HP Velotechnik trikes - Manual (Page 73)

Rear suspension element
69
Handling instructions
Changing the steel spring (DV-22)
You can buy the spring for the rear suspen-
sion element in different spring rates at your
dealer.
We recommend the following spring rates,
depending on the overall weight:
Load Spring stiffness
x up to 80 kg: 450 lbs/inch
x up to 110 kg: 550 lbs/inch
x up to 140 kg: 650 lbs/inch
In addition to this, your dealer can also use
springs with other spring rates or special
lightweight springs made of titanium.
In most cases the rate is printed onto the
spring. Pay attention to the correct imprint
since the term "B650" that sometimes occurs
does not necessarily mean 650 lbs./inch!
Spring length:
DV22: 83 mm (70-90 mm)
In order to change the spring you will have to
remove the rear screw and swivel away the
rear frame.
Hold the main frame of your bicycle in a work
stand.
If there is a safety ring at the thread of the
suspension element move it to the end so you
can unscrew the adjustment ring completely
and then turn it to the outer position at the
end. Remove the slotted spring retention disc
at the other end.
Loosen the screws of the rear suspension
element with two Allen keys and push the
screw out of the suspension element’s eye.
Danger! If the bicycle does not
stand on the ground while undoing the
screws of the suspension element the rear
swing arm may come down uncontrolled
afterwards and hurt you seriously. In addi-
tion to this the cables of the gear system
and the brakes may overstretch and you
will have to replace them. Ensure that the
rear swing arm comes down in a con-
trolled and gentle way by putting up a solid
string or zip tie between the main frame
and the rear swing arm.
Danger! When the bicycle is
standing on the ground the frame and the
swing arm come up against each other.
Please make sure that this happens in a
controlled and gentle fashion. Put a cloth
between the contact surfaces. Otherwise,
if they come up against each other uncon-
trolled your hands may get caught between
main frame, rear swing arm and suspension
element and your bicycle may be damaged.
Move the rear swing arm down carefully.
While doing this, take care that you don't
bend or stretch any cables.
Remove the spring from the suspension ele-
ment and put on the replacement spring.
Make sure the new spring has the same di-
ameter and length as the old spring and that it
is supported safely by the adjustment ring.
Put back the slotted spring retention disc on
the piston rod. If necessary, compress the
spring a little bit. The spring retention disc has
to match its support at the end of the suspen-
sion element.
Secure the spring by tightening the adjustment
ring until the spring doesn't show any more