// MANUAL
What to look for:
• ONCE A CRACKS STARTS IT CAN GROW AND GROW FAST. Think about the crack as
forming a pathway to failure. This means that any crack is potentially dangerous and will
only become more dangerous.
SIMPLE RULE 1: If you nd crack, replace the part.
• CORROSION SPEEDS DAMAGE. Cracks grow more quickly when they are in a corrosive
environment. Think about the corrosive solution as further weakening and extending the
crack.
SIMPLE RULE 2: Clean your bike, lubricate your bike, protect your bike from salt, remove
any salt as soon as you can.
• STAINS AND DISCOLORATION CAN OCCUR NEAR A CRACK. Such staining may be a
warning sign that a crack exists.
SIMPLE RULE 3: Inspect and investigate any staining to see if it is associated with a
crack.
• SIGNIFICANT SCRATCHES, GOUG-ES, 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.
• SOME CRACKS (particularly larger ones) MAY MAKE CREAKING NOISE AS YOU RIDE.
Think about such a noise as a serious warning signal. Note that a well-maintained bicycle
will be very quiet and free of creaks and squeaks.
SIMPLE RULE 5: Investigate and nd the source of any noise. It may not a be a crack, but
whatever is causing the noise should be xed promptly.
Fatigue is not a perfectly predictable science
Fatigue is not a perfectly predictable science, but here are some general factors to help you to
determine how often your bicycle should be inspected. The more you t the “shorten product
life” prole, the more frequent your need to inspect. The more you t the “lengthen product
life” prole, the less frequent your need to inspect.
Factors that shorten product life:
• Hard, harsh riding style
• “Hits”, crashes, jumps, other “shots” to the bike
• High mileage
• Higher body weight
• Stronger, more t, more aggressive rider
• Corrosive environment (wet, salt air, winter road salt, accumulated sweat)
• Presence of abrasive mud, dirt, sand, soil in riding environment
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