Giant Bicycles - Page 42

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Inspect for cracks, broken, or splintered areas. Any crack is serious. Do not
ride any bicycle or component that has a crack of any size.
Delamination:
Delamination is serious damage. Composites are made from layers of fabric.
Delamination means that the layers of fabric are no longer bonded together. Do
not ride any bicycle or component that has any delamination. These are some
delamination clues:
• A cloudy or white area. This kind of area looks different from the ordinary
undamaged areas. Undamaged areas will look glassy, shiny, or “deep,” as if one
was looking into a clear liquid. Delaminated areas will look opaque and cloudy.
• Bulging or deformed shape. If delamination occurs, the surface shape may
change. The surface may have a bump, a bulge, soft spot, or not be smooth
and fair.
• A difference in sound when tapping the surface. If you gently tap the surface
of an undamaged composite you will hear a consistent sound, usually a hard,
sharp sound. If you then tap a delaminated area, you will hear a different sound,
usually duller, less sharp.
Unusual Noises:
Either a crack or delamination can cause creaking noises while riding. Think
about such a noise as a serious warning signal. A well maintained bicycle will
be very quiet and free of creaks and squeaks. Investigate and nd the source
of any noise. It may not be a crack or delamination, but whatever is causing the
noise must be xed before riding.
WARNING: Do not ride a bicycle or component with any delamination or crack.
Riding a delaminated or cracked frame, fork or other component could lead
to complete failure, with risk of serious injury or death.
C. Understanding components
It is often necessary to remove and disassemble components in order to
properly and carefully inspect them. This is a job for a professional bicycle
mechanic with the special tools, skills and experience to inspect and service
today’s high-tech high-performance bicycles and their components.
Aftermarket “Super Light” components
Think carefully about your rider prole as outlined above. The more you t
the “shorten product life” prole, the more you must question the use of super
light components. The more you t the “lengthen product life” prole, the more
likely it is that lighter components may be suitable for you. Discuss your needs
and your prole very honestly with your dealer. Take these choices seriously
and understand that you are responsible for the changes.
A useful slogan to discuss with your dealer if you contemplate changing
components is “Strong, Light, Cheap –pick two.”
Original Equipment components
Bicycle and component manufacturers tests the fatigue life of the
components that are original equipment on your bike. This means that they
have met test criteria and have reasonable fatigue life. It does not mean that
the original components will last forever. They won’t.