KPZ Inc. FLASH1 Benutzerhandbuch

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SIMPLE RULE 3 : Inspect and investigate any staining to      
see if it is associated with a crack.
• 
SIGNIFICANT SCRATCHES, GOUGES, DENTS OR 
SCORING CREATE STARTING POINTS FOR CRACKS. 
Think about the cut surface as a focal point for 
stress (in fact engineers call such areas “stress ris-
ers,” areas where the stress is increased). Perhaps 
you have seen glass cut? Recall how the glass 
was  scored  and  then  broke  on  the  scored  line.                                                                     
SIMPLE RULE 4 : Do not scratch, gouge or score any 
surface. If you do, pay frequent
• 
SOME CRACKS (particularly larger ones) MAY 
MAKECREAKING NOISE AS YOU RIDE. Think 
about such a noise as a serious warning sig-
nal. Note that a wellmaintained bicycle will be 
very  quiet  and  free  of  creaks  and  squeaks.                                                                         
SIMPLE RULE 5 : Investigate and find the source of any 
noise. It may not a be a crack, but whatever is causing 
the noise should be fixed promptly.
In most cases a fatigue crack is not a defect. It is a sign that 
the part has been worn out, a sign the part has reached the 
end of its useful life. When your car tires wear down to the 
point that the tread bars are contacting the road, those tires 
are not defective. Those tires are worn out and the tread bar 
says “time for replacement.” When a metal part shows a 
fatigue crack, it is worn out. The crack says “time for replace
ment.”
 
Fatigue Is Not A Perfectly Predictable Science
Fatigue is not a perfectly predictable science, but here a
re some general factors to help you and your dealer deter
mine how often your bicycle should be inspected. The 
more you fit the “shorten product life” profile, the more 
frequent your need to inspect. The more you fit the “length
en product life” profile, the less frequent your need to in
spect.
Factors that shorten product life:
• 
Hard, harsh riding style
• 
“Hits”, crashes, jumps, other “shots” to the bike
• 
High mileage