RIVERSIDE 500LF

Remember to check the condition of your bike before each ride.

Before each ride, check that your wheels are tight!

Check that your brakes are working correctly. If you feel that they aren't powerful enough, try adjusting them with the help of our video tutorial.

If you're still having problems with your brakes after adjusting them, it might be because your brake pads are worn. Head to the "Maintenance" section, where you'll find a video explaining how to change them.

If you're still having problems, come and see us in one of our workshops!

When you first get your bike from the store, the brake pads and discs are brand new and therefore the initial braking performance is very low (weak).

A sharp prolonged braking action (for example, during a descent) with brakes that have never before been used can cause the pads to overheat and to "freeze up".

To avoid this issue (which can render the brakes completely unusable), we recommend first "breaking in" your brakes. This takes about 10 braking actions per brake. For each braking action: apply a single brake to slow the bike down from about 25 km/h to 5 km/h without fully blocking the wheel. Repeat with the other brake.

The recommended pressure is between 2 and 4 bars maximum. This will depend on several factors: on muddy and slightly uneven terrain, opt for a lower pressure (2/3 bars) for greater traction. If you are carrying a heavy load on the bike, the pressure needs to be higher. 

Feel free to adapt the pressure to your feeling.

Check that your different cable housings aren't damaged and that they're well-positioned.

If you see a damaged housing (for example, if you see the metal cable), change it as soon as possible.

Visit a workshop so that our mechanics can repair your bike!

Adjusting your seat to the correct height is important to avoid pain from pedalling in an uncomfortable position.

We recommend wearing a helmet and gloves while riding. A fall could happen at any time and the only thing between you and bloody hands is your helmet and gloves.

Storing your Riverside (for long periods)

Store your bike in a dry, sheltered place

Before you put it away, clean your bike to remove mud or sand that could corrode your bike.

- Lubricate the chain.

Switch the derailleur to the smallest cog to release compression on the housing and tension on the cables.

SETTING OUT ON A CASUAL RIDE OR LONGER TOUR ON YOUR RIVERSIDE BIKE?

Here are a few tips:


1- SAFETY

Wear a certified helmet, purchased recently; remember that the head is impacted in one out of every two falls!!

IMPORTANT: Helmets have a limited effective lifespan, even if they haven't been involved in a crash!

- Set off with a bike that is properly adjusted and well maintained

- Take along a mobile phone (charged!) to be able to make a call should you need help.

- Map out your itinerary ahead of time so you can as much as possible take bike trails and paths free of cars.

- If you will be riding in the dark, make sure you have front and back lights with you



2- YOUR COMFORT

- If you're just starting to cycle: Gradually lengthen your rides, starting out at one hour

- Wear clothing that is appropriate for the length of your ride, plus gloves.

- Don't try to push hard on the pedals. Instead, switch gears so you can pedal more easily and faster. You'll be able to go further for longer.

- Depending on the weather, bring along clothing to protect you from the cold or rain.

- Don't forget to do some stretches after your ride.

- STAY HYDRATED!!



3- ALWAYS TAKE A TYRE REPAIR KIT WITH YOU!

- A tyre pump. Some pumps will fit onto the frame's screws for the water bottle holder.

- 3 tyre levers, one inner tube that you can store in a saddle bag.
Pay attention to the compatibility of the pump with your valves.
In case of a puncture, think about repairing your inner tube at home with a patch rather than discarding it.


4- DRINK REGULARLY

- Attach a water bottle holder to your bike and bring a bottle along so you can drink as you ride, or carry a water bottle in a backpack.

- Remember to drink water regularly (every 20 minutes and at least half a litre per hour)!



5- DON'T FORGET TO EAT

- Bring something to eat.

- Don't wait until you feel hungry to eat. Eat every hour to fuel your muscles.

After replacing your brake pads we recommend bedding them in so that they don't "seize up" (which would cause weaker braking power).

Your tyre might be quite rigid if it is old; it's okay to use some force to get it off.

Follow our guide to unscrew the cassette using the lockring tool and chain whip, then screw on the new cassette.

You'll find the lockring tool and chain whip at the link below; for a new cassette, please check the "Spare Parts" section.

To do this, you will need: a chain tool, a new chain, and a quick-link.

Place the chain on the last cog and on the smallest chainring. 

Remove the quick-link using the pliers or chain tool, then take the old chain off the drivetrain.

Place the new chain on the last cog and on the smallest chainring. This will make it easier to determine its optimal length.
IMPORTANT: certain chains only fit in 1 direction, be sure to check the user guide.

The chain should pass close to the top pulley of the upper jockey wheel on the derailleur.

Once you've determined the correct length, use the chain tool to cut the chain.

Lastly, install the quick-link onto the chain, turn the pedal so as to position the quick-link on the upper part of the chain, and use your hand to apply pressure and ensure it is firmly locked in place.

If your wheel is bent, made an appointment at one of our DECATHLON workshops to get it readjusted.

You can lubricate your hub joints if your wheels squeak.

IMPORTANT: Be extremely careful not to get oil on the disc, otherwise you may not be able to brake.

Remember to check the tyre several times so that you don't experience another flat.

There could be several reasons why your gears (cogs) are not shifting correctly.

1. Check the position of the cable housing end caps (tips). Incorrectly positioned cable housing caps can hinder the pulling action on the derailleur cable and cause the shifting of the gears to be off. If a housing end is out of position, push it back into place.

2. The cable and housing might be jammed. If you can't shift into the smallest gears (onto the smallest cogs), and if the derailleur doesn't move even when the gear shifter is operated, then the cable and the housing have probably jammed up. In this case, the cable and housing need to be replaced.

3- Take your Riverside 500LF to a Decathlon workshop to have your derailleur adjusted

REMEMBER: If you regularly ride your Riverside 500LF in wet or muddy conditions, or if you regularly wash your Riverside bike with abundant water, then your cables and cable housing will need to be replaced more frequently. Washing your bike using a high pressure hose is highly discouraged as it can push dirt and dust into the cable housing.

Your bike's frame, stem and handlebar have a lifetime warranty.

This warranty applies to normal use of your bike. Your bike is designed for regular cycling on roads and paths, so if you use your bike for a sport for which it is not intended, such as mountain biking (MTB) or downhill mountain biking (DH), and the frame cracks, the warranty will not apply.