care & maintenance

Your safety depends on proper care and maintenance of your bicycle. Routine inspection of your bicycle will assist in identifying problems before they could lead to product failure.  Before every ride, Cycles Brixton International, Inc. recommends you conduct a visual inspection of your bicycle and all parts, checking for wear, cracks, micro-fractures, corrosion, deformation, separation, delaminating of carbon fibers, dents, paint damage and any other indicator of problems.  Next check that all bolts and screws are tight (based on recommended torque specifications).  Finally, check both brakes to make sure the pads are hitting the rims (not the tires) and they are not worn out.  If you discover any of the above referenced problems or hear any squeaks, creaks, cracking, popping or other noises, notice a change in ride quality or handling, shifting or braking, refrain from riding your bicycle until a determination has been made by a qualified mechanic as to the safety of its use.

If there is any reason to suspect the integrity of your bicycle frame or components, or if your bicycle has been involved in an accident of any kind, do not ride it.  Take it to your Brixton dealer immediately for inspection.

Components

When picking up your new bicycle, ask your dealer to provide you with thorough instruction for general care of all of your new bicycle’s components.  Each component has specific instructions for tightening, lubricating and/or providing anti-seize properties.  Be sure your dealer also shows you how to properly adjust and secure any components you may wish to remove or adjust, such as the wheels, saddle, seat post, handlebar and clamp, and pedals.  As a rule, all metal to metal interfaces should be assembled with high quality grease.  Carbon to carbon or carbon to metal interfaces should generally be clean and dry, free of lubricants.  Please refer to the manufacturer instructions provided by your dealer for each component.

Torque

To prevent parts seizure and eliminate creaking, use proper torque settings on all threaded parts and apply grease, or anti-seize, such as Loctite Silver or similar.  How tight is right? Always use a torque wrench and follow component manufacturer’s specifications for all bolts and screws.

Cleaning

Clean your bike. Regular cleaning will remove road grime and salts as well as other chemicals including sweat salts, energy drinks and gels, minimizing the likelihood of external corrosion.

  • Use a soft 100% cotton rag for all cleaning and polishing tasks
  • Never use abrasive chemicals to clean your bicycle (check with your dealer for product recommendations).

After a wet ride, we recommend thoroughly drying your bicycle (removal of seat post and bottom bracket may be necessary to accomplish this). If in doubt, consult your dealer.

Maintenance

A complete service overhaul should be performed by your local qualified mechanic at least once a year or every 6,000 miles (10,000 km).  Service your bicycle more often if ridden in extreme conditions.

Cycles Brixton International, Inc’s carbon fiber frames are tested rigorously and proven to perform under normal riding conditions. Even so, carbon fiber has unique qualities that distinguish it from metal.  When damaged, carbon fiber does not bend, bulge or deform.  It cracks and breaks.  A carbon fiber frame, fork or component that has been damaged by impact or accident may appear normal even though it is damaged.  Oftentimes, failure of a carbon fiber part could have been prevented if the cyclist had performed simple routine inspections of his or her bicycle.

Any impact or accident has the potential to seriously damage a carbon fiber frame, fork and/or components.  Damage may not always be visible and apparent.  If for any reason you suspect that your bicycle may have been damaged, do not ride it.  Take it to your authorized Brixton dealer for immediate inspection.