Chapter 3: Adjustment19
If the crank feels or sounds loose, if the
movement stops suddenly, or you hear a
grinding noise that comes from the bearings,
have your dealer service the bottom bracket. The
adjustment of the bottom bracket makes special
tools and training necessary. Only your dealer
should adjust bearings.
Pedals
The pedals hold your feet so that you can rotate
the crankarms. They are threaded into the
crankarms. The right pedal is threaded in the
usual direction, but the left pedal is threaded in
the opposite direction. Tighten pedals into the
crankarms to 350-380 lb•in (40.2-42.9 N•m).
To examine the pedal bearing adjustment
1. Hold the crankarm with one hand and with the
other hand, try to move the pedal up and down.
2. Turn the pedal.
If the pedals move on the crankarms or do not
turn smoothly, do not ride your bicycle. The
adjustment of the pedals makes special tools
and training necessary. Only your dealer should
adjust bearings.
To adjust the release force on clipless pedals,
refer to the manual on the CD that came with
your bicycle, or speak to your dealer.
Chain
The chain connects the crankarms (and
chainring) to the rear wheel.
On a bicycle with a rear derailleur, the chain
tension is maintained by the derailleur. On a
bicycle without a rear derailleur, correct chain
tension is required to prevent the chain from
falling off. Chain tension is adjusted by moving
the rear wheel or adjusting the dropouts. If your
bicycle has adjustable dropouts, view the CD for
instructions or speak to your dealer.
To adjust the chain tension
1. Slightly decrease the tightness of the rear
wheel axle nut on one side of the wheel, then
on the other side of the wheel.
• If you fully decrease the tightness of the
axle nut on one side before you decrease the
tightness of the other axle nut, you can cause
the bearings to come out of adjustment.
2. Slide the wheel rearward to tighten the chain.
Put the wheel in the center of the frame.
3. Complete the wheel installation (see Wheels).
Cables
On a bicycle with either shifters or hand
brakes, a cable connects the control lever to
the item it controls.
Each month examine the cables for kinks, rust,
broken strands, or frayed ends. Also examine
the cable-housing for loose wire strands, bent
ends, cuts, and worn areas. If you think there is a
problem with a cable or housing, do not ride your
bicycle. Follow the instructions to replace the
cable, or have your dealer repair your bicycle.
Shift-levers
A shift-lever controls a derailleur or internal
hub shifting mechanism. The position of a shift-
lever can be adjusted on the handlebar. There
are many types of shift-levers; if a shift-lever
on your bicycle is not covered here, see the
Owner’s Manual CD or consult your dealer.
To adjust the position of a lever
1. Find the lever-clamp bolt (Figure 20 and
Figure 21).
2. Decrease the tightness of the clamp bolt two
to three turns.
3. Move the lever.
4. Tighten the clamp bolt to
53-69 lb•in (6.0-7.8 N•m).
