SETTING UP YOUR BIKE

How to get your new bike ready to ride

Have you just got your new subscription bike and are wondering how to set it up?

Installing the pedals:

Tool required: 15mm spanner

 

Pedals are threaded in the same direction that the crank turns, this means that over time, they can become tighter.

In order to avoid them seizing and becoming too tight, it is important not to over tighten your pedals when first fitting them.

Follow these steps to ensure your pedals will be good to go:

1. First, check that you have the correct pedal for each side of the bike - each pedal will have either an ‘L’ or an ‘R’ on it:

2. Ensure that your pedals are clean - the thread should be free from dirt so that it doesn’t get caught in the crank:

3. Stand over your bike and insert the right (drive-side) pedal into the crank arm:

4. Holding the spindle with your thumb and forefinger, pedal your bike backwards until the thread is no longer visible:

5. Repeat the above process for your left pedal

Read our additional support page on how to put the pedals on your new bike.

 

Adjusting the handlebars:

Tool required: 5mm Allen key

1. Using a 5mm Allen key, loosen the two side bolts, as shown in the image below:

2. After loosening the bolts, your handlebars are now ready to be straightened

Stand with the wheel between your legs to check for straightness of the handlebars:

It's also really important that your front wheel is facing the right way: the brakes, handlebars and cables should all be facing forward, with no cables crossing under the down tube or around the head tube. The front forks should also be bent slightly forward:

3. Finally, the bolts that were loosened in Step 1 now need to be tightened. Using an Allen key, tighten the bolts as tight as they can go.

 

Altering your bike's saddle height:

Having your bike’s saddle at the right height is crucial for both comfort and performance

1. To find the correct saddle height for your child, first take a seat on the saddle

2. Place one heel on the pedal

3. Rotate the pedal until the pedal with your heel on is in the down position and the crank arm is parallel to the seat tube:

If your child’s leg is straight, the saddle height is perfect!

If your child's leg is bent or can't reach the pedal, your saddle height will need adjusting:

4. Loosen the seat quick release:

5. Raise or lower the seat post in the seat tube by sliding the post up or down, making sure that the seat post is within the ‘Minimum Insertion’ and ‘Maximum Insertion’ marks:

6. Ensure the saddle seat is straight

7. Re-tighten the seat quick release

 

Ready to ride...

Your bike is now ready to go! With all these checks completed, you can be rest assured that your bike is in the best condition possible to provide endless hours of fun.

If there is anything else you need help with regarding setting up your bike, don’t worry, our team is always ready to help. Get in touch via live chat on our website or email: info@bikeclub.com