This document is a comprehensive owner's manual for IDEAL bicycles, covering various aspects from safety and maintenance to technical specifications and warranty information. It is provided in Greek, German, and English.
Function Description
The manual serves as a guide for IDEAL bicycle owners, providing essential information for safe operation, proper fit, and maintenance. It covers different bicycle models, including mountain, dirt, full suspension, trekking off-road, urban, sport touring, city, road, junior, and freestyle bikes, each designed for specific uses. The core function of the bicycle is to provide a means of transport and recreation, with various models optimized for different terrains and riding styles.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual includes detailed torque specifications for various components across different models (2009-2011). These specifications are crucial for ensuring the safe and secure assembly of parts.
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Stems (Vorbauten/Λαιμοί Τιμονιού):
- Boommax, Integrator, Pro-rider, Zig-Zag, Hillmaster, Boommax, Traxer, Crossmo ATB, Megisto (Stem AS601), Ergomax, Integrator, Chicane, Travel on (Stem AS601), Multigo, On-road: Torque for bolts related to handlebar: 5Nm. Torque for bolts related to steerer: 5Nm.
- V-Track 12’’, 14’’, 16’’, 18’’, Strobe 20’’, DSS 20’’, City-Life 20’’, 24’’, N-Ergetic: Torque for bolts related to handlebar: 18-25 (Bolt M8). Torque for bolts related to steerer: 18-25 (Bolt M8).
- Indigo, Ezigo, Testek, Unigo, City Life, Inner City, Crossmo, Megisto, City-Run, Travel On: Torque for bolts related to handlebar: 11-15Nm (Bolt M7). Torque for bolts related to steerer: 18-25Nm (Bolt M8). Torque for adjusting bolt: 18-25Nm (Bolt M8).
- Strobe 24’’, DSS 24’’, Axion 24’’, Freeder, Strobe, DSS, Axion, Stroke: Torque for bolts related to handlebar: 8-11Nm (Bolt M6). Torque for bolts related to steerer: 8-11Nm (Bolt M6).
- X-six: Torque for bolts related to handlebar: 18Nm (maximum). Torque for bolts related to steerer: 18Nm (maximum).
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Saddles for Candle Type Seat Posts (Sättel für Kerzen-Sattelstützen/Σύσφιξη Σελών σε Λαιμούς με Κολάρο):
- X-Six: 36Nm.
- V-Track 12’’, 14’’, 16’’, 18’’, Strobe 20’’, DSS 20’’, City Life 20’’, 24’’, Axion 24’’, Freeder, DSS, Unigo, City Life, Inner City: 20Nm.
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Seat Posts (Sattelstützen/Λαιμοί Σέλας):
- Strobe 20’’, DSS 20’’, City Life 20’’, Strobe 24’’, DSS 24’’, Axion 24’’, City Life 24’’, Freeder, DSS, Unigo, City Life, V-Track 12’’, 14’’, 16’’, 18’’, X-six, Testek, On-Road, Strobe, Pro-Rider, Zig-ZAG, Hillmaster, Boommax, Traxer, Axion, Stroke, N-Ergetic, Crossmo, Crossmo ATB, Megisto, Ergomax, Integrator, Indigo, City Run, Chicane, Ezigo, Travel On, Multigo, City Life, Inner City: Candle type.
- Testek, X-six: 18-20Nm (Bolt M10).
- Strobe, Pro-Rider, Zig-ZAG, Hillmaster, Boommax, Traxer, Axion, Stroke, N-Ergetic, Crossmo, Crossmo ATB, Megisto, Ergomax, Integrator, Indigo, City Run, Chicane, Ezigo, Travel On, Multigo, City Life, Inner City: 22Nm.
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Seat Clamp (Sattelklemme/Σφιγκτήρας Λαιμού Σέλας):
- V-Track 12’’, 14’’, 16’’, 18’’: n/a.
- X-Six, City Life 20’’, 24’’, Unigo, City Life, Inner City: 8-9Nm (Bolt M6).
- On-road: 6Nm.
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Hub (Nabe/Εμπρόσθιο Κέντρο):
- V-Track 12’’, 14’’, 16’’, 18’’, Strobe 20’’, DSS 20’’, City-Life 20’’, 24’’, Unigo, City Life, X-six: 11Nm < torque < 18Nm.
- Testek, Crossmo ATB, Ezigo, Travel On, Multigo, City Life, Inner City: 20Nm.
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Freehub (Freilauf/Οπίσθιο Κέντρο):
- V-TRACK 12’’, 14’’, 16’’, 18’’, Strobe 20’’, DSS 20’’, Strobe 24’’, Strobe 24’’ Mech Disc Brake, Unigo, City Life N8C, City-Life 20’’, 24’’, City Life single speed, X-six: 16Nm < torque < 23Nm.
- V-TRACK 16’’ coaster, 18’’ coaster, Strobe 24’’ coaster, Ezigo N3C, City Life N3C, Inner City N3C, Strobe 20’’ coaster, Ezigo N7C coaster, City Life N7C coaster, Inner City N7C, City Life N3R, Inner City N3R, Travel On N8C, Inner City N8R: 30-45Nm.
Usage Features
The manual emphasizes several key usage features for optimal safety and performance:
- Bicycle Fit: Proper standover height (5cm for on-road, 10cm for off-road, 7.5cm for mixed use), saddle position (heel on pedal, crank parallel to seat tube, foot pointing down at 30 degrees), and handlebar position (height, angle, width) are crucial. The manual advises professional adjustment for these.
- Brakes: IDEAL bicycles are pre-assembled with the right lever for the rear brake and the left for the front, unless national laws dictate otherwise. Riders are warned about the power of disc and linear-pull brakes and the importance of progressive braking to avoid wheel lock-up. Disc brakes can get very hot.
- Transmission: Most IDEAL bikes have multiple gears. Shifting should be done while pedaling forward under tension. Combinations like largest chainring (front) – largest sprocket (rear) and smallest chainring (front) – smallest sprocket (rear) are discouraged to prevent excessive wear.
- Pedals: Some pedals have sharp surfaces for better grip, while others may have toeclips and straps or clipless mechanisms for secure foot positioning. The manual stresses practicing engagement/disengagement for clipless pedals. Toe overlap (foot touching front wheel during turns) is also discussed, advising keeping the inside pedal up during sharp turns.
- Suspension: Many IDEAL bikes feature suspension systems. Proper adjustment and maintenance are vital for control and comfort. Changes to suspension settings should be made with caution and followed by a test ride.
- Tires & Tubes: Tire pressure, indicated on the sidewall, is critical. Over-inflation can cause tire blow-off. Pressure ranges are provided for different terrains and rider weights. The manual also describes Schrader and Presta valve types and how to inflate/deflate them. It advises against using patched tubes for long-term repair.
- Quick Release (QR) Mechanisms: Detailed instructions are provided for removing and installing front and rear wheels with QR mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of correct clamping force and the role of secondary retention devices.
Maintenance Features
The manual outlines a comprehensive maintenance schedule to ensure the bicycle's longevity and safe operation:
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Pre-Ride Checks (Fahrradcheckliste/Έλεγχος Ποδηλάτου):
- All nuts, bolts, and components must be tight, unworn, and undamaged.
- Cables must be securely fixed and kink-free.
- Brakes must function effectively.
- Steering must be free of resistance and excessive play.
- Wheels must run true and be securely fastened.
- Tires must be in good condition and at recommended pressure.
- Pedals must be securely tightened.
- Gears must be correctly adjusted.
- Bell and lights must be functioning and clean.
- Handlebar grips must be tight and in good condition.
- Suspension must be tight and noise-free.
- A bounce test (lifting the bike 5-8cm and dropping it) is recommended to detect loose parts.
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Annual Service (Jahresinspektionsnachweis/Καταγραφή Ετήσιου Service): To be performed by a professional IDEAL bicycle mechanic:
- Inspect chain wear and tension, clean, and lubricate. Replace if necessary.
- Check headset and bottom bracket for play. Replace if necessary.
- Check pedal bearings for play. Replace if necessary.
- Inspect front and rear derailleurs for function, readjust, and clean.
- Inspect handlebar and stem for visible damage. Replace if necessary. Retighten all bolts to recommended torque.
- Inspect the complete brake system for function. Replace defective or worn parts (brake shoes, pads, cables, wires). Check hydraulic systems for air and refill with oil if necessary.
- Inspect wheels, rims, tires, and tubes for wear. True wheels and check hub axles for play and lubrication.
- Check tire pressure and overall condition of sidewalls and treads.
- Inspect the complete lighting system. Replace wiring if damaged.
- Check bell.
- Check all screws, nuts, bolts, cable guides, and bosses.
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Monthly Checks:
- Clean, lubricate, and adjust front and rear derailleurs.
- Clean, lubricate, and tighten the headset.
- Check, grease, and replace brake and gear cables if necessary.
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Every 3 to 5 Hours of Riding:
- Check frame, handlebar, stem, and seat post for deep scratches, discoloration, or cracks (signs of stress-caused fatigue). Replace if necessary.
- Perform the bounce test.
- Hold the front wheel between knees and rock the bike to check for headset play.
- Lift the front wheel and swing it side to side to check for steering roughness.
- Rock pedals to check for looseness in pedals, crank arms, chainwheel, and bottom bracket.
- Check tire inflation by bouncing the bike and observing tire deflection.
- Rotate wheels slowly to check for cuts in tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tires.
- Spin wheels to check for brake clearance and side-to-side wobble. True wheels if necessary.
- Check front and rear wheels for secure fastening.
- Squeeze adjoining pairs of spokes to check tension.
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General Care (Fahrradpflege/Φροντίδα Ποδηλάτου):
- Wash with water and a soft brush, wipe with a soft towel. Avoid high-pressure water.
- Avoid aggressive cleaning agents.
- Repair paint damage immediately to prevent corrosion.
- Grease and oil all metal parts, especially in winter.
- Use environmentally friendly, biodegradable cleaners and degreasers.
The warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship.
- Frame:
- Steel frames: 5 years.
- Alloy hardtail frames: 5 years.
- Carbon frames: 3 years.
- Alloy suspension frames: 3 years.
- Other Components: 2 years against faulty workmanship or materials.
- Conditions: Warranty is valid for the original owner only, with dated proof of purchase. Annual maintenance service by a specialized IDEAL dealer is required.
- Exclusions: Normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, neglect, accidents, improper assembly/maintenance by non-specialized dealers, use of non-original/unapproved parts, modifications from original condition, and use in competitive events or extreme activities are not covered.
The manual includes a "Bicycle Map" with numbered components (e.g., frame, fork, wheels, brakes, drivetrain parts) for easy reference.