Your guide to assembly, first-ride checks and looking after your new bike. A few careful checks now can help prevent damage and keep every ride enjoyable.
Before your child's first ride: we strongly recommend a safety inspection by a qualified mechanic at your local bicycle shop after assembly. Please make this part of getting your bike ready.
NEW BIKE? READ THESE FIRST
Small checks. Important parts.
Incorrect pedal installation, a bent derailleur hanger or forcing a jammed drivetrain can damage a new bike. Check these areas before riding, and stop if anything does not feel right.
01 · PEDALS
Left and right tighten differently.
R = clockwise. L = anticlockwise. These directions are viewed from outside the bike, looking towards the crank. Left and right are from the seated rider's perspective.
How to avoid damaged threads
Match each pedal's L or R marking to the correct side. Align the spindle with the threaded hole in the crank arm and start by hand. It should thread smoothly. If it catches or feels wrong, stop and realign it — do not force it with a spanner.
Once correctly threaded, use a suitable pedal spanner on the spindle's wrench flats to tighten securely. The spindle shoulder must seat against the crank as shown in the guide. Do not ride with a loose or wobbling pedal: it can damage the crank threads.
02 · DERAILLEUR HANGER
Check for bends before riding.
The hanger connects the rear derailleur to the frame. A knock during transport, assembly or use can bend it and move the derailleur towards the spokes.
What to look for
View the rear derailleur from behind the bike and compare it with the guide. Look for obvious twisting, a derailleur leaning towards the wheel, or parts close to the spokes. A visual check can reveal obvious damage, but does not confirm precise hanger alignment.
If it looks bent or you are unsure, do not ride or try to bend it back. Send us clear photos of the derailleur from behind and from the side. A mechanic can check alignment with the correct tool.
03 · GEAR CHANGES
Test every gear gently.
Keep the rear wheel off the ground, turn the pedals forward by hand and change one gear at a time. Test up and down through all gears.
How to test at home
Ask another adult to hold the bike securely with the rear wheel raised, or use a bicycle repair stand. Keep hands, clothing and children clear of the moving chain, spokes and gears.
Let the chain settle into each gear before shifting again. Stop if the chain jams, skips repeatedly, falls off or moves towards the spokes. Do not force it through resistance.
On a derailleur bike, changing gear while stationary does not complete the chain's shift. A hard push on the pedals afterwards can make it shift abruptly. Teach your child to shift while pedalling lightly, easing pressure during the change. If they have moved the shifter while stopped, check that the drivetrain runs smoothly before riding; never force a jam.
04 · ADJUSTMENTS
Do not guess at the limit screws.
The rear derailleur's limit screws control how far it can move. Incorrect adjustment can allow the chain to fall off or the derailleur to contact the spokes.
When something does not shift properly
Do not turn the H or L limit screws simply to see if it helps. Poor shifting can have several causes, including cable adjustment or a bent hanger.
Stop and contact us with a short video and photos, or have a bicycle mechanic inspect it. Avoid further adjustment or riding until the cause is understood.
ASSEMBLED? CHECK BEFORE RIDING
Before the first ride.
Check the complete bike, including parts that arrived pre-assembled. Follow the model-specific guide for installation and tightening instructions.
Front wheel: correct orientation, axle fully seated and the wheel securely fastened.
Handlebar & stem: aligned with the front wheel, all relevant bolts secure, with no slipping or looseness.
Saddle & seatpost: secure and correctly aligned; the minimum insertion mark is inside the frame.
Pedals: L and R on the correct sides, seated and tightened securely with no looseness.
Brakes: test both separately while walking the bike. Confirm which lever operates each wheel, and that your child can reach and operate both.
Gears & hanger: shifts through every gear without jamming; no visible bend or contact with the spokes.
Tyres & wheels: tyres seated correctly; inflate within the applicable recommended range and never exceed tyre or rim limits. Maximum pressure is not a target.
Rider & accessories: suitable fit, securely fitted helmet, reflectors and bell installed, and no loose cables or parts interfering with steering.
Not sure? Do not ride yet. Completing this checklist is not a professional safety inspection. Have a qualified bicycle mechanic check the assembled bike before the first ride.
A QUICK HABIT FOR EVERY RIDE
Check again as the bike is used.
Check tyre condition and pressure, both brakes, wheel security, and that the handlebar, saddle and pedals are secure. Look for loose, damaged or bent parts, especially after a fall or knock.
Stop riding if anything becomes loose, makes an unusual noise, or changes how the bike brakes or shifts. Address small issues before they lead to further damage.
LOOK AFTER YOUR BIKE
Care & warranty.
Bicycles need regular maintenance. Cleaning, appropriate chain lubrication, checking fasteners and servicing help keep the bike working correctly. Keep oil and lubricant away from brake discs and pads, and avoid high-pressure washing.
Can assembly or maintenance affect a warranty claim?
Damage caused by incorrect assembly, riding with loose components, impacts, misuse or inadequate maintenance may not be covered by our voluntary warranty. We assess the cause and circumstances of each problem; a damaged hanger, derailleur or pedal does not automatically mean a claim is excluded.
Not having a bicycle-shop inspection does not automatically cancel your warranty or your consumer rights. If you have a problem, please contact us so we can assess it.
Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law are not excluded or restricted by this information or by our voluntary warranty. Consumer guarantees may apply even after a warranty period has ended.
What should I send if something looks wrong?
Stop using the bike if it may be unsafe. Email your order number, a description of the issue and clear photos. For shifting problems, include photos of the rear derailleur from the side and behind, plus a short video if it can be recorded safely.
If damage is visible on arrival, photograph the carton and affected parts and contact us promptly before riding. We can help you work out the next step.
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