Optima Dolphin User Manual

Reectors
Reectors are important safety features, which are an integral part of your bicycle.
Most authorities worldwide require bicycles to be tted with front, rear, wheel and pedal
reectors. The requirements of these reectors should be able to be found through your
local government. Reectors are designed to use other light sources – car headlights,
street lights and the such to increase your visibility to other road users.
Lights
If you ride your recumbent during or before dawn and dusk it must be equipped with a
lighting system approved by the local government. It is also prudent and advised to install
a lighting system if you ride during bad weather conditions as well. Your local bike store
or Optima dealer should be able to supply you with a good lighting set and advise you as
to the best choices.
Battery lighting systems have the potential to be much more powerful than generator
systems, but they weigh more and have a limited battery life. Their constant illumination
is an advantage for the urban evening commuter, who remains visible all the time.
Generator lighting systems will never run out of power, but require the cyclist to be moving
for the lights to function. These systems are generally lighter than battery powered lights,
but the more powerful you want them to be, the more rolling resistance the system will
produce. Generators can be housed in the standard tire rollers, or in the front hub.
Mirrors
Looking behind you on a recumbent bicycle is trickier than doing so on a standard bike.
For this reason Optima strongly recommends that you install at least one rear view
mirror, preferably on the left hand side of your bicycle for countries where trafc drives
on the right, and the right for countries where you drive on the left.
Caution! Check your reectors are securely fastened to your bike
regularly. Clean your reectors often, as mud and grime picked up
will limit the amount of light that can enter and exit the reector,
reducing its effectiveness. Do not allow baggage or yourself to
conceal or cover a reector.
Do not remove any reector from your bicycle
Warning! A good lighting system can never be substituted
for by reectors. It is your own responsibility to ensure your
bicycle is equipped with an acceptable lighting system, which
complies to the guidelines set up by your local authority. Failure
to follow this guideline may result in dangerous and fatal trafc
situations.
Caution! Be sure to install a WHITE front light and a RED rear
light on your bicycle. Failure to do so may violate local trafc
laws and will denitely compromise your safety.
2
Support and upgrading.
Although we strive to build ever higher quality products, your recumbent is not indestructible
and at some point something is bound to fail. With the constantly change and development of
the array of components available for bicycles, it is inevitable that at some point you will want
or have to replace a part or install a new one.
If you do not have your new component installed by a professional and approved Optima
mechanic, then make sure to fully read the instructions of the new component and carefully
follow the manufacturer’s installation procedure. Also make sure to conrm that the new part is
completely compatible with your bicycle and its current (OEM) setup. Just because you have
the ‘mechanical touch’ does not mean that you will know everything about a new component,
especially if it is a new type of an existing product, or a completely new idea.
A popular upgrade nowadays is the installation of suspended forks. Finding a suitable
suspended fork for a 20 inch front wheel can be a tricky process, and we advise you contact
your dealer or Optima before making any decisions for their advice. Keep in mind that installing
suspension forks will change the geometry of your bicycle and in turn, your recumbent’s riding
characteristics.
Another popular upgrade is to install disk brakes. Realize that in installing a disk brake, you
are loading the bicycle’s forks differently and you may be reducing their service life. The extra
braking power provided by disk brakes also increases the loading on the frame.
If at any point you are worried about compatability and specic components or have any other
questions, contact your dealer and they will be able to help you. Your dealer is there to help
you in making decisions and provide you with the help of somebody whose profession it is to
know everything there is to know about these bikes and parts. Asking his opinion will allow you
to get the best out of your bike, and avoid unpleasant surprises after buying a component.
3
Caution! Replacing, changing and upgrading the componentry
on your recumbent may have an effect on the bicycles warranty.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, consult your Optima dealer
before making any changes to the original equipment of the
manufacturer. (OEM)

Optima Dolphin Specifications

General

Brand	Optima
Model	Dolphin
Category	Exercise Bike
Language	English