging off the bike.
The crotch belt has to be looped around
the middle seating tension belt. It is adjustable in length with a buckle. Before closing
the belt, put the lap belt through the loop
at the end.
HP
Velotechnik
20
Adjusting your new tricycle
The head rest
OrthoFlex-seats can be equipped with
a head / neck rest which is adjustable in
height and angle. Mounting and adjustment
is possible with two quick-release levers on
the seat frame.
Head rest on the OrthoFlex-seat
Position of the head rest in the neck when using a
helmet.
Attention! Do not push or carry
your tricycle on the head rest, this may
damage the head rest or the seat!
HP
Velotechnik
Handling instructions
21
Adjusting to your size
Adjusting 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) in
the main frame.
Loosing the bolts to adjust the front boom
Unscrew the bolts M8 x 35 under the main
tube with a 6 mm Allen key. Take a grip on
the front derailleur tube or both cranks and
move the front boom further into the frame
or pull it out while cautiously turning it.
Before you pull out the front boom shift the
chain to the smallest chain ring and sprocket. Turn the cranks a little bit backwards
while pulling. Thus the chain is not under
tension.
Adjust the front boom in a way that your
leg is fully extended when your heel (wea-
ring at 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
bicycle.
While you are pedalling, the ball of your
foot should be positioned above the centre
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 long it is
difcult to overcome this dead point, pedalling 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.
Danger! When you insert the
front boom, the front boom and the inner
wall of the tube must be totally free from
grease, otherwise it will not clamp properly
and may turn while you are riding. This can
result in serious accidents.
Attention! After you have unscrewed the clamping bolts take them off and
examine them for deformation. Lubricate
threads and heads thoroughly. Then re-t
the bolts. If they don‘t turn easily you will
have to replace the bolts.
HP
Velotechnik
22
Adjusting to your size
Adjust the front boom so that your knee will not be fully
straightened when paddling.
For riders with short leg length the front
boom has to be cut by a bicycle mechanic,
so it can be inserted maximum possible. 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 maximum insertion of the front boom
is limited by possible heel cycle of the
frame’s cross bar, depending on the rider’s
shoe size. Please check before riding your
tricycle that there is enough heel clearance
(depending on insertion depth of the front
boom and your shoe size). If you colide, you
have to choose a shorter crank. There are
cranks in following lengths: 115 mm, 135 mm
and 155 mm.
Look beyond the bottom bracket shell
at the rear wheel axle and align the front
boom parallel to it. Then sit down on your
tricycle and check the position.
Attention! The minimum insertion
depth of the front boom into the main
frame is 8 cm (3 1/5"). The end of the front
boom must not be visible in the clamping
slot when you look at the main frame from
below, since this may result in a damage of
the frame.
The rear end of the front boon must never be visible in
the clamping slot.
Tighten the bolts with a torque wrench
(tightening torque 14 – 16 Nm). On your
rst ride check whether there is sufcient
clamping. There might be the danger otherwise, that a single bolt overloads and the
frame gets damaged.
Handling instructions
HP
Velotechnik
23
Adjusting to your size
Danger! If the bolts are tightened
too much or bent, the screw or the frame
can break! If the clamping is insufcient the
front boom can turn during a ride which
may cause your feet to slip from the pedals
and lead to injuries.
The plastic bush between front boom and main frame
must be visible at all time.
Danger! There must be a bushing
(a slotted tube of plastic with edges to the
front and the clamping slot) in the main
frame’s front boom hole that is glued in the
frame. This bush ensures safe clamping of
the front boom and protects the paint. It is
important to take care that this bush is
always visible at the front end of the main
frame. The lower slot has to be aligned in
coincidence with the slot in the main frame.
If this bush is missing or moved to the back
of the tube while inserting the front boom,
safe clamping is no longer guaranteed, even
if it seems to be the case at rst glance. If
the front boom is not clamped properly
it may turn and lead to a fall. A missing or
misaligned bush will lead to frame damage.
After moving the bottom bracket tube your
dealer has to adjust the chain length. By default your recumbent tricycle comes with a
very long chain so the adjustment range of
the tricycle can be fully used without the
need to lengthen the chain.
After the basic adjustment of the leg length
done by your dealer before handing over
the tricycle, the chain has to be shortened so that the derailleur cage is not fully
turned forward while shifting on the largest
chain ring in front and the smallest sprocket
behind. In order to choose the right chain
length, please consult the manual of the
derailleur manufacturer.
Danger! After the chain has been
shortened it must be closed with a special
closing link or a chain riveting tool that expands the rivet while riveting (i.e.
Revolver). A poorly joined chain may break
and thus lead to damage or injury. Chain
length adjustments or chain changes should
be done by your bicycle mechanic.
rohloff-
24
HP
Velotechnik
Adjusting to your size
We recommend to slightly readjusting the
front boom every 3 months in order to
provide a slightly different position to your
muscles and ankles. You might also nd a
more comfortable and more efcient riding
position.
A wrong adjustment may lead to pain in
your knees and inefcient pedalling. In
addition we recommend riding with a high
pedalling cadence, which means to pedal fast
and with little pressure. Pedalling with too
much pressure may also lead to pain in the
knees. You will nd more information about
this in the chapter „Slowly increase the
strain“ on page 14.
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.
Attention! Take care that the
chain tubes have a clearance of at least 5 cm
(2") to the rear derailleur and the front
derailleur even under maximum tension of
the chain and make sure that the tubes are
held tight in their fastenings. The front upper
tube can be moved to the rear for length
adjustment. Shorten the tubes if necessary. If
the end of the chain tube gets in touch with
the rotating chain rings it can be locked-up
and destroyed.
Adjusting the length with front boom
quick adjust
The front boom quick adjust is additional
equipment for HP
that feature a telescopic front boom for leg
length adjustment. It replaces the standard
bolts of the front boom clamping by quick
release levers. Two pulleys provide chain
length compensation while moving the front
boom.
The front boom must be clean and free
from wax or tenacious remains of chain
lube to make sure it can be easily slid in and
out.
Velotechnik recumbents
Handling instructions
The chain tubes must be prevented from
moving by a rubber tube over the retention
spring.
After adjusting the front boom, the gap in
the clamping slot between the front boom
and the main frame should be sealed 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.
First, shift the chain to the largest chain ring
and the largest sprocket to check the correct chain length.
Open both quick release levers. Slide the
front boom into the frame or pull it out until you’ve reached the required frame length.
Velotechnik
HP
25
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