HP Velotechnik Spirit - Manual (Page 10)

HP
Velotechnik
8
Before the first ride: adjusting your
new Spirit
The seating position is essential for your riding
comfort, well-being and efficient cycling on the
Spirit.Therefore adjust the seat, handlebar, and
suspension to your individual requirements.
In order to adapt the Spirit as closely as possi-
ble to your body dimensions you can adjust
the distance from seat to pedals, the seat an-
gle, the angle, and the position of the seat cus-
hion individually.
The stem of the handlebar is vertically adjusta-
ble like a telescope.The handlebars are adju-
stable in their angle.
All adjustments together affect the distance
between your knees and the handlebars as
well as your minimum turning circle.
Remove your luggage prior to all adjustments.
That way you have easy access to all operating
elements and you don't complicate the adjust-
ment by additional weight.
Adjusting the leg length: moving the
seat
The Spirit is designed for people from
150–200 cm (5'–6'7") height. In order to adjust
the distance between the pedals and the back
of the seat move the seat on the rails.
Open the two quick release levers under the
seat by turning away the silver levers from the
frame.
Hold the frame with one hand.With the other
hand you take hold of the seat unit at the inte-
grated rear rack. Now move the seat to the
correct position.
Close the two quick release levers by moving
the levers towards the frame.The front lever
in particular has to be closed tightly so that
the angle of the back of the seat does not
change during a ride.
In order to check the adjustments have anot-
her person hold the bicycle while you are sit-
ting on the recumbent.
Adjust the seat in a way that your leg is fully
extended when your heel (wearing flat shoes)
is in the foremost position on the pedal.
Experience shows that the pedal-to-seat di-
stance on a recumbent can be slightly longer
than on a conventional bike.While you are pe-
daling the ball of your foot should be positio-
ned over the center of the pedal axle. It is im-
portant that your leg is not fully straightened
when the crank is in the foremost position.
If the distance is too long it is difficult to over-
come this dead point, pedaling becomes un-
comfortable and there is too much strain on
the sinews of your feet.
Adjusting the seat
Danger! All procedures described here re-
quire a certain degree of skill, suitable tools
and mechanical aptitude.After any assembly
operation perform a static check and take a
short test-ride on a quiet street, away from
traffic. If you have any doubts please contact
your local dealer.