Sun Bicycles Baja - User Manual

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Summary

Riding Safety and Precautions

Municipal Regulations

Municipal bicycle regulations also apply to tricycles; research is advised.

Riding Clearance and Obstacles

Trike's widest point is rear wheels; give clearance to obstacles.

Defensive Riding and Helmet Use

Ride defensively, wear a CPSC, ANZI, ASTMS, or SNELL approved helmet.

Pre-Ride Checks and Handling

Pre-Ride Checklist

Check tires, brakes, handlebars, saddle, and for resistance before riding.

Trike Handling and Turning

Trikes handle differently; turns require care and lower speed.

Night Riding and Visibility

Avoid night riding; use front/rear lights if necessary. Reflectors are insufficient.

Basket Usage and Weight Limit

Basket for light storage only; never carry passengers or pets. Max weight is 250 lbs.

Sun Trike Assembly Guide

Rear Derailleur Installation

Install the rear derailleur onto the rear unit.

Rear Unit Installation

Install the rear unit onto the frame dropout using hardware.

Chain Installation

Install the drive chain through the freewheel and rear derailleur.

Rear Wheel Installation

Install rear wheels with spacers, washers, and retaining nuts, noting over-tightening warning.

Front Wheel Installation

Install the front wheel and reflector onto the front fork.

Handlebar Installation

Install the handlebar onto the stem and tighten securely.

Handlebar Adjustment

Install brake levers, shift lever, and grips on the handlebar.

Saddle Installation

Lubricate seat post, insert into frame, and attach saddle securely.

Trike Basket Installation

Install the basket onto the rear unit using bolts.

Reflector Kit Installation

Install the rear red reflector on the back of the basket.

Pedal Installation

Apply grease to pedal threads and install pedals into crank arms.

Variable Speed Adjustment

Adjust guide pulley alignment for minimum and maximum freewheel positions.

This document serves as a supplemental owner's manual for the Sun Baja Trike, a three-wheeled bicycle designed for adult riders. It provides essential information for setting up, understanding, and safely operating the trike, emphasizing that it is a supplement to the main Sun Bicycle/Tricycle Owner's Manual. The manual highlights the unique characteristics of a trike compared to a two-wheeled bicycle and the specific precautions riders should take.

Function Description

The Sun Baja Trike is a three-wheeled bicycle intended for personal transportation and recreational use. Its primary function is to provide a stable and comfortable riding experience for adults, particularly those who may prefer the added stability of a tricycle over a traditional bicycle. The trike is designed for manual use, meaning it is propelled by the rider's pedaling. It features a rear basket for light storage, enhancing its utility for errands or carrying small items. The trike is equipped with a front brake as the primary stopping system, and it also includes a rear brake for additional stopping power. The gear system allows for variable speed adjustment, enabling riders to adapt to different terrains and preferences.

Usage Features

The Sun Baja Trike offers several usage features designed for comfort, stability, and practicality:

Stability: As a three-wheeled vehicle, the trike provides inherent stability, making it easier for riders to balance compared to a two-wheeled bicycle. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking a more secure riding experience.
Comfortable Riding Position: The trike is designed with a comfortable riding posture, featuring a saddle and handlebars that can be adjusted to suit the rider's preferences. The "low step through point on frame" (standover height) makes it easier for riders to mount and dismount the trike.
Storage Capacity: A rear basket is integrated into the design, offering convenient storage for light cargo. This feature makes the trike suitable for short trips, shopping, or carrying personal belongings. However, the manual explicitly warns against carrying passengers (children or pets) in the basket due to safety risks.
Braking System: The trike is equipped with both front and rear disk brakes, providing reliable stopping power. The front brake serves as the primary stopping system, and the manual stresses its importance and the need for regular checks. A parking lock feature on the brake lever adds convenience and safety when the trike is stationary.
Variable Speed: The inclusion of a 7-speed freewheel and a rear derailleur allows riders to adjust the gear ratio, making it easier to pedal on various inclines and terrains. The manual provides instructions for adjusting the high and low screws of the derailleur to ensure proper shifting.
Reflector Kit: The trike comes with a reflector kit, including a white front reflector and a red rear reflector, to enhance visibility, especially during dawn, dusk, or in low-light conditions. However, the manual strongly recommends additional lighting for night riding.
Pedals: The trike features nylon platform pedals, designed for comfortable and secure foot placement. The manual provides guidance on proper pedal installation, including applying grease to threads and tightening them correctly.

Maintenance Features

The manual outlines several key maintenance aspects to ensure the longevity and safe operation of the Sun Baja Trike:

Pre-Ride Checklist: A comprehensive pre-ride checklist is provided, emphasizing the importance of checking tire pressure, brake functionality, handlebar tightness, saddle tightness, and any unusual resistance or sounds. This routine check is crucial for identifying potential issues before riding.
Tire Care: Riders are instructed to maintain proper air pressure within the minimum and maximum ratings printed on the tire sidewall. This helps ensure optimal performance, comfort, and tire lifespan.
Brake Inspection: Regular testing of the front brake is highlighted as essential. Any doubts about its functionality should prompt a visit to a dealer for inspection and repair. The manual also notes that the front brake should never be removed.
Tightness Checks: The manual advises checking the tightness of the handlebar, saddle, and all nuts and bolts, particularly after assembly and periodically during use. Specific torque values are provided for the rear unit hardware, and a warning is given against over-tightening certain nuts to prevent bearing damage.
Lubrication: Lubrication is recommended for the seat tube with heavy grease during saddle installation. This helps prevent corrosion and allows for easier adjustment. Similarly, applying grease to pedal threads during installation is advised to protect both the pedal and crank arm threads.
Professional Service: The manual explicitly states that it is not a comprehensive service or repair manual and advises riders to consult their local dealer for all service, repairs, and maintenance needs. This ensures that complex maintenance tasks are handled by qualified professionals.
Derailleur Adjustment: Instructions are provided for adjusting the high and low screws of the rear derailleur to ensure smooth and accurate gear shifting. This is a crucial maintenance task for maintaining optimal performance of the variable speed system.

The manual strongly emphasizes safety, including the importance of wearing a CPSC, ANZI, ASTMS, or SNELL approved bicycle helmet at all times. It also warns riders that a trike handles differently from a bicycle, requiring slower speeds and more careful turns. Riders are cautioned to be aware of the trike's wider rear profile and to give ample clearance to obstacles and pedestrians. The overall weight capacity (rider and cargo combined) is specified as 250 lbs.