FAQ

Gravity Bikes FAQ

Is my Gravity bike ready to ride out of the box?

Most bicycles require some final assembly, adjustment, and a complete safety inspection before riding. Components such as the pedals, handlebar/stem, wheels, seatpost, brakes, and drivetrain should be checked for correct installation and adjustment.

If you are not comfortable assembling or inspecting a bicycle, have it checked by a qualified bicycle mechanic before riding.

How do I install the pedals correctly?

Bicycle pedals have different threads on the left and right sides.

  • Right/drive-side pedal: standard thread. Tightens clockwise.
  • Left/non-drive-side pedal: reverse thread. Tightens counterclockwise.
  • Confirm that the pedal marked R goes on the right crank and the pedal marked L goes on the left crank.
  • Apply a light coating of bicycle grease or anti-seize compound to the pedal threads before installation.
  • Start each pedal by hand for several turns. Never force a pedal into the crank.
  • Tighten securely to the pedal or crank manufacturer's specified torque.

Incorrectly installing or cross-threading a pedal can permanently damage the crank.

Before every ride, check that both pedals are secure. Do not continually overtighten them. If a pedal loosens, makes noise, or does not thread smoothly, stop riding and have it inspected.

How does a quick-release wheel work?

A quick-release lever is a clamping mechanism, not a wing nut.

To secure a quick-release wheel:

  1. Make sure the wheel axle is fully seated in the fork or frame dropouts.
  2. With the lever open, adjust the opposite nut so the lever begins to resist approximately halfway through its closing motion.
  3. Close the lever completely using firm hand pressure.
  4. The lever should end in the fully CLOSED position and should not rotate freely.
  5. Confirm the wheel cannot move, shift, or pull out of the dropouts.

Never ride with the quick-release lever partially closed or used simply as a nut-tightening handle.

Check wheel security before every ride.

What about thru-axle wheels?

If your Gravity bike uses thru-axles instead of quick releases, make sure each axle is:

  • fully inserted,
  • correctly threaded,
  • tightened to the manufacturer's specified torque, and
  • completely secured before riding.

Never ride with a loose or partially installed thru-axle.

What should I check before every ride?

Perform a quick safety inspection before every ride:

  • Wheels are securely attached.
  • Quick releases or thru-axles are fully secured.
  • Pedals are secure.
  • Handlebar and stem do not move independently of the front wheel.
  • Seat and seatpost are secure.
  • Front and rear brakes operate correctly.
  • Brake pads and rotors/rims are in usable condition.
  • Tires are properly inflated and free of obvious damage.
  • Cranks are secure and rotate normally.
  • Chain and drivetrain operate normally.
  • No important bolts or fasteners are visibly loose.
  • Nothing is rubbing, cracked, bent, damaged, or unusually noisy.

If anything feels loose, damaged, or abnormal, do not ride the bicycle until the problem has been corrected.

Should I wear a helmet?

Yes. Always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet appropriate for cycling and compliant with applicable safety standards.

A helmet should:

  • sit level on your head,
  • fit snugly,
  • have properly adjusted straps, and
  • be replaced after a significant impact or when required by the helmet manufacturer.

Helmets reduce the risk of some head injuries, but no helmet can prevent every injury.

Are there other safety equipment recommendations?

Depending on where and when you ride, use appropriate safety equipment including:

  • front and rear lights,
  • reflectors,
  • bright or reflective clothing,
  • eye protection,
  • gloves,
  • appropriate footwear, and
  • other protective equipment appropriate for the type of riding.

Follow all applicable traffic laws and local bicycle regulations.

How much air should I put in my tires?

Use the tire pressure range printed on the tire sidewall unless the bicycle, wheel, or tire manufacturer specifies a lower maximum.

Never exceed the lowest applicable pressure limit of the:

  • tire,
  • rim/wheel, or
  • bicycle manufacturer's specification.

Tire pressure should be checked regularly because bicycle tires naturally lose air over time.

Do bolts and fasteners need to be checked?

Yes. Bicycle fasteners can loosen through use, vibration, transport, and normal break-in.

Periodically inspect important fasteners, particularly:

  • stem and handlebar bolts,
  • crank bolts,
  • pedals,
  • seatpost and saddle clamps,
  • brake mounting bolts,
  • derailleur mounting hardware,
  • wheel axles or quick releases.

Use the manufacturer's specified torque whenever one is provided. More torque is not necessarily safer. Overtightening can damage components, particularly aluminum and carbon parts.

Does a new bicycle need a break-in inspection?

It is a good idea to inspect a new bicycle after its first several rides. Cables, spokes, bearings, and other components may settle during initial use.

Check for:

  • loose fasteners,
  • wheel spoke tension issues,
  • brake adjustment,
  • shifting adjustment,
  • headset play,
  • crank or pedal looseness, and
  • unusual noises.

If you are unsure how to perform these checks, have a qualified bicycle mechanic inspect the bike.

What should I do if my brakes do not feel right?

Do not ride the bicycle if either brake is not functioning properly.

Before riding, verify that:

  • the brake levers operate normally,
  • the brakes stop the corresponding wheel,
  • pads contact the braking surface correctly,
  • hydraulic systems are not leaking,
  • cables are not frayed or damaged, and
  • rotors or rims are not dangerously contaminated or damaged.

New disc brakes may also require a proper bed-in procedure before reaching full braking performance.

Can I modify my Gravity bike?

Only use components that are compatible with the bicycle and appropriate for its intended use.

Changes to items such as forks, brakes, wheels, tires, handlebars, stems, drivetrains, suspension, or electric-bike components can affect handling, structural loads, and safety.

If compatibility is uncertain, consult a qualified bicycle mechanic before installing the component.

Can I ride my bike if something is making an unusual noise?

Do not ignore unexplained clicking, knocking, grinding, creaking, looseness, or changes in handling.

Stop riding and inspect the bicycle. These symptoms can sometimes indicate a loose or damaged component.

When in doubt, have the bicycle inspected by a qualified mechanic.

Do I need to read the owner's manuals?

Yes. Read and follow the instructions supplied with your bicycle and its individual components.

Component manufacturers may provide specific instructions for:

  • installation,
  • adjustment,
  • torque specifications,
  • maintenance,
  • tire pressure,
  • suspension settings,
  • battery charging, and
  • replacement intervals.

Those manufacturer instructions take precedence over general information on this FAQ page.

Important Safety Notice

Cycling involves inherent risks and can result in serious injury or death. Proper assembly, inspection, maintenance, protective equipment, and responsible riding reduce risk but cannot eliminate it.

The information on this page is general guidance and is not a substitute for the bicycle owner's manual, component manufacturer's instructions, professional bicycle assembly, or mechanical inspection.

Never ride a bicycle that you believe is improperly assembled, damaged, loose, or unsafe. If you are uncertain about assembly, adjustment, maintenance, or the condition of your bicycle, have it inspected by a qualified bicycle mechanic before riding.