24" ROCKRIDER 500 MOUNTAIN BIKE BLUE

There are two barrel adjusters on each brake, situated on the brake levers. They are used to adjust the tension of the brake cable. Make sure you get the setting right when using the barrel adjuster. (The more the barrel is tightened, the tighter the cable).

This barrel adjuster is located to the rear of the derailleur. It is used to adjust the tension of the derailleur cable. If the chain struggles on climbs, it means the cable is not tight enough. Tighten it by unscrewing the barrel. If the chain does not run smoothly on descents, then the cable is too tight. Turn the barrel to slacken the cable. A quarter turn is often all you need.

The brake cable noodle is a stainless steel part that is used to guide the brake cable into the V-brake caliper. The noodle is set at a specific angle to ensure the cable can slip into position and offer effective braking. It can be replaced if damaged.

A V-brake is comprised of two callipers (one left caliper and one right). They are linked together in the middle, at the brake cable sleeve. 

Pull the brake cable housing out to release the callipers. This will allow you to take the wheel out easily.

The two screws secure the stem to the head tube on the fork.

It's important to adjust the height of the seat tube and the handlebar to fit your child's height. The mark indicating the minimum insertion point of the seat tube, or the handlebar, into the frame, should never be visible for safety reasons (make sure that neither the seat post nor the handlebar extend past this minimum insertion level).

To determine the correct seat height: sit your child on the bike with one heel resting on the pedal with the crank turned so that the pedal is at its lowest position. The seat height is correct when the child's leg is extended while in this position. Also while seated, check that the child can touch the ground with their toes.

You can test the brakes on your child's mountain bike by taking it by the handlebars and walking with it, pulling the right lever to test the rear brake and the left to test the front.The wheels should stop moving when the respective lever is pulled. The brake pads should not rub against the sides of the rim when the brakes are not engaged.

 

Here's what to do if you notice that the braking isn't smooth or the wheels rub on the brakes: There is a barrel adjuster in front of the brake lever. Turn the barrel in a clockwise direction to tighten the brake for sharper braking. Turn the barrel in an anti-clockwise direction to loosen the brake for less sharp braking and to move the brake pads away from the rim. 

 

It's important to check your brakes regularly.

The recommended pressure is always indicated on the tyre sidewall. We recommend inflating your tyres to the pressure indicated on each tyre, This may vary from tyre to tyre. 

You can check that your tyres have enough air in them simply by putting your child in the saddle. With their weight, the tyre should go down ever so slightly. 

 

You can use an "all-in-one" type product (available at Decathlon stores) to unjam, clean, lubricate and protect your child's bike. It's a very handy product!

To lubricate the chain, turn the pedal and "spray" the product all the way along. 

Then leave it to dry for a few minutes. If the chain is very dirty, clean it with a brush or a cloth and spray it again with "all-in-one" product.

 

Our tip: Avoid any contact with the brake pads and the braking area on the wheel rims.

 

Protect your bike: Apply all-in-one regularly to prevent rust from appearing.

If you notice that your child's bike is dirty after a few rides (mud, rain, dust, etc.), it's a good idea to take a few minutes to get it clean again as needed.

 

If it's covered in dust, just use a dry cloth to clean it. If there's mud or other dirt that's harder to get rid of, you can clean it with a bucket of hot water, a sponge (or a cloth) and some bike wash or shampoo. You can clean parts such as the frame, fork, handlebars and wheels).

 

DID YOU KNOW?   We strongly recommend that you do not use a pressure hose to clean your child's bike: It may damage the functions of components such as the headset and the bottom bracket and put your child in danger. 

 

When you've finished washing the bike all you have to do is wipe it down with a dry cloth to prevent rust from appearing.

You might want to apply fresh lubricant to the moving parts (chain, headset, bottom bracket). 

V-Brake pads are available as spare parts.

To change them, simply follow the steps in the video. 

You should always check the tyres before you take your bike out. 

If they're flat, check to see if they have a puncture. To do this, blow them up as much as you can.

If they go flat quickly, you will have to take the wheel off and then the tyre and change or repair the inner tube. 

If they go flat slowly, check the surface of the tyre for the presence of sharp objects or shards of glass. You will then need to take the wheel off and then the tyre and change or repair the inner tube. Take care when removing the sharp object or shard of glass causing the puncture. 

 

Even if they're not flat, we recommend you check the pressure of the tyres (see section above). 

 

DID YOU KNOW? The useful life of rubber depends on how it is used and stored. If you can see cracks in the tyres, we advise you to replace them with new ones. 

We recommend you keep your bike in a dry place.  You should check that it doesn't get damp.

The lifespan of your child's bike depends on how it is used, maintained and stored.

The more damp and saline (sea air) the conditions, the more the child's bike will be prone to corrosion and the shorter its useful life.  

It's important, therefore, to keep it stored, clean and dry, in a place that is not damp. 

 

DID YOU KNOW? You shouldn't hang up bikes with telescopic forks by the front wheel. Hang them up by the rear wheel. This will ensure your fork lasts longer. 

If you suffer a puncture, stop immediately in a safe place to prevent the rim from being damaged. 

Turn the bike upside down and set it down on the ground on the saddle and handlebars.

Release the brakes to allow the wheel to come out. Squeeze the V-brake callipers together and release the noodle. 

For the front wheel, remove from the fork and then change the inner tube (see explanatory video). 

For the rear wheel, position the derailleur on the smallest cog. Loosen the wheel and then change the inner tube (see explanatory video). 

 

As a last resort, you can always use puncture repair spray though this won't work if the inner tube is torn.

If changing gears is a struggle, it's because the rear derailleur doesn't align properly with the cogs. 

 

Check the cable and housings:

If the housing ends are out of position they can obstruct the derailleur cable and stop the gears from changing. Simply slip them back into their housing.

If the derailleur is not moving even after you have engaged and disengaged the grip shifter, it probably means that the cable and its housings have seized up. You will need to have the cable and housings replaced.

 

It's possible that the derailleur hanger has been bent or knocked out of shape. This makes it impossible to change gears. Our advice is to take the bike to the workshop at your nearest Decathlon store and have the hanger straightened. 

 

It's also possible that the derailleur is not working properly. If that's the case, put the bike upside down on the saddle and handlebars and release the pedals (or preferably put it on a bike stand if you can). Activate the shifter/trigger (depending on your bike's configuration) to move the chain on to the smallest cog. The barrel adjuster is located to the rear of the derailleur. It is used to tighten and loosen the derailleur cable, respectively moving the derailleur up or down. Adjust the barrel until the gears shift correctly. 

If the brake lever is too slack, too limp or is touching the handlebar without much pressure being exerted on it, use the barrel on the brake lever to adjust the tension of the brake cable, as shown in the video below.

 

Unscrew the barrel and the locknut until the cable is sufficiently tight and the brake lever is firm but not too hard.

Once you've got the tension right, tighten the locknut firmly against the brake lever to secure the setting.