[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 16, Volume 2]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 16CFR1512.18]
[Page 564-571]
TITLE 16--COMMERCIAL PRACTICES
CHAPTER II--CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
PART 1512_REQUIREMENTS FOR BICYCLES--Table of Contents
Subpart A_Regulations
Sec. 1512.18 Tests and test procedures.
(a) Sharp edge test. [Reserved]
(b) [Reserved]
(c) Protective cap and end-mounted devices test. (Ref. Sec.
1512.4(i), Sec. 1512.6(d).) Any device suitable for exerting a removal
force of at least 67 N (15 lbf) for protective caps and 8.9 N (2.0 lbf)
for end caps at any point and in any direction may be used. All
protective caps and end-mounted handlebar devices shall be tested to
determine that they cannot be removed by application of the specified
forces.
(d) Handbrake loading and performance test: (Ref. Sec. 1512.5(b)).
(1) Apparatus. A spring scale or other suitable device for measuring
the specified forces on the handbrake levers and a dry, clean, level,
paved surface of adequate length.
(2) Procedure. The loading test, Sec. 1512.18(d)(2)(i), and the
rocking test, Sec. 1512.18(d)(2)(iii), shall be performed before the
performance test, Sec. 1512.18(d)(2)(v), is performed and no
adjustments shall be made between these tests.
(i) Loading test procedure. The hand levers shall be actuated with a
force applied at a point no more than 25 mm (1.0 in) from the open end
of the lever. If the hand lever contacts the handlebar (bottoms) before
a force of 445 N (100 lbf) is reached, the loading may be stopped at
that point, otherwise the loading shall be increased to at least 445 N
(100 lbf). \4\ Application of the loading force shall be repeated for a
total of 10 times and all brake components shall be inspected.
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\4\ For hand lever extensions, the loading shall be continued until
a force of 445 N (100 lbf) is reached or the hand lever extension is in
the same plane as the upper surface of the handlebars or the extension
lever contacts the handlebars.
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(ii) Loading test criteria. There shall be no visible fractures,
failures, misalignments, and clearances not in compliance with
applicable parts of Sec. 1512.5.
(iii) Rocking test procedure. A weight of at least 68.1 kg (150 lb)
shall be placed on the seat; the force required for the hand levers to
contact the handlebars or 445 N (100 lbf), as determined in Sec.
1512.18(d)(2), shall be applied to the hand levers; \4\ and the bicycle
shall be rocked forward and backward over a dry, clean, level, paved
surface at least six times and for a distance of at least 76 mm (3 in)
in each direction.
(iv) Rocking test criteria. There shall be no loosening of the brake
pads, pad holders, or cable and hand-lever securing devices or any other
functional brake component.
(v) Performance test procedure. The following test conditions,
unless otherwise specified in this part 1512, shall be followed:
(A) The bicycle shall be ridden over a dry, clean, smooth paved test
course free from protruding aggregate. The test course shall provide a
coefficient of friction of less then 1.0 and shall have a slope of less
than 1 percent.
(B) The wind velocity shall be less than 11 km/h (7 mph).
(C) Only the brake system under test shall be actuated.
(D) The bicycle shall attain the specified ground speed while the
rider is in the normal riding position.
(E) The rider shall remain in the normal riding position throughout
the test.
(F) The bicycle must be moving in a straight line at the start of
brake application.
(G) Corrections for velocity at the initiation of braking may be
made. The corrected braking distance shall be computed as follow:
[[Page 565]]
Sc = (Vs / Vm)\2\Sm
where:
Sc = Corrected braking distance,
Vs = Specified test velocity.
Vm = Measured test velocity,
Sm = Measured braking distance.
The test run is invalid if at the commencement of the test, the measured
test speed of the bicycle is not less than nor greater than the test
speed required by this part 1512 by 1.5 km/h (0.9 mph).
(H) Four test runs are required. The stopping distance shall be
determined by averaging the results of the four test runs.
(I) The stopping distances specified are based on a rider weight of
at least 68.1 kg (150 lb) and a maximum rider and weight combination of
91 kg (200 lb). Greater stopping distances are allowable for heavier
riders and test equipment weights at the rate of 0.30 m per 4.5 kg (1.0
ft per 10 lb).
(J) A test run is invalid if front-wheel lockup occurs.
(vi) Performance test criteria. The stopping force applied to the
hand lever at a point no closer than 25 mm (1.0 in) from the open end
shall not exceed 178 N (40 lbf). Bicycles with an equivalent ground
speed in excess of 24 km/h (15 mph) (in its highest gear ratio at a
pedal crank rate of 60 revolutions per minute) \3\ shall stop from an
actual test speed of 24 km/h (15 mph) or greater within a distance of
4.57 m (15 ft); when the equivalent ground speed is less than 24 km/h
(15 mph) under the same conditions, the bicycle shall stop from an
actual test speed of 16 km/h (10 mph) or greater within a distance of
4.57 m (15 ft).
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\3\ See footnote 3 to Sec. 1512.5.
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(e) Footbrake force and performance test. (Ref. Sec. 1512.5(c) (1)
and (2)):
(1) Apparatus. Suitable devices for exerting and measuring the
required forces and a dry, clean, level, paved surface of adequate
length.
(2) Force test. The braking force shall be measured as the wheel is
rotated in a direction of forward motion, and the braking force is
measured in a direction tangential to the tire during a steady pull
after the wheel completes one-half revolution but before the wheel
completes one revolution. The brake shall be capable of producing a
linearly proportional brake force for a gradually applied pedal force
from 89 N to 310 N (20 to 70 lbf) and shall not be less than 178 N (40
lbf) for an applied pedal force of 310 N (70 lbf). All data points must
fall within plus or minus 20 percent of the brake force, based on the
measured brake load using the least square method of obtaining the best
straight line curve.
(3) Performance test. The procedure of Sec. 1512.18(d)(2)(v) shall
be followed to test the footbrake performance. The stopping distance
shall be less than 4.57 m (15 ft) from an actual test speed of 16 km/h
(10 mph). In addition, if the equivalent ground speed of the bicycle is
in excess of 24 km/h (15 mph) (in its highest gear ratio at a pedal
crank rate of 60 revolutions per minute), \3\ the stopping distance
shall be 4.57 m (15 ft) from an actual test speed of 24 km/h (15 mph) or
greater.
Note: No allowance shall be made for rider weight. See Sec.
1512.5(d) for additional requirements for bicycles with both handbrakes
and footbrakes.
(f) Sidewalk bicycle footbrake force test. For sidewalk bicycles,
the footbrake force test is the same as for bicycles except; the brake
force transmitted to the rear wheel shall continually increase as the
pedal force is increased from 44.5 N to 225 N (10 to 50 lbf). The ratio
of applied pedal force to braking force shall not be greater than two-
to-one.
(g) Handlebar stem test. (Ref. Sec. 1512.6(b)):
(1) Procedure. The handlebar stem shall be tested for strength by
applying a force of 2000 N (450 lbf), in a forward direction, for
bicycles, or 1000 N (225 lbf) for sidewalk bicycles, at a point in line
with the handlbar attachment point and at an angle of 45[deg] from the
stem centerline (See fig. 2).
(2) Criteria. No visible fractures shall result from this test.
(h) Handlebar test. (Ref. Sec. 1512.6(e)):
(1) Stem-to-fork clamp test--(i) Procedure. The handlebar and
handlebar stem shall be assembled to the bicycle in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions. The handlebar-fork assembly shall be
subjected to a torque applied about the axis of the stem, and
[[Page 566]]
shall then be disassembled and examined for signs of structural damage
including cracking, splitting, stripping of threads, bearing damage, and
bulging of the stem and fork structures. The handlebar and handlebar
stem components shall be inspected for visible signs of galling,
gouging, and scoring not due to normal assembly and disassembly
operations.
(ii) Criteria. There shall be no visible movement between the stem
and fork when a torque of 47+3, -0 N-m (35+2, -0 ft=lb) for bicycles and
20+3, -0 N-m (15+2, -0 ft=lb) for sidewalk bicycles is applied to the
handlebar about the stem-to-fork axis. There shall be no visible signs
of damage to the stem-to-fork assembly or any component part thereof.
(2) Handlebar strength and clamp test--(i) Procedure. The stem shall
be in place on the bicycle or in an equivalent test fixture and secured
according to manufacturer's instructions. A load shall be applied
equally to each handlebar end in a direction to cause the greatest
torque about the handlebar-to-stem clamp; deflection shall be measured
along the line of applied force.
(ii) Criteria. The handlebars shall support a force of no less than
445 N (100 lbf) or absorb no less than 22.6 J (200 in-lb) of energy
through a maximum deflection of no more than 76 mm (3.0 in.); the
handlebar clamp shall prevent rotational movement of the handlebars
relative to the clamp, and there shall be no visible fractures.
(i) Pedal slip test. [Reserved]
(j) Rim test. (Ref. Sec. Sec. 1512.10 and 1512.11(c)):
(1) Procedure. Only one wheel need be tested if the front and rear
wheel are of identical construction. The wheel to be tested shall be
removed from the bicycle and be supported circumferentially around the
tire sidewall. A load of 2000 N (450 lbf) shall be applied to the axle
and normal to the plane of the wheel for at least 30 seconds. If the
wheel hub is offset, the load shall be applied in the direction of the
offset.
(2) Criteria. The wheel and tire assembly shall be inspected for
compliance with the requirements of Sec. 1512.11(a) and shall be
remounted on the bicycle according to the manufacturer's instructions
and shall turn freely without roughness and shall comply with the
requirement of Sec. 1512.11(b).
(3) Front hub retention test. (Ref. Sec. 1512.12(c)).
(i) Procedures. Front hub locking devices shall be released. When
threaded nuts and axles are used, the nuts shall be open at least
360[deg] from a finger tight condition. A separation force of at least
111 N (25 lb) shall be applied to the hub on a line along the slots in
the fork ends.
(ii) Criteria. The front hub shall not separate from the fork;
fenders, mudguards, struts, and brakes shall not be allowed to restrain
the separation.
(k) Fork and frame test. (Ref. Sec. Sec. 1512.13 and 1512.14):
(1) Fork test--(i) Procedure. With the fork stem supported in a 76
mm (3.0 in) vee block and secured by the method illustrated in figure 1
of this part 1512, a load shall be applied at the axle attachment in a
direction perpendicular to the centerline of the stem and against the
direction of the rake. Load and deflection readings shall be recorded
and plotted at the point of loading. The load shall be increased until a
deflection of 64 mm (2\1/2\ in) is reached.
(ii) Criteria. Energy of at least 39.5 J (350 in-lb) shall be
absorbed with a deflection in the direction of the force of no more than
64 mm (2\1/2\ in.).
(2) Fork and frame assembly test--(i) Procedure. The fork, or one
identical to that tested in accordance with the fork test, Sec.
1512.18(k)(1), shall be replaced on the bicycle in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions; and a load of 890 N (200 lbf), or an energy
of at least 39.5 J (350 in-lb), whichever results in the greater force,
shall be applied to the fork at the axle attachment point against the
direction of the rake in line with the rear wheel axle. The test load
shall be counteracted by a force applied at the location of the rear
axle during this test.
(ii) Criteria. There shall be no visible evidence of fracture and no
deformation of frame that significantly limits the steering angle over
which the front wheel can be turned.
(l) Seat adjustment clamps and load test. (Ref. Sec. 1512.15(c)).
(1) Procedure. A force of at least 668 N (150 lbf) shall be applied
vertically downward (334 N (75 lbf) for sidewalk
[[Page 567]]
bicycles) to a point within 25 mm (1.0 in.) from either the front or
rear of the seat, whichever produces the greatest torque on the seat
clamp. After removal of this force, a force of 222 N (50 lbf) shall then
be applied horizontally (111 N (25 lbf) for sidewalk bicycles) to a
point within 25 mm (1.0 in.) from either the front or rear of the seat,
whichever produces the greatest torque on the clamp.
(2) Criteria. No movement of the seat with respect to the seat post,
or of the seat post with respect to the bicycle frame, shall have
resulted from application of the forces specified.
(m) Reflector mount and alignment test. (Ref. Sec. 1512.16 (c) and
(d)):
(1) Procedure. A force of 89 N (20 lbf) shall be applied to the
reflector mount in at least three directions selected as most likely to
affect its alignment. At least one of those directions shall be selected
to represent a force that would be expected in lifting the bicycle by
grasping the reflector.
(2) Criteria. (i) During test: The optical axis of the reflector
shall remain parallel within 15[deg] to the line or intersection of the
ground plane and the center plane of the bicycle defined as a plane
containing both wheels and the centerlines of the down tube and seat
mast.
(ii) Post test: The optical axis of the reflector shall remain
parallel within 5[deg] to the line or intersection of the ground plane
and the center plane of the bicycle defined as a plane containing both
wheels and the centerlines of the down tube and seat mast.
(n) Reflector test. (Ref. Sec. 1512.16(g)):
(1) Conditioning. The following conditioning in the order given
shall be performed prior to testing for performance.
(i) Warpage conditioning. The reflector shall be held in a preheated
oven for at least one hour at 50[deg] 5 [deg]C
(1225.4 [deg]F). A pedal reflector may be
conditioned integrally with its pedal.
(ii) Mechanical impact conditioning. The reflector shall be mounted
faceup in a manner similar to the way in which it is mounted on the
bicycle. A 13 mm (\1/2\ in.) diameter polished steel ball shall be
dropped normal to the center of the face of the reflector from a height
of 0.76 m (30 in.). The ball may be guided by a tube with holes, but not
restricted in free fall. Pedal reflectors are exempt from this impact
conditioning.
(iii) Moisture conditioning. The reflector shall be submerged in tap
water in a suitable container. The container shall be pressurized in
17.2 kN/m\2\ (2.5 psi) (equivalent to 1.7 m (5\3/4\ ft.)) of water for
15 minutes and then released.
(2) Reflector performance test. (i) Arrangements for the reflector
performance test shall be as shown in figure 3 and the distance D
between the light source and the reflector shall be 30.5 m (100 ft.).
The source of illumination shall be a lamp with a 51 mm (2.0 in.)
effective diameter and a filament operating at 2,85610 percent color temperature. The observation point
shall be colocated (as close as practicable) with the source of
illumination. The reflector shall be mounted with the center of the
reflector at the center of rotation and at the same horizontal level as
the source of illumination. Photometric measurements shall be made at
the observation angles and entrance angles given in tables 1 and 2.
(ii) The observation angle is the angle formed by a line from the
point of observation to the center of the reflector with a second line
from the center of the reflector to the source of illumination. The
entrance angle is the angle between the optical axis of the reflector
and a line from the center of the reflector to the source of
illumination. The entrance angle shall be designated left, right, up,
and down in accordance with the position of the source of illumination
with respect to the axis of the reflector as viewed from behind the
reflector when the plane of the observation angle is vertical and the
receiver is above the source.
(iii) Photometric measurements shall be made either visually or
photoelectrically. With either method, the light reflected to the
observation point shall be determined. Also, the illumination on the
reflector from the source shall be measured.
(iv) For visual measurements a comparison lamp, emitting light
similar in spectral quality to the reflector, shall be located adjacent
to the reflector (at an angle not to exceed \1/2\[deg]) and arranged so
that the candlepower can be
[[Page 568]]
varied from 0.01 to 0.25 to make the intensity duplicate that of the
reflector under test. The candlepower of the source of the illumination
of the reflector under test shall be known or determined for this test.
Means shall be provided to change the intensity of the source of
illumination without changing the filament color temperature. The
comparison lamp shall be designed to avoid reflection from the source of
illumination back in the direction of the observer. It shall be of such
size and so diffused that when viewed by the observer (through a 2\1/2\x
reducing monocular), the candlepower can be readily compared and
adjusted to that of the reflector. The observer shall have at least 10
minutes of dark adaption before making observations. For photoelectric
measurements, the opening to the photocell shall not be more than \1/2\
inch vertical by 1 inch horizontal.
(v) Reflectors that mount on the bicycle in a fixed rotational
position with respect to the bicycle, or the bicycle component on which
they are mounted (such as pedals or spokes), shall be tested with a
single orientation. Reflectors that do not mount on the bicycle in a
fixed rotational position with respect to the bicycle shall be rotated
about their axis through 360[deg] to find the minimum candlepower per
footcandle for each test point. If the measurement falls below the
minimum requirement at any test point, the reflector shall be rotated
5[deg] about its axis from the angle where the
minimum occurs, and the maximum candlepower per footcandle within this
angle shall be the measured value.
(vi) Should uncolored reflections from the front surface interfere
with photometric readings at any test point the lowest reading and
location within 1[deg] above, below, right, and left of the test point
shall meet the minimum requirement for the test point.
(vii) A recommended coordinate system for definition of color is the
``Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE 1931)'' system in the IES Lighting
Handbook, \5\ fifth edition, 1972. In the coordinate system and when
illuminated by the source defined in table 4 of this part 1512, a
reflector will be considered to be red if its color falls within the
region bounded by the red spectrum locus and the lines y0.980--x and
y0.335; a reflector will be considered to be amber if its color falls
within the region bounded by the yellow spectrum locus and the lines
y0.382, y0.790-0.667x, and y x--0.120.
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\5\ Copies may be obtained from Illuminating Engineering Society, 35
East 47th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017.
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(o) Reflective tire and rim test (Ref. Sec. 1512.16(h) and (i)):
(1) Apparatus. Arrangements for the reflective intensity measurement
shall be as shown in figure 3 of this part 1512. A light projector
(having a maximum effective lens diameter of D/500, where D is the
distance from the source to the retroreflective surface being measured)
capable of projecting light of uniform intensity shall be used to
illuminate the sample. The light falling on the sample shall have a
color temperature of 2856[deg]K+10% (equivalent to a tungsten filament
lamp operated at a color temperature of 2856[deg]K+10% having
approximately the relative energy distribution given in table 4 of this
part 1512). The light reflected from the test surface shall be measured
with a photoelectric receiver, the response of which has been corrected
for the spectral sensitivity of the average photopic human eye. The
dimensions of the active area of the receiver shall be such that no
point on the perimeter of the receiver is more than D/100 from its
center (where d is the distance from the receiver to the retroreflective
surface). Wheels used for the measurement of retroreflective tires or
rims shall have all exposed metallic surfaces, including spokes, masked
in flat black so that when measured these surfaces indicate no
appreciable reflectance. The tire shall be mounted and fully inflated.
Distances shall be measured from the plane of the wheel and the center
of the hub. For the tests, the distance D between the projector and the
center of the wheel and distance d between the center of the wheel and
the receiver shall each be at least 15 m (50 ft.).
(2) Procedure--(i) Masking. The reflecting strip to be tested shall
be within two concentric circles, the larger of which is no more than
0.02 m (0.79 in.)
[[Page 569]]
greater in radius than the smaller. While additional reflecting material
is permitted outside such boundaries, such additional material shall not
be counted in determining the average width of the reflecting strip and
shall be masked off with opaque, matte black tape in testing the
reflecting material.
(ii) Orientation. Every position of the reflecting strip on the rim
or the mounted and fully inflated tire to be tested shall be oriented so
that the normal to this portion is within 40[deg] of parallel to the
axis of rotation of the wheel.
(iii) Measurement. Measure the distance d from the receiver to the
center of the wheel and the minimum distance r from the axis of rotation
of the wheel to the unmasked portion of the reflective strip. Measure
the illumination incident on the reflective strip at uniform intervals
of no more than 45[deg] around the wheel, with the receiver oriented in
the direction of the incident radiation. The average of such readings
will be the mean illumination of the sample E. If any one of such
readings differs by more than 10 percent from the mean illumination,
then a more uniform source must be obtained. Measure the illumination of
the receiver due to reflection from the retroreflective surface for each
entrance angle and each observation angle given in table 3 of this part
1512. The entrance angle and the observation angle shall be in the same
plane. A negative entrance angle (figure 3 of this part 1512) is
specified when the entrance angle is small because the location of the
receiver with respect to the direction of illumination becomes important
for distinguishing between ordinary mirror-like reflection and
retroreflection. The illumination incident on the test surface and the
receiver shall be measured in the same units on a linear scale. Compute
the ratio A for each combination of entrance angle and observation angle
listed in table 3 as follows:
A = [(Er / Es)(d\2\ / r)]
Where:
A = Ratio in meters,
Er = Illumination incident upon the receiver,
Es = Illumination incident upon a plane perpendicular to the
incident ray at the specimen position (see instructions above in this
paragraph (o)(2)(iii) for averaging), measured in the same units as
Er,
d = The distance in meters from the receiver to the center of the wheel,
r = The minimum radius in meters of the boundary circles of the
retroreflective strip.
The minimum value of A shall be that listed in table 3 of this part 1512
for each combination of entrance angle and observation angle. The plane
containing the entrance angle and the plane containing the observation
angle shall coincide. In table 3, a positive entrance angle corresponds
to the case in which the line of sight to the receiver lies between the
line of incidence and the optic axis of the reflector, and a negative
entrance angle corresponds to the case in which the line of incidence
lies between the line of sight of the receiver and optic axis of the
reflector.
(iv) Criteria. The ratio A as defined in Sec. 1512.18(o)(2)(iii)
shall not be less than:
A = 4Cos\2\[thetas]/[1+([Phi]/0.225)3/2]
where A is ratio in meters, [thetas] is the entrance angle in degrees,
and [Phi] is the observation angle in degrees. The criterion applies
only for entrance angles from 0[deg] to 40[deg] and observation angles
from 0.2[deg] to 1.5[deg], and performance is not specified beyond this
range. The values of A in table 3 are obtained from the above formula by
rounding up to two significant figures. Except in cases in which the
performance of the reflector is seriously questionable, a reflector with
A at least the value given in table 3 at each of the six combinations of
entrance and observation angles will be considered to satisfy this
criteria.
(p) Road test. (Ref. Sec. Sec. 1512.15(c) and 1512.17(a)):
(1) Procedure. The bicycle shall be ridden at least 6.4 km (4.0 mi.)
by a rider weighing at least 68.1 kg (150 lb.) with the tires inflated
to maximum recommended pressure. Travel shall include riding the bicycle
five times over a 30 m (100 ft.) course of wooden cleats fastened to a
paved surface. The cleats shall be a full 25 mm (1.0 in.) high by 51 mm
(2.0 in.) wide lumber with a 12 mm by 12 mm (\1/2\ in. by \1/2\ in.)
chamfer of 45[deg] on the corners contacting the tires. The cleats shall
be spaced every 1.8 m (6.0 ft.) over the 30 m (100 ft.) course.
[[Page 570]]
The bicycle shall be ridden over the cleated course at a speed of at
least 24 km/hr (15 mph) with the rider firmly seated.
(2) Criteria. The bicycle shall exhibit stable handling, turning,
and steering characteristics without difficulty of operation. There
shall be no system or component failure of the structure, brakes, or
tires and there shall be no loosening or misalignment of the seat,
handlebars, controls, or reflectors.
(q) Sidewalk bicycle proof test. (Ref. Sec. Sec. 1512.15(c) and
1512.17(b)):
(1) Procedure. The bicycle shall be loaded with weights of 13.6 kg
(30 lb.) on the seat surface and 4.5 kg (10 lb.) attached to the end of
each handle grip for a total load of 22.7 kg (50 lb.). The bicycle shall
be lifted a distance of 0.3 m (1.0 ft.) and dropped (while maintaining
an upright position) three times onto a paved surface. Following this
and with weight removed, it shall be allowed to fall in any
configuration and attitude from an upright position to the paved surface
three times on each side.
(r) Abrasion test for retroreflective rims. (Ref. Sec. 1512.16(i)):
(1) This test consists of a steel wire cup brush rotating at a
constant velocity of 60 rpm that is applied at a force of 2 N (0.45 lbf)
to the retroreflective material on one side of a bicycle wheel rim. The
rim is rotated about the axle at a linear velocity of 0.23 m/sec (9 in./
sec). The test is complete when the wheel has completed 1000
revolutions.
(2) Apparatus. Figure 8 of this part 1512 illustrates the following
test fixture arrangement that is suitable to perform this abrasion test:
(i) Test fixture. The test fixture contains a clamp to hold the axle
of a bicycle wheel so that the wheel can rotate freely about the axle.
The axis of rotation is capable of being inclined from the vertical to
bring that portion of the side of the wheel rim containing the
retroreflective material into a horizontal plane as it passes beneath
the abrading brush. A drive mechanism to rotate the bicycle wheel
contains a means to adjust the rotational velocity to obtain the
specified linear velocity measured at a point on the wheel rim on the
axis of the abrading brush.
(ii) Abrader. The abrader is a cup brush meeting the specification
in paragraph (r)(3)(v) of this section. It is mounted in a chuck
attached to a motor that rotates about a vertical axis at the specified
rotational velocity. A means is provided to apply the rotating cup brush
at the specified force against the retroreflective material on the
bicycle wheel rim. The axis of the abrading brush is positioned on the
mid point in the width of the retroreflective material. The force is
produced by deadweights applied to a pan on the axis of the
counterbalanced motor/brush assembly.
(3) Specifications. (i) The linear velocity of the reflective band
on wheel rim shall be 0.23 m/sec (9 in./sec) measured at a point on the
axis of the abrading brush.
(ii) The rotational velocity of the abrading brush shall be 60 rpm.
(iii) The force normal to the plane of the retroreflective material
at which the abrading brush is to be applied shall be 2 N (0.45 lbf).
(iv) The bicycle wheel shall make 1000 complete revolutions per
test.
(v) The abrader shall be a cup brush having bristles that are 0.005
in. (approx. 0.13mm) diameter low carbon steel wire; an outside diameter
of 0.5 inch (aprox. .13mm); a wire bristle length of 0.25 inch (approx.
6.4mm); and a cup diameter of 0.405 inch (approx. 10.29mm). \6\
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\6\ For compliance testing the Commission will use a brush meeting
this description distributed by Dremel Manufacturing Company, Racine,
Wisconsin as Dremel Part No. 442. This brush is manufactured by Weiler
Brush Company as No. 26074, MC-10 Wire.
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(vi) The abrasion test shall be conducted at an ambient temperature
of between 16 [deg]C (60 [deg]F) and 27 [deg]C (80 [deg]F).
(4) Procedure. (i) The retroreflective bicycle rim to be tested
shall be an unused sample free from grit, grime and grease. Prior to
beginning the test, remove, according to instructions supplied with the
bicycle, any protective coating or material used to prevent damage in
shipping.
(ii) Test the wheel in a suitable test fixture, according to the
specifications in paragraph (r)(3) of this section.
(iii) Clamp the wheel by its axle in the test fixture and align the
axis of
[[Page 571]]
rotation so that the portion of the reflective material below the axis
of the abrading brush is horizontal.
(iv) Shape the cup brush by hand to the specified 0.5 (approx. 13mm)
diameter. Any stray wire bristles projecting more than 1/32 in. (approx.
1 mm) beyond the tip of the bulk of the bristles should be clipped off.
Adjust the position of the brush so that its axis is centered over the
mid-point in the width of the retroreflective material.
(v) Adjust the rotational velocity of the bicycle wheel to obtain a
linear velocity of 0.23 m/sec (9 in./sec) measured at the mid-point in
the width of the retroreflective material. Adjust the force to obtain a
force normal to the surface under the brush of 2 N (0.45 lbf).
(vi) Apply the abrading brush to the retroreflective material on the
wheel rim, and continue the test for 1000 complete revolutions of the
bicycle wheel.
[43 FR 60034, Dec. 22, 1978, as amended at 45 FR 82628, Dec. 16, 1980;
46 FR 3204, Jan. 14, 1981; 68 FR 52691, Sept. 5, 2003]