HP Velotechnik Spirit - Manual (Page 40)

HP
Velotechnik
38
Chain tubes
The chain protection tubes are made of a long
lasting plastic that features very low friction,
slow wear and good noise damping.The tubes
protect your clothes against the chain oil as
well as the chain against dirt from the road.
The tubes are attached to the frame with a
flexible belt and zip ties.
The tubes are worn by the chain and have to
be cut at the ends and expanded again (or ex-
changed) after 3.000-5.000 km (1600-2700 mi-
les) approximately, depending on the chain ty-
pe and the overall riding condition.You can ex-
tend this maintenance interval by turning the
tubes by a quarter turn from time to time so
that they do not keep wearing out in the same
place.
The intensity of the wear depends mainly on
the chain type. Please see also the instructions
on "Chain" on page 36.
In order to perform any work at the chain tu-
be you'll have to open the chain and finally clo-
se it again. Please see the instructions on
"Chain" on page 36.
Expanding the tube ends
The ends of the tubes are expanded like a
trumpet so that the chain can enter smoothly
without friction and without making noises.
When the ends are worn out you can renew
them by expanding them again. Remove the
chain by opening the power link or open it
with a special chain riveting tool. Cut the worn
part of the tube exactly perpendicular with a
sharp knife.
Heat the last 5-10 mm at the end of the tube
with a gas burner, a hot air gun, or a candle
and turn it permanently until the colour of the
utmost edge turns from a dull black to a shiny
black. Now you expand the end with a proper
tool, e.g. the rounded grip of a screwdriver.
Quench the expanded end immediately with
cold water.
Take care that the tubes don't catch fire.At
any rate work in a place with sufficient ventila-
tion.
If the tube is too short after you have cut it so
that there is not enough protection anymore it
has to be replaced.You can buy spare tubes ei-
ther as uncut tubes or already cut into the
correct length, complete with retention spring
from your specialist dealer.
Chain tubes
Caution! Take care that the chain tubes
keep at least a 5 cm (2 inch) distance to the
rear derailleur or sprockets and front chain-
ring when the chain is stretched to the ma-
ximum, and that the tubes are well fastened.
If necessary you will have to shorten the tu-
bes. If the end of a chain tube gets into the
rotating parts of the drivetrain the drivetrain
can be blocked and the chain tubes may be
destroyed.