Gocycle GX - Page 33

Gocycle
®
Owner’s Manual for GX, April 2019
© Karbon Kinetics Limited. All Rights Reserved. 33
• SIGNIFICANT SCRATCHES, GOUGES, DENTS OR SCORING
CREATE STARTING POINTS FOR CRACKS. Think about the cut
surface as a focal point for stress (in fact engineers call such areas
“stress risers,” areas where the stress is increased). Perhaps you
have seen glass cut? Recall how the glass was scored and then
broke on the scored line.
SIMPLE RULE 4: Do not
scratch, gouge or score any
surface. If you do, pay
frequent attention to this
area or replace the part.
7.4.7 Fatigue is Not a Perfectly Predictable Science
Fatigue is not a perfectly predictable science, but here are some general factors to help you and your
Gocycle dealer or Gocycle determine how often your Gocycle should be inspected. The more you fit
the “shorten product life” profile, the more frequent your need to inspect. The more you fit the
“lengthen product life” profile, the less frequent your need to inspect.
7.4.8 Factors that shorten product life:
 Hard, harsh riding style
 “Hits”, crashes, jumps, other “shots” to the bike
 Rough or potholed roads
 High mileage
 Higher body weight
 Stronger, more fit, more aggressive rider
 Corrosive environment (wet, salt air, winter road salt, accumulated sweat)
 Presence of abrasive mud, dirt, sand, soil in riding environment
7.4.9 Factors that lengthen product life:
 Smooth, fluid riding style
 No “hits”, crashes, jumps, other “shots” to the bike
 Smooth, well maintained roads
 Low mileage
 Lower body weight
 Less aggressive rider
 Non-corrosive environment (dry, salt-free air)
 Clean riding environment
WARNING: Do not ride a Gocycle or component with any crack, bulge or dent, even a
small one. Riding a cracked frame, wheel, rim, fork or component could lead to complete
failure, with risk of serious injury or death.
7.4.10 Understanding composites
All riders must understand a fundamental reality of composites. Composite materials constructed of
carbon fibres are strong and light, but when crashed or overloaded, carbon fibres do not bend, they
break.
7.4.11 What Are Composites?
The term “composites” refers to the fact that a part or parts are made up of different components or
materials. You’ve heard the term “carbon fibre bike.” This really means “composite bike.”