PDF User Manual

page 1

Congratulations! You’ve got a brand new Cleary Bike! Before you get rolling, there are a few simple 
steps you need to take to ensure a safe and fun ride for your child.

First, register your bike on our website, 

clearybikes.com

. Registration validates your warranty and 

allows us to keep you apprised of changes, news, and special deals.

You can reach us with your bike and riding questions, comments, or concerns via email at 

knowledge@clearybikes.com

, or on the phone at 

(415) 528-KIDS

 or 

(415) 528-5437

.  

We’re always happy to hear from you!

Next, it’s time to assemble and adjust the bike for your young rider. This manual has all the informa-
tion you need. You can also go to our website, 

clearybikes.com

, for video assembly instructions and 

tips.
 
If you purchased your bike from a dealer, who assembled and adjusted it, and gave you some tips, 
we still encourage you to read this manual through before taking your rider out for a spin.

WELCOME!

Welcome

What You Get

What You’ll Need

Assembly

Inflate The Tires

Before The Ride

Care and Maintenance

Warranty

CONTENTS

1

2

2

3 - 9

9

10

10

12

CONTACT US

Cleary Bikes
448 Coloma Street
Sausalito, CA 94965

(415) 528-KIDS / (415) 528-5437
 
knowledge@clearybikes.com
clearybikes.com

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WHAT YOU GET

REMOVE ALL  

PACKAGING

!

!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

The tools you’ll need to put your bike together and adjust it properly are: 

• 5mm Allen wrench
• 6mm Allen wrench
• 15 mm open wrench (or small, adjustable crescent wrench)
• Schrader valve tire pump

page 3

ROTATE STEM

DISCONNECT FRONT BRAKES

page 4

INSTALL HUB SKEWER

INSTALL FRONT WHEEL

page 5

TIGHTEN FRONT WHEEL NUTS

Screw this nut 
on by hand.

Finish tightening with a 5mm Allen 
wrench. Make sure the fit is snug, 
then crank it a little bit tighter. 

FRONT OF BIKE

1

2

RECONNECT THE FRONT BRAKE

Check all brake connections. 
Test the brakes by squeezing 
the grips and pushing the bike  
forward.

page 6

REMOVE HANDLEBAR CLAMP PLATE

POSITION HANDLEBAR

page 7

REPLACE HANDLEBAR CLAMP PLATE

ADJUST STEM ALIGNMENT

Make sure the handlebar is perpendicular to the 
front wheel. To correct the alignment, loosen the 
rear stem bolts enough to allow the handlebar 
to rotate independently. Move the handlebar into 
the correct position and firmly tighten the stem 
bolts. 

STEM

BOLTS

Working in an “x” pattern, tighten each of the bolts 
about 1/4 turn per pass to keep the tension even. 

The gaps between the face plate and the base 
should be the same on the top and bottom of the 
handlebar. 

page 8

INSTALL RIGHT PEDAL

Screw the right pedal into the crank 
arm by hand, turning 

clockwise

. 

Lightly tighten with the wrench. 

INSTALL LEFT PEDAL

Screw the left pedal into the crank arm 
by hand, turning 

counter clockwise

. 

Lightly tighten with the wrench. 

page 9

INSTALL AND ADJUST SADDLE

Loosen the seat post clamp bolt if necessary. 
Slide the seat post into the seat tube. Position the 
saddle so that it is approximately the same height 
as your child’s hip and tighten the seat post clamp 
to secure. 

Adjust the seat forward or back by loosening the 
6 mm bolt underneath the saddle.

Your child should be able to sit on the saddle 
and reach the handlebar grips with slightly bent 
elbows.

Remove the dust cap from the tire valve and check the pressure using a pressure gauge. If you don’t 
have a pressure gauge, squeeze the tires. They should feel very firm, but give a little when strong 
pressure is applied. Fill the tires to the recommended pressure using a bicycle pump with a “Schrad-
er” valve. Pressure recommendations can be found on the tire sidewall and also below. 

12” Starfish - 35 to 40 PSI
12” Gecko - 35-40 PSI
16” Hedgehog - 40-65 PSI
20” Owl - 40-65 PSI

INFLATE THE TIRES

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It’s important to make sure handlebar and saddle positioning are correct and that the brakes are 
working before heading out for a ride. 

First, do a visual check. The rider should be able to sit on the saddle with feet touching the ground 
and reach the handlebars with slightly bent elbows. 

Next, ask the rider to check the brakes. All Cleary bikes have front and rear hand brakes. The Gecko 
also has pedal (coaster) brakes. Riders should be able to grasp the hand brakes easily while seated 
on the bike. Ask the rider to squeeze and release the brakes, practicing the “stop” and “go” posi-
tions. 

While state laws vary, we strongly believe that all riders should wear properly fitted helmets every  
time they ride. For new riders, we recommend practicing on a soft surface (like a grassy field). Having 
a soft landing pad will help beginning riders avoid injury and gain confidence while they learn.

BEFORE THE RIDE

Periodic checks and simple maintenance will keep your sturdy Cleary Bike in tip-top shape. 

CLEANING

Keep your bike gleaming by washing it with a sponge, water, and degreaser. Dry it with a towel or 
soft cloth. Avoid using soap!

LUBRICATION

Check the chain periodically to see that it is properly lubricated. If it appears dry, or if it becomes 
clogged with debris, wash the chain using a degreaser. To relubricate, apply bike lubricant to the 
chain (not too much) as you crank the peddles with your hand. If possible, let the bike sit overnight, 
then rub the chain lightly to remove excess lubricant. Proper lubrication will prevent corrosion and 
ensure that the drive train operates smoothly. 

To lubricate the brake cables disconnect the brakes (see page 3). Moisten a rag with bike lubricant 
and run it over the cables. Reconnect the brakes and test them (see page 5).

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

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NUTS, BOLTS, AND FASTENERS

It’s a good idea to do a periodic visual check of all the nuts, bolts and fasteners on the bike to make 
sure that none of them are loose, missing, or damaged.

TIRE AND WHEEL CONDITION AND PRESSURE

Check the tire pressure regularly to make sure the tires are inflated to the recommended PSI (printed 
on tire sidewall and on page 9). Correct tire pressure will extend the life of the tires, and make for a 
safer and more comfortable ride. Inspect the tires periodically and replace any tires that show cracks, 
cuts, uneven wear, or bald spots.

If you find the wheel rims are not running “true,” or evenly through the brake pads, have them in-
spected and adjusted by a qualified bicycle mechanic. You can also contact us for assistance. 

BRAKES

Verifying proper brake function can help avoid accidents and injury. First do a visual inspection 
to make sure the cables are seated correctly and the levers appear to be in good working order. 
Squeeze the brake levers. The brake pads should contact the wheel rim before the brake lever touch-
es the handle grip. If they don’t, use the cable adjuster to shorten the cable and then re-test. The 
brake pads should strike the wheels flatly and evenly, hitting on the alloy rim (not the tire). If the pads 
are not connecting properly have the bike serviced by a qualified bicycle mechanic.

CABLES

Inspect the cables periodically and have a qualified bicycle mechanic replace any that show signs of 
corrosion, fraying, or rust. 

BEARINGS

Cleary Bikes have bearings located at the hubs, crank, headsets, and pedals. Bearings in need of 
repair will make loud or uneven noises. Maintenance and repair to the bearings should be performed 
by a qualified bicycle mechanic. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your bike’s 
bearings. 

REFLECTORS

All Cleary Bikes are equipped with reflectors; a white front reflector, a red rear reflector, two white 
wheel reflectors, and four orange pedal reflectors. Reflectors are legally required and important 
for safety. To function properly they must remain clean, in good condition, and securely fitted at all 
times. 

SAFETY

Always wear a helmet. 
In wet weather, take precautions. Caution your rider to bike more slowly and allow more time for 
braking. 
Avoid riding at night. If necessary, wear bright clothes, use a full set of CPSC compatible reflectors 
and a lighting set that includes a white front and red rear lamp.

page 12

Cleary Bikes stands behind our bicycles for as long as you ride it.  

The original purchaser has a lifetime warranty against any and all  

manufacturer’s defects on the bike. 

Ride hard! We’ll be here if you need us. 

CHOKING HAZARD

 - Small Parts

Not for children under 3 years. 

This bike is intended to be assembled by an adult. 

WARRANTY

STARFISH BIKE OWNER WARNING!