MONTGOMERYVILLE, PA (BRAIN)—The 9th Edition of the BPSA Bicycle Owner's Manual represents a major re-write of the 8th Edition in order to bring the manual into compliance
with the new European Union EN Standards 14764, 14766 and 14781.
This edition of the manual is suitable for use with multi-speed derailleur and internal gear hub bikes as well as with single-speed bikes.
In addition to the English language version, the BPSA has undertaken to make the manual available, over the next few months, in the languages of other EU member countries.
The French language version is already available, and if you let BPSA executive Maureen Waddington know what languages are of interest to you, the BPSA will be able to set priorities for other translations.
Each language can be requested in any of three formats:
* as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, ready for printing as is;
* as an Adobe InDesign package, for those who want to re-format the layout, add or remove their own information or illustrations, or otherwise make significant changes;
* as a Microsoft Word text file and TIF format illustrations, for those who want to give their manual their own look.
The European standards require, among many other things, that the bicycle's manual specify the bike's intended use and the recommended torque for all fasteners on the bike.
The BPSA has dealt with these two requirements with Appendix A, Intended Use, and Appendix D and Fastener Torque Specifications.
Appendix A uses the most current graphic symbols of intended use developed by the ASTM. Some licensees will want to add to each category a list of those of their bike models which are intended for that type of use. The BPSA recommends that, even if you do not plan to sell your bikes in the EU, you leave this section as part of your manual, as intended use descriptions are likely to become mandatory in the U.S. in the near future.
Some licensees may find it difficult to specify torque requirements for every fastener on every model. If that is the case, we recommend you simply delete everything below the "torque wrench" paragraph of Appendix D, but retain the general language of the two paragraphs. Those licensees who wish to specify torque can add to or subtract from the list provided.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to call the manual's editor, Tom Franges, at 415-342-1229 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. (PST).
