Proper Maintenance

folding bike, folding bicycle, folding bikes, foldable bike, folding bicycles, city bike, urban bike, commuter bike,
Home » SUPPORT » Foldable Bike Owners Manual » Proper Maintenance
Warning

WARNING
DO NOT attempt to perform any adjustments while riding your bike.
This chapter lists instructions for adjustment of the parts of a bicycle. After a repair, examine the bicycle as shown in the "Before Each Ride Checklist". This manual is not intended to be a repair manual. If you are unsure about adjusting your bicycle or have any questions about adjusting your bicycle, transport it to your local dealer for adjustments and repairs.
Warning

WARNING
A bicycle that malfunctions could decrease your control and cause you to fall. Fully examine all of the bicycle before each ride. If there is a problem, do not ride the bicycle, but take it to your local bike dealer for inspection and repair.
It is important to use only genuine replacement parts for several safety critical components. The Montague frame quick release is one such component. The Octagon stem assembly is another such safety-critical component. Only replace the frame quick release and the Octagon stem with a genuine part sourced from Montague. Do not switch your fork as your CLIX quick release wheel is not compatible with some forks.
If the rider replaces the crank or tires with different models, the rider should use caution as there is a possible reduction of toe-clearance and the possibility of contact with the ground may be increased.
Handlebar stem
Fig. 24 Handlebar bolts.

Handlebars

To rotate angle of your handlebar:
  1. Decrease the tightness of the handlebar clamp bolts on the stem (Fig. 24).
  2. Twist the handlebar by rotating it forward or backward. Make sure it remains in the center of the stem (Fig. 24).
  3. Tighten the handlebar clamp bolts on your type of stem: Welded stems: 100-120 lb•in (11.3-13.6 N•m). Forged Stems: 150-180 lb•in (17-20.3 N•m).

Stems

There are three types of stems:
  • Direct Connect (Fig. 24)
  • Quill-type (Fig. 25)
  • Octagon® Hand Height Adjustable Stem (Fig. 26)
Some stem models allow for height adjustment. Please read the following instructions to determine if your stem is height adjustable.
Direct connect stem height adjustment:
Handlebar height on bicycles with direct connect stems cannot be adjusted as they are. Please refer to your local dealer for options regarding handlebar height adjustment.
Direct connect stem alignment:
  1. Decrease the tightness of the steerer-clamp bolts two to three turns (Fig. 25).
  2. Align the stem with the front wheel
  3. Tighten the steerer-clamp bolts to 100-120 lb•in (11.3-13.6 N•m).
To align or adjust a quill type stem:
Warning

WARNING
A quill stem that is too high can cause damage to the bicycle, decrease your control, and cause you to fall. Make sure the minimum insertion mark is in the frame (Fig 25).
  1. Decrease the tightness of the quill expander-bolt two to three turns (Fig. 25).
  2. The stem is held by the stem wedge. To decrease the tightness of the stem wedge, tap the top of the expanderbolt with a mallet that has a wood or plastic face.
    3. Quill stem parts
    Fig. 25: Quill stem parts
  3. Adjust the handlebar to the necessary height. Take note of the minimum insertion point as marked on the stem quill. Never raise the stem beyond the minimum insertion point (Fig. 25). A minimum of 70mm of the stem should always be in the frame.
  4. Tighten the expander bolt to 120 lb•in (13.6 N•m).

Handlebar height adjustment with the Octagon® Adjustable Stem.

Octagon stem parts
Fig. 26: Octagon® stem parts
The Octagon® height adjustable stem allows you to raise and lower your handlebars without the use of any tools.
Open quick release lever
Fig. 27: Open quick release lever.
This system is only on select Montague models. To change the height of your handlebars with the Octagon® stem follow these steps:
  1. Open the collar quick release lever (Fig. 27).
  2. Depress the adjustment button with one hand while grasping the stem with the other. While continuing to hold the adjustment button, raise the stem to the desired height (Fig. 28).
    3. Push adjustment button and raise stem
    Fig. 28: Push adjustment button and raise stem.
  3. Once the desired stem height is reached, release the adjustment button and try to move the stem higher or lower. This will lock the stem into position.
  4. Close the quick release lever. The tightness of the lever is adjusted by rotating the adjustment nut opposite the quick release lever. Turn the nut by hand to adjust the tension while holding the lever stable (Fig. 29).
  5. The lever is securely tightened when it leaves an imprint on the palm of your hand from pushing it closed.
    6. Octagon quick release adjustments
    Fig. 29: Octagon® quick release adjustments.
  6. Once the lever is securely closed, you should not feel any looseness or movement in the handlebars or stem. If you can move the handlebars from side to side or feel any looseness with the quick release lever in the closed position, repeat the Octagon® quick release adjustment process from step 4. Repeat until the handlebars cannot be moved when the quick release lever is closed.
  7. If you have adjusted the nut too tightly and cannot push the lever to the "close" position, open the quick release lever again and turn the nut 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Continue with Step 4.
Note: The collar clamp bolt and the stem clamp bolt should be tightened to 88 lb•in (10 N•m).
Warning

WARNING
If you complete these adjustments and the quick release is tight, yet the handlebars feel loose, do not ride your bike, but take it to your local dealer for inspection and adjustment.
For more information about the Octagon® height adjustable stem, visit www.OctagonCycles.com.

Seat (Saddle) Adjustments

Warning

WARNING
If you ride a saddle that is not adjusted correctly or one that does not correctly support your pelvic area, it can cause injury to your nerves and blood vessels. If your saddle causes pain or numbness, adjust the saddle position or speak to your dealer about a saddle that is more comfortable.
Saddle bolts and adjustments
Fig. 30: Saddle bolts and adjustments
Saddle angles can be adjusted to meet your preferences. It is recommended that you first try to ride with the top of the saddle parallel to the ground. The saddle can also be moved forward or rearwards along the seatpost to adjust the distance from the handlebar.
To adjust the angle of the saddle:
  1. Decrease the tightness of the saddle-clamp bolt (Fig. 30) until the saddle can be moved.
  2. Put a straight edge, bubble level or ruler across the top of the saddle to better see the angle of the saddle.
  3. Adjust the saddle and tighten the saddle-clamp bolt for your type of seatpost:
    • One bolt that uses a 13 or 14 mm open-end wrench: 180-220 lb•in (20.3-24.9 N•m).
    • One bolt across the seatpost head that uses a 5mm allen wrench: 120- 130 lb•in (13.6-14.7 N•m).
    • One bolt that uses a 6mm allen wrench: 150-250 lb•in (17-28.3 N•m)
    • Two bolts that use a 4mm allen wrench: 45-60 lb•in (5-6.8 N•m).
For saddle height adjustment, see page 19; "Installing the Seatpost".
Warning

WARNING
A seatpost that is too high can cause damage to the bicycle, decrease your control, and cause you to fall. Make sure the minimum-insertion mark (Fig. 8) is in the frame.

Pedals

The right pedal (chainside) is threaded in the standard clockwise to tighten direction. The left pedal is threaded in the opposite direction (Fig. 9). Tighten pedals into the crankarms to 350-380 lb•in (40.2-42.9 N•m).
The adjustment of pedal bearings requires special tools and training. Only a bicycle dealer should attempt these adjustments.

Single Speed Chain Adjustment

To adjust the chain tension on a single speed bicycle:
  1. Slightly decrease the tightness of the rear wheel axle nut on one side of the wheel, then on the other side of the wheel.
  2. Slide the wheel rearwards to tighten the chain. Keep wheel centered between seatstays.
  3. Tighten the axle nuts 240-300 lb•in (27.1-33.9 N•m).
  4. Make sure you have correctly attached the wheel by lifting the bicycle, and hitting the top of the tire with a solid blow. The wheel should not be loose or move from side to side.
  5. If the wheel connection fails the test, do these procedures again. If you can not correctly attach the wheel, transport your bicycle to your dealer for repair.

Control Cables

Examine all cables for kinks, rust, broken strands, or frayed ends. Also examine the cable housing for loose wire strands, bent ends, cuts, and worn areas. If you think there is a problem with a cable or housing, replace the cable before riding.

Rear Derailleur Adjustment

Rear derailleur parts
Fig. 31: Rear derailleur parts. View from the rear.
If the gear system is not functioning properly, check to ensure that the rear derailleur follows each shifting command of the right twist shifter/shift lever. Cable stretching could affect the function after some time, so that synchronization may no longer be assured. Position the bicycle in a stand and check and adjust as follows:
  1. Shift the chain to the center of the front chainwheel by turning the crank forward and shifting the left twist shifter/shift lever.
  2. Shift the chain to the outermost/smallest rear sprocket by turning the right twist shifter all the way away from you, or moving the right shift lever all the way towards you.
  3. While turning the crank forward, rotate the right twist shifter or push the right shift lever to the next position.
  4. The chain should move to the second quickly and easily. If it stays on the fi rst sprocket, the tension of the shifting cable must be increased (proceed to Step 6).
  5. If the chain jumps across the second sprocket or if it scratches the third sprocket, the tension of the shifting cable must be decreased
  6. Cable tension is adjusted by turning the Cable Adjusting Barrel, which is located at the junction of the cable and the shifter or rear derailleur (Fig. 31). To increase tension turn the knurled knob counterclockwise, to decrease tension, turn the knob clockwise. Turn until the problem is corrected.
If the tension is adjusted according to the above steps, the chain should follow all shifting commands on the shifters. If the gear system still does not function properly, please contact a bicycle retailer for assistance.

Front Derailleur Adjustment

To adjust small chainring position
  1. Move the chain to the smallest front chainring and the largest rear gear.
  2. Cable tension is adjusted by turning the Cable Adjusting Barrel, which is located at the junction of the cable and the shifter or rear derailleur (Fig. 32). To increase tension turn the knurled knob counterclockwise, to decrease tension, turn the knob clockwise. Turn until problem is corrected.
    If the tension is adjusted according to the above steps, the chain should follow all shifting commands on the shifters.
  3. 3. If the gear system still does not function properly, decrease the tightness of the cable clamp bolt until the cable is loose.
  4. Turn the low-gear adjustmentscrew (L in Fig. 32) until the inner chain-guide of the derailleur is approximately .5mm from the chain.
  5. Put the cable in the groove found near the derailleur-cable-clamp bolt (Fig. 32), pull the cable tight, and tighten the clamp bolt to 44-60 lb•in (5.0-6.8 N•m).
To adjust large chainring position
  1. Shift to outermost sprocket in rear and outermost front chainring.
  2. Pull inner wire with hand to increase tension to insure derailleur is against H-adjustment screw.
  3. Maintain full pressure on inner wire and check gap between chain and outer cage plate. Only a small gap should be visible, about 1/16" or 1mm. Pedal bike slowly and continue to sight gap. Set clearance at tightest point in chainring rotation.
  4. If chain is rubbing on the cage, loosen H-adjustment screw 1/8 turn and pull fully on inner wire. Check gap again.
  5. If chain is not rubbing, tighten H-adjustment screw repeatedly until chain is 1mm.
  6. Test shift to the large ring. If shift is slow, loosen the H-adjustment screw slightly. If chain shifts off the outside of the large chainring, tighten H-adjustment screw and test shift again.
Warning

WARNING
When you apply the brake, the brake pads remove material from the rims. If the brakes remove too much material, the rim can become weak and sudden failure can ensue. Examine the rims regularly and replace them when they are worn.

Brakes

The brake system on your bike lets you slow and stop. The function of this system is crucial to your safety.
The brake system is not easy to adjust without proper training. It is strongly recommended that only your dealer adjust your brakes.
Each month, examine the brake pads for wear. If the grooves in the brake pad surface are less than 1mm deep replace the brake-pads.
To adjust the distance between the rim and brake pads
  1. Locate the barrel adjuster along the brake cable. It will either be by the shifter lever or the brake itself (Fig.19).
  2. Turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to increase brake pad clearance.
  3. Turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise to decrease brake pad clearance.
  4. If the brake-pads cannot be adjusted correctly (Fig. 4), decrease the tightness of the cable-clamp bolt and reattach the cable.
To adjust the alignment of the brakepads on a rim brake
  1. Decrease the tightness of the brake pad clamp bolt (Figs. 19 & 20).
  2. Align the brake pads (Fig. 4). Tighten the brake pad clamp bolts. Caliper: 40-60 lb•in (4.5-6.8 N•m) Direct-pull 70-80 lb•in (7.9-9 N•m).
  3. Examine your brakes after adjusting them. Pull the levers and make sure the brake pads engage the rim strongly at the proper angle, and the brake pads do not come into contact with the tire (Fig. 4).
To align a cable actuated disc brake
First adjust the clearance between the right (inside) brake pad and the disc.
  1. Use a 5mm allen wrench to move the inside pad inward toward the disc rotor till it touches the rotor.
  2. 2. Back off slightly until the pad does not touch the rotor surface.
Next adjust the clearance between the left (outside) brake pad and the disc.
  1. Turn the barrel adjuster located on the front brake lever clockwise to move the outside brake pad inward until it touches the rotor.
  2. Back off slightly (1/4 turn) until the pad does not touch the rotor surface and the wheel spins freely.
If there is contact between the brake pads and rotor after performing the above steps bring your bike to your local dealer for adjustment.

Wheels

Examine tires for worn areas, bulges, and damage. Make sure rims are clean.
Warning

WARNING
Riding with an improperly adjusted wheel quick relase can allow the wheel to wobble or disengage from the bicycle, causing damage to the bicycle, and serious injury or death to the rider.
Make sure tires are inflated to proper specifi cations as listed on the sidewall of the tire. If the wear-indicators on the brake surface show the rim is worn, replace the rim. Make sure there are no loose or damaged spokes. If loose or damaged spokes are found, do not ride the bicycle, take it to your local bike dealer for repair.
Warning

WARNING
DO NOT change or swap wheels between different bicycles. Your wheels may not engage the other bicycle's fork correctly causing an accident.
Wheel installation
As mentioned in the assembly section, Montague bicycles use three different types of wheel attachment devices. Carefully read the instructions for the devices on your bicycle.
Traditional quick release
Fig. 33: Traditional quick release; diagram of parts.

 

Positions of a quick release lever
Fig 34: Positions of a quick release.
To install a wheel with a traditional quick-release:
  1. Move the quick release lever to the OPEN position (Fig. 34) and set the wheel so it fully engages the frame dropouts.
  2. With the lever in the MID position (Fig. 34), tighten the adjusting nut (Fig. 33) until it is slightly tight.
  3. Move the quick release into the closed position (Fig. 34) with the palm of your hand.
  4. A properly closed quick release lever should leave a mark on the palm of your hand from closing.
  5. If you can lock the lever with little or no resistance, the clamp-force is not sufficient. Go back to step 2 and tighten the adjustment nut 1/4 turn and return to step 3.
  6. Examine for correct quick release adjustment. With the quick release closed, lift the bicycle and hit the top of the tire with a solid blow (Fig. 16). The wheel should not come off, be loose, or move from side to side.
To remove the wheel with a traditional quick-release:
  1. Open the quick release lever (Fig. 34).
  2. Decrease the tightness of the adjustment nut; turn it approximately three full turns.
  3. Move the wheel out of the fork or the frame.
To install a wheel with a threaded axle and nut:
Some rear wheels are attached with nuts threaded on the axle. A toothed washer could be necessary between the nut and fork end.
  1. Tighten the rear wheel axle nuts: Regular front wheel: 180-240 lb•in (20.3-27.1 N•m).
  2. Make sure you have correctly attached the wheel. Lift the bicycle, and hit the top of the tire with a solid blow (Fig. 16). The wheel should not come off, be loose or move from side to side.
  3. If the wheel connection fails the test, do these procedures again. If you can not correctly attach the wheel, transport your bicycle to your dealer for repair.
Cassette and Freehub Adjustments
Cassette and freehub adjustments require special tools and training and should only be performed by your local bicycle dealer.

Tighten freehub body: 354 lb•in (40 N•m).

Tighten cassette sprocket lockring: 347 lb•in (39 N•m).

Fitted Accessories (Racks and Fenders)

Some Montague bicycles come with accessories fitted as standard equipment. Fenders or mudguards are such accessories. These require no maintenance other than cleaning, and may be left in place during rides, and may be removed during the folding process by simple operation of a lever next to the fender mount. Racks are another such accessory. Racks bolt to the seat post as shown in separate instructions and require no maintenanceother than cleaning, and may be left in place during rides, and may be removed during the folding process by removal of the seat and seat post. A rack should never be used as a seat for a person.

Bearing Adjustments

Adjustments to bearing systems found on your bicycle require special training. If your bike requires adjustment to the bearings, take it to your local bicycle dealer.

Lubrication

Bicycle lubrication requires special training. Take your bicycle to your local dealer for lubrication services.
FIND A DEALER
Click here to find a dealer near you, or call us at 1-800-736-5348.

OUR COMMUNITY
Sign up for our Email Newsletter

INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS
Montague Folding Bike International Distributors
Montague Bikes is a folding bike company. Our main offerings include: Pavement Folding Bikes including the Crosstown, Boston, Navigator and FIT, as well as Mountain Folding Bikes such as the SwissBike XO, SwissBike X50, SwissBike X70 and the Paratrooper.
1-800-736-5348
© 1996-2012 Montague Corporation. All rights reserved. Other Montague Sites: Military Bikes | Blog. Montague Bikes on ProvenCredible
Montague is the world's leading manufacturer of full size folding bikes. All Montague bikes fold into a compact size in less than 30 seconds without the use of tools. When you buy a Montague folding mountain bike, you join the growing number of riders who enjoy taking their folding bike where ever their spirit of adventure takes them. This folding bicycle is part of a line of full size folding bicycles originally developed for the U.S. Marines as a military bike (in a line of military bikes) for tactical use. Folding bikes historically have had small child-size wheels. But not anymore, Montague Mountain Bikes, have full size, rugged knobby tires which can take you virtually anywhere. If you are looking for a folding bike, the Montague high performance folding bicycle is the way to go.