TerminologyThe tikit is more complex than a standard bike, with a variety of new parts. Here are the terms we use to describe them. AardvarkThe lower portion of the seatmast which contains its folding and latching assembly. There are two aardvark styles. Prior to 2010 the aardvark was as shown in the figure above. After 2010 the aardvark was revised with a special curved handle which obviated the need of the safety brace. C-ClampSee Pac-Man Clamp CupThe curved potato-chip-shaped element on the rear triangle which presses against the main frame when the bike is unfolded. DinosaurA metal tongue (so-called "leaf spring") which locks onto the latch peg to hold the bike in folded position. Released by a small paddle on the aardvark when the bike is being unfolded. Prior to 2008 the dinosaur had a long slot and was prone to bending out of adjustment. Confusingly, the latch peg and latch arm (Dinosaur) have nothing to do with the seatmast latch and the latch rings. HandleThe tikit has two handles. The rear handle is built into the aardvark and enables you to pick up and roll the bike while folded. A red cloth handle is attached to the horizontal cupholder braze-on on the main frame and assists in picking up the bike when folded or unfolded. Hyperfold CableIn hyperfold versions of the bike, the cable assembly which extends from the rear triangle up through the steering tube to the Pac-Man clamp, holding the stem in locked position while the bike was being ridden. Prior to 2008 this assembly consisted of two brake cables. After 2008 the hyperfold cable was a single large-diameter cable. Latch ArmSee Dinosaur. Latch PegA small protruding knob which fits into the old or slot of the Dinosaur to lock the bike in folded position. Prior to 2011, the latch peg is part of the frame: after 2011 the latch peg is clamped onto the bike and is adjustable and replaceable. Confusingly, the latch peg and latch arm (Dinosaur) have nothing to do with the seatmast latch and the latch rings. Latch RingsThick washers on each side of the latch portion of the aardvark, which engage with the seatmast latch on the rear triangle and lock the bike in rideable unfolded position. Confusingly, the latch peg and latch arm (Dinosaur) have nothing to do with the seatmast latch and the latch rings. Pac-Man ClampA long C-shaped clamp which holds the handlebar stem in locked position while riding. PivotThe primary bolt and axle about which the bike swings when being folded. Safety BraceAn additional piece added to the pre-2010 aardvark in 2008 to prevent the aardvark from cracking. Seatmast CatchA thin and long piece of spring steel (or in early versions, plastic) which holds the seatmast locked down while folded. BIke Friday confusingly refers to this as the seatmast latch, but we do not here as this conflates the term with the primary locking latch on the tikit. Seatmast LatchThe latching assembly which connects the seatmast with the rear triangle of the tikit and locks the bicycle in unfolded position. This consists of the latch proper (on the rear triangle) and the latch rings (on the aardvark). Confusingly, the latch peg and latch arm (Dinosaur) have nothing to do with the rear latch and the latch rings. Shower CapSee transit cover. Stem CatchA U-shaped piece of steel (or in early versions, plastic) which locks the handlebar stem in folded position. The catch has two parts: the female portion is attached to the frame, and the male portion is attached to the handlebar stem riser. Bike Friday confusingly refers to this as the stem latch, but we do not here as this conflates the term with the handlebar stem hinge, including the Pac-Man clamp. Transit CoverA bag which is attached to the bike frame and can be opened to cover the entire bike while it is folded. Tripod LegA protruding bar with a rubber foot at the end of it which, when the bike is folded, touches the ground and, along with the front wheel and a rear triangle support, forms a "tripod" on which the bike stands. In the picture above it can be seen directly behind the white safety brace arrow. Prior to 2011 the tripod leg was welded as part of the frame: afterwards it was bolted on and replaceable. Twiddly KnobA knob attached to the Pac-Man clamp on the handlebar stem hinge on the Model-T version of the tikit. |
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