Free2Go Instruction Guide

Transcription

1 Free2Go Instruction Guide Updates to these instructions will be posted on Please check back from time to time. WARNING: The device is designed for 1 and only 1 bicycle at a time. Do not use it for more. The device supports standard bikes with extra gear weighing less than 45lbs. Using the device to carry more weight could result in damage to the bike, car, etc. Do not stand on the device either when it is installed or not. This device was not designed for off-road use or consistently bad and pitted roads. Check strapping system for shifting/loosening every miles(on highway), 3-5 miles (in the city). For Free2Go to operate correctly you must install it as specified in the instructions. Do not leave Free2Go installed on the car when it is not transporting a bicycle. 3. One at a time take each Base Mount Assembly(F9) and D-ring Strap(F7) thread the end of the base mount through the D-ring Strap as shown then screw the base mount into the bumper tow hole. We have found that once you get an understanding of the steps you will be able to repeat them with great proficiency. We recommend you install and uninstall SEVERAL times before transporting a bike so that you are confident in its use. Note: Once you get familiar you will be able to install and uninstall in a matter of minutes. a. When the Base Mount Assembly (F9) has been modestly tightened into the tow hole use the Base Mount Knob (F3) to allow the Base Mount Stirrup (F2) to sit parallel to the bumper. Once parallel re-tightened the Base Mount Knob (F3). Please ensure the D-Ring is positioned as show with the strap directed at the angle it will be tightened. 1. Confirm you have all components of Free2Go (Figure 1 F1-F9) (for more info on some topics scan this using your smartphone. Download apps here Full installation video) 2. On the rear bumper of Smart Cars you will see 2 tow hole covers. Using your key end, remove these covers and store. b. Rotate the Base Mount Strap (F1) into a position to receive the bicycle tires.

2 (more info: Base Mount Stirrup) 4. Install the Stabilization Strap (F5) on the bicycle. Position the front bike tire pointing straight forward. Thread one end of the Stabilization Strap (F5) through the spokes of the tire and around the bike down-tube. Thread strap end through buckle. Press the release lever and feed webbing up from the bottom and under the cam buckle teeth as shown. (Front Tire Stabilization Strap) Pull the strap tight so as to limit the front tires ability to move more than 3-4 to either side. This strap is responsible for keeping the bike in an upright position on the Base Mount Assemblies(F9). 5. Apply protection Pads (F8) What you do here depends on the type of bicycle you have. It is recommended that during the initial uses of the rack you apply the pads to the handlebar and the pedal that are on the side of the bike that may come in contact with the car. The bicycle may point in either direction, you simply have to choose one that works for you. In our pictures and videos we have chosen to position the front tire to the left.

3 down over the strap. Leave the strap and buckle hang outside the hatch until Step 13 when you attach it to the bike. more info: J-Hook Strap) 6. Install the J-Hook Strap(F6) by affixing the J-hook to the D-ring that is inside the rear hatch area of both the cabrio and coupe Smarts. Feed the strap end either through lower edge of the rear hatch window (coupe) or at the seam of the soft top and the rear hatch (cabrio) such that the cam buckle is outside of the rear hatch area. NOTE: you may have to move the cam buckle into position outside the car before using. Pull the strap towards the back of the car, holding it low, below the hatch window and close the Hatch window or Cabrio lid (more info: D-Ring Strap)

4 7. Lift the bike onto both Base Mount Assemblies (F9) ensuring the pads(f8) installed in Step 5 are on the side closest to the car. For longer wheel bases it may be necessary to adjust the Base Mount Assemblies (F9) to fit the tires properly. (more info: Mount Base Assemblies) At this point it should be possible to rest the bike onto of the Base Mount Stirrups without it moving. If it does move left or right please tighten the Base Mount Assemblies and/or the Base Mount Knob(s). 8. Take the end of either of the 2 D-Ring Straps(F7) and feed it up between the bike and the car, around the head-tube (or seat post). Take the time here to ensure the tires fit nicely onto the Base Mount Stirrups (F2). This is achieved by having both tires set on the base mounts with the Base Mount Stirrups at a common angle. Position the bike pedal that you have applied the Pad(F8) to at the edge of the license plate in a horizontal position(if it touches the car). Position the handle bar Pad(F8) to protect the rear hatch from the handlebar itself(if it touches the car). (Bike removed to show the direction/position to be used with the D- Ring Straps)

5 Then thread the end into the cam buckle attached to the strap. (Threading the strap into the buckle at an angle is easier than trying to thread it straight through). NOTE: Be careful not to wrap the strap around anything that is sharp or abrasive. Ensure when pulling the strap tight through the buckle that the strap will not slip/move from its installed position. Pull the strap end through the cam buckle so that it is taught. Do not fully tighten at this time. 8. Repeat #7 for the other D-Ring Strap (F7). (more info: D- Ring Straps) 9. When the D-Ring Straps (F7) are taught, you will secure the bike wheels to the Base Mount Stirrups (F2) by threading the Base Mount Strap(F1) through the tire/spokes/rim and attaching it to the end of the Base Mount Stirrup such that the tire is firmly secured to the Base Mount Stirrup(F2).

6 10. Repeat Step 9 for the other wheel. NOTE: Ensure strap must be fully connected to the Stirrup end. 11. Tighten the D-Ring Straps attached in Step 8 and 9, one at a time. Pull up on the D-Ring Strap (F7) end to tighten down the bike. You may have to press on the tab of the alloy cam buckle as shown in Step 9 to pull the strap through if there is slack in the strap. Switching back and forth between both straps until the bike is upright and unable to move left or right, forward or backward. Ensure that the bike is centered on the bike mounts when tightened. If the bike significantly favors the left or right side, loose the D-Ring straps, reposition the bike and retightened the D-Ring straps and the Base Mount Knob(F3), if necessary. 14. The bike must not move when pull towards you or pushed towards the car while in a standing position behind the car. Adjust any necessary strap as described above to ensure the bike is firmly in position for travel. It is recommended to install and uninstall Free2Go a few times to get the hang of it. Also, during your initial uses of Free2Go check strapping after a few miles to ensure you have everything set, then periodically after that during your trip. 13. Feed the J-Hook Strap(F6) end around the cross bar or seat post of the bike, then thread the end back through the cam buckle. Pull on the strap end through the cam to tighten, then close the CAM buckle onto the strap to secure it.

7 Uninstalling Free2Go To uninstall Free2Go after transporting a bicycle please perform the Installation steps 1 14 in reverse. Unattaching, Untightening and Unscrewing. Free2Go is Patent Pending with US Patent Service. Storage When storing Free2Go please ensure: 1. All components are cleaned of dirt/debris and are fully dried before placing in a rolled up or closed area(box, bag, etc) 2. Store all components together, or in a convenient manner to re-use. Extra Protection Two small pieces of rubber have been provided to act as a gasket between the D-Ring strap hardware and the car bumper should the contact be of a concern. Questions and Comments Please use our Facebook site to us questions/comments. We will strive to respond to your questions within 24 hrs. Additionally, you may us at Support@FortheSmart.com. Visit our Website Please be aware that in certain jurisdictions the obscuring of a license plate is not allowed. If this is a concern to you we recommend repositioning the license plate.