Cannondale Bicycle User Manual [nl]

BICYCLE

OWNER’S MANUAL

WARNING

THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY, PERFORMANCE AND SERVICE INFORMATION.

Read it before you take the ﬁrst ride on your new bicycle, and keep it for reference.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PURCHASE OF A CANNONDALE BICYCLE.

our products:

1. We think riding a bike is fun! Which means all of us at Cannondale are lucky enough to do what we enjoy. You’ll see that dedication to our craft in every bicycle we make.

2. Our dedication to craft includes dreaming up new ways to pioneer improvements for the industry – things like System Integration and the BB30 Standard. Later, other manufacturers often “borrow” our ideas, but that’s okay. After all, more people on bikes is good for everyone.

3. Because bike riding is so much fun, we encourage you to partake whenever the whim strikes you: Going to the grocery store, going to work, going to school, or wherever you go. Bikes are serious transportation, in addition to being outrageously good fun.

4. To keep your bike in top condition and to minimize risk, please read this manual before your ﬁrst ride and refer to this manual whenever you have questions about its operation.

5. We encourage you to visit your local Independent Bike Dealer. Many of us had our ﬁrst jobs in bike shops, and your local Cannondale dealer is an important source of information for you.

USE OF THIS MANUAL

Cannondale Bicycle Owner’s Manual

This manual contains important information aecting your safety and the proper use of bicycles. It is a very important manual for every bike we make. It is organized into two parts:

PART I

Is a generic guide to the proper function and use of bicycles. This generic information is used by many bike companies. Most aspects of bicycles are common or “generic.” PART I of this manual is the 10th edition of the generic manual.

PART II

Contains information speciﬁc to Cannondale bicycles and topics we feel you need to know and understand about our bikes.

A manual alone cannot teach you how to ride, and a manual the size of an encyclopedia could not cover every combination of bicycle, rider and conditions. Thus, as a reasonable person would expect, the Cannondale manuals and supplements focus on the bicycle, not teaching you to ride.

This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair or maintenance manual. It contains no assembly instructions. This manual is not a service manual for any parts of your bike. Please see your dealer for all service, repairs or maintenance. Your dealer may also be able to refer you to classes or books on bicycle use, and maintenance.

Owner’s Manual Supplements

Cannondale Owner’s Manual Supplements are “supplements” to this manual providing important additional model speciﬁc safety, maintenance, and technical information. Cannondale Owner’s Manual Supplements are not replacements for this or any other manual for your bike.

You can download Adobe Acrobat PDF versions of any Cannondale Owner’s Manual or Owner’s Manual Supplements or Tech Notes from our website. Go to: http://www.cannondale.com.

Other Manuals & Instructions

Many of the components on your bike were not made by Cannondale. When available from the manufacturer, Cannondale packages these manuals and/or instructions with our bikes for delivery to you. We strongly recommend that you read and follow all the manufacturer’s speciﬁc instructions included with your bike.

Authorized Cannondale Retailers

Your local Authorized Cannondale Retailer is your primary contact for service and adjustment of your bicycle, instruction in its use, and any warranty questions.

Your new bike is to be delivered by a Authorized Cannondale Retailer to you in a completely assembled and properly adjusted condition, complete with all required safety equipment, Owner’s Manuals, any Cannondale Owner’s Manual Supplements, and the available manufacturer’s instructions (shipped by Cannondale) for parts and components for your bike.

To ﬁnd the Cannondale retailer closest to you, call 1-800-THE-BIKE-USA, or use our website dealer locator at www.cannondale.com.

Use Only Genuine Replacement Parts

It is important to your safety and the performance of your Cannondale bicycle that you use only genuine Cannondale replacement parts in Headshok and Lefty forks, Cannondale swingarms and rear suspension assemblies, derailleur hangers and other frame hardware.

These parts are described in Owners Manual Supplements. This note does not apply to widely used generic bicycle components such as derailleurs.

131264 (04/15)

CONTENTS

PART I

GENERAL WARNING .................................... 4

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR PARENTS ...................4

SECTION 1. FIRST ..................................... 5-8

1.A Bike Fit ................................................................5

1.B Safety First ..........................................................5

1.C Mechanical Safety Check .....................................6

1.D First Ride ............................................................ 8

SECTION 2. SAFETY .................................8-14

2.A The Basics...........................................................9

2.B Riding Safety .................................................... 10

2.C O-Road Safety .................................................11

2.D Wet Weather Riding ..........................................11

2.E Night Riding ..................................................... 12

2.F Extreme, Stunt, or Competition Riding ............ 13

2.G Changing Components Adding Accessories ...... 14

SECTION 3. FIT ......................................15-19

3.A Stand Over Height ............................................ 15

3.B Saddle Position ................................................. 16

3.C. Handlebar Height and Angle ............................. 18

3.D Control Position Adjustments .......................... 19

3.E Brake Reach ...................................................... 19

SECTION 4. TECH................................. 20 - 37

4.A Wheels ............................................................ 20

4.B Seat Post Cam Action Clamp ............................26

4.C Brakes ...............................................................27

Coaster Brakes ................................................. 30

4.D Shifting Gears ................................................... 31

4.E Pedals ...............................................................33

4.F Bicycle Suspension ...........................................34

4.G Tires and Tubes .................................................35

SECTION 5. SERVICE ..............................38-41

5.A Service Intervals ...............................................39

5.B If Your Bicycle Sustains an Impact ....................41

PART II

SECTION A. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFO ...42-51

A Wide Range of Injuries Are Possible ....................42

Bicycles Cannot Protect You ....................................42

Bicycling Inherent Risk ............................................42

Warning Label .........................................................43

Riding in Trac, Commuting ...................................43

Riding at Night, Dusk, Dawn .................................. 44

Reﬁnishing ............................................................. 45

Modiﬁcations ......................................................... 45

Child Carriers ........................................................... 46

Bicycles Have Sharp Surfaces ................................. 46

Bar Ends ................................................................. 46

Installing Accessories ............................................. 46

Aerodynamic Handlebars ........................................47

About Shimmy ....................................................... 48

Toe Clip Overlap ...................................................... 48

Tire Size .................................................................. 49

Tire & Rim Pressure Compatibility ........................ 49

How to Check Wheel Rim Wear .............................. 50

Understanding Disc Brakes on Road Bikes ............. 50

Brake Power Modulators ......................................... 51

Aftermarket Brake Systems .................................... 51

Aftermarket Power Systems ................................... 51

SECTION B. INTENDED USE ................... 52-60

This section also includes weight limit information.

CONDITION 1 High-Performance Road ....................53

CONDITION 2 General Purpose Riding ....................55

CONDITION 3 Cross-Country, Mararthon,

Hardtails ..................................................................57

CONDITION 4 All-Mountain, Overmountain ........... 58

CONDITION 5 Gravity, Freeride,

Downhill, Dirt Jump..................................................59

SECTION C. MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING ......61-64

O-Road Riding ...................................................... 61

Bike Types ................................................................61

Inspection and Maintenance Routines .................... 61

Suspension ..............................................................62

Jumping ...................................................................62

Stay In Control .........................................................62

Downhill and Lift-Serviced Riding ...........................62

Shifting Gears While Pedaling .................................63

Freeride and Downhill Riding ................................. 64

SECTION D. INSPECT FOR SAFETY .......... 66-76

1. Understanding Metals ..........................................67

2. Understanding Composites (Carbon Fiber) ..........72

3. Understanding Components ................................74

Bicycle Lifespan .......................................................76

Useful Life of Lightweight Frames ..........................76

SECTION E. MAINTENANCE .................... 77-82

30 Day Service ......................................................... 77

Cleaning ................................................................... 77

Preventing Corrosion ............................................... 77

Lubrication ..............................................................78

Tightening Torques ..................................................78

Repair/Work Stands ................................................79

Protect From Extreme Temperatures ......................79

RIding Through Water .............................................79

Applying Frame Protection ..................................... 80

Water Bottles ......................................................... 82

SECTION F. LIMITED WARRANTY .............. 83

Cannondale Limited Warranty.................................83

Product Registration .............................................. 84

Serial Number ......................................................... 84

Authorized Distributors (01/14) ............................. 85

Australian Consumer Law

(Limited Warranty/Australia) ..................................87

APPENDIX

A. Cannondale BB30

Standard Bicycle Frames ................................... 90

B. Maximum Fork Length ....................................... 91

C. Care And Maintenance Of

Carbon Fiber Seat Posts .....................................92

D. Care And Maintenance Of

Carbon Fiber Forks And Stems ...........................96

E. Bicycle Racks ....................................................100

F. Using Bicycle Trainers .......................................102

Trainers: Risks To Children

Check for related info

in all three areas:

PART 1, PART II, and the APPENDIX.

SECTION G. PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST .............. 89

PART I

GENERAL WARNING

Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury and damage. By choosing to ride a bicycle, you assume the responsibility for that risk, so you need to know — and to practice — the rules of safe and responsible riding and of proper use and maintenance. Proper use and maintenance of your bicycle reduces risk of injury.

This Manual contains many “Warnings” and “Cautions” concerning the consequences of failure to maintain or inspect your bicycle and of failure to follow safe cycling practices.

The combination of the safety alert symbol the word WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death.

The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury, or is an alert against unsafe practices.

The word CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious damage to the bicycle or the voiding of your warranty.

Many of the Warnings and Cautions say “you may lose control and fall”. Because any fall can result in serious injury or even death, we do not always repeat the warning of possible injury or death.

Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition which can occur while riding, this Manual makes no representation about the safe use of the bicycle under all conditions. There are risks associated with the use of any bicycle which cannot be predicted or avoided, and which are the sole responsibility of the rider.

and

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR PARENTS

WARNING

This manual does not cover Juvenile or BMX bicycles.

As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety of your minor child, and that includes making sure that the bicycle is properly ﬁtted to the child; that it is in good repair and safe operating condition; that you and your child have learned and understand the safe operation of the bicycle; and that you and your child have learned, understand and obey not only the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle and trac laws, but also the common sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling. As a parent, you should read this manual, as well as review its warnings and the bicycle’s functions and operating procedures with your child, before letting your child ride the bicycle.

WARNING

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CHILD ALWAYS WEARS AN APPROVED BICYCLE HELMET WHEN RIDING; BUT ALSO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CHILD UNDERSTANDS THAT A BICYCLE HELMET IS FOR BICYCLING ONLY, AND MUST BE REMOVED WHEN NOT RIDING.

A helmet must not be worn while playing, in play areas, on playground equipment, while climbing trees, or at any time while not riding a bicycle. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious injury or death.

4 5

SECTION 1. FIRST

NOTE:

We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its entirety before your ﬁrst ride. At the very least, read and make sure that you understand each point in this section, and refer to the cited sections on any issue which you don’t completely understand. Please note that not all bicycles have all of the features described in this manual. Ask your dealer to point out the features of your bicycle.

1.A - BIKE FIT

1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see SECTION

3.A. If your bicycle is too large or too small for you, You may lose control and fall. If your new bike is not the right size, ask your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.

2. Is the saddle at the right height? To check, see SECTION 3.B. If you adjust your saddle height, follow the Minimum Insertion instructions in SECTION 3.B.

3. Are saddle and seat post securely clamped? A correctly tightened saddle will allow no saddle movement in any direction. See SECTION 3.B.

4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you? If not, see SECTION 3.C.

5. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not, you may be able to adjust their angle and reach. See SECTION 3.D and 3.E.

6. Do you fully understand how to operate your new bicycle? If not, before your ﬁrst ride, have your dealer explain any functions or features which you do not understand.

1.B - SAFETY FIRST

1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for ﬁt, use and care.

2. Do you have all the other required and recommended safety equipment? See SECTION 2. It’s your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of the areas where you ride, and to comply with all applicable laws.

3. Do you know how to correctly operate your wheel quick releases? Check SECTION 4.A.1 to make sure. Riding with an improperly adjusted wheel quick release can cause the wheel to wobble or disengage from the bicycle, and cause serious injury or death.

4. If your bike has toeclips and straps or clipless (“step-in”) pedals, make sure you know how they work (see SECTION 4.E). These pedals require special techniques and skills. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment and care.

5. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles your toe or toeclip may be able to contact the front wheel when a pedal is all the way forward and the wheel is turned. Read SECTION 4.E. If you have toeclip overlap.

6. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check SECTION 4.F. Suspension can change the way a bicycle performs. Follow the suspension manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment and care.

PART I

1.C - MECHANICAL SAFETY CHECK

Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before every ride.

Nuts, Bolts Screws & Other Fasteners

Because manufacturers use a wide variety of fastener sizes and shapes made in a variety of materials, often diering by model and component, the correct tightening force or torque cannot be generalized.

To make sure that the many fasteners on your bicycle are correctly tightened. See page 78.

Always refer to the torque speciﬁcations in the instructions provided by the manufacturer of a component in question.

Correctly tightening a fastener requires a calibrated torque wrench. A professional bicycle mechanic with a torque wrench should torque the fasteners on you bicycle. If you choose to work on your own bicycle, you must use a torque wrench and the correct tightening torque speciﬁcations from the bicycle or component manufacturer or from your dealer. If you need to make an adjustment at home or in the ﬁeld, we urge you to exercise care, and to have the fasteners you worked on checked by your dealer as soon as possible.

Note that there are some components which require special tools and knowledge. In Sections 3 and 4, we discuss the items which you may be able to adjust yourself. All other adjustments and repairs should be done by a qualiﬁed bike mechanic.

WARNING

Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel o the ground by two or three inches, then let it bounce on the ground. Anything sound, feel or look loose? Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Any loose parts or accessories? If so, secure them. If you’re not sure, ask someone with experience to check.

Tires & Wheels

Make sure tires are correctly inﬂated (see SECTION

4.G.1). Check by putting one hand on the saddle, one on the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the bike while looking at tire deﬂection. Compare what you see with how it looks when you know the tires are correctly inﬂated; and adjust if necessary.

Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tires before riding the bike.

Wheels true? Spin each wheel and check for brake clearance and side-to-side wobble. If a wheel wobbles side-to-side even slightly, or rubs against or hits the brake pads, take the bike to a qualiﬁed bike shop to have the wheel trued.

CAUTION

Wheels must be true for the brakes to work eectively. Wheel trueing is a skill which requires special tools and experience. Do not attempt to true a wheel unless you have the knowledge, experience and tools needed to do the job correctly.

CORRECT TIGHTENING FORCE ON FASTENERS –NUTS, BOLTS, SCREWS– ON YOUR BICYCLE IS IMPORTANT.

Too little force, and the fastener may not hold securely. Too much force, and the fastener can strip threads, stretch, deform or break. Either way, incorrect tightening force can result in component failure, which can cause you to loose control and fall.

6 7

Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the rims are clean and undamaged at the tire bead and, if you have rim brakes, along the braking surface. Check to make sure that any rim wear indicator marking is not visible at any point on the wheel rim.

Seat post

If your seat post has an over-center cam action fastener for easy height adjustment, check that it is properly adjusted and in the locked position. See Section 4.B.

WARNING

BICYCLE WHEEL RIMS ARE SUBJECT TO WEAR.

Ask your dealer about wheel rim wear. Some wheel rims have a rim wear indicator which becomes visible as the rim’s braking surface wears. A visible rim wear indicator on the side of the wheel rim is an indication that the wheel rim has reached its maximum usable life. Riding a wheel that is at the end of its usable life can result in wheel failure, which can cause you to loose control and fall.

Brakes

Check the brakes for proper operation (see SECTION

4.C). Squeeze the brake levers. Are the brake quick-releases closed? All control cables seated and securely engaged? Do the brake pads contact the wheel rim squarely and make full contact with the rim? Do the brake pads touch the wheel rim within an inch of brake lever movement? Can you apply full braking force at the levers without having them touch the handlebar? If not, your brakes need adjustment. Do not ride the bike until the brakes are properly adjusted by a professional bicycle mechanic.

Wheel Retention System

Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured. See SECTION 4.A

Handlebar and Saddle Alignment

Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem are parallel to the bike’s center line and clamped tight enough so that you can’t twist them out of alignment. See SECTION 3.B and 3.C.

Handlebar Ends

Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition. If not, have your dealer replace them. Make sure the handlebar ends and extensions are plugged. If not, plug them before you ride. If the handlebars have bar end extensions, make sure they are clamped tight enough so you can’t twist them.

WARNING

LOOSE OR DAMAGED HANDLEBAR GRIPS OR EXTENSIONS CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL AND FALL. UNPLUGGED HANDLEBARS OR EXTENSIONS CAN CUT YOU AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IN AN OTHERWISE MINOR ACCIDENT.

VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:

Please also read and become thoroughly familiar with the important information on the lifespan of your bicycle and its components in PART II, SECTION D. INSPECT FOR SAFETY.

PART I

1.D - FIRST RIDE

When you buckle on your helmet and go for your ﬁrst familiarization ride on your new bicycle, be sure to pick a controlled environment, away from cars, other cyclists, obstacles or other hazards. Ride to become familiar with the controls, features and performance of your new bike.

Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the bike (see SECTION 4.C). Test the brakes at slow speed, putting your weight toward the rear and gently applying the brakes, rear brake ﬁrst. Sudden or excessive application of the front brake could pitch you over the handlebars. Applying brakes too hard can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Skidding is an example of what can happen when a wheel locks up.

If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals, practice getting in and out of the pedals. See paragraph B.4 above and SECTION 4.E.4.

If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how the suspension responds to brake application and rider weight shifts. See paragraph B.6 above and SECTION 4.F.

Practice shifting the gears (see SECTION 4.D). Remember to never move the shifter while pedaling backward, nor pedal backwards immediately after having moved the shifter. This could jam the chain and cause serious damage to the bicycle.

Check out the handling and response of the bike; and check the comfort.

If you have any questions, or if you feel anything about the bike is not as it should be, consult your dealer before you ride.

SECTION 2. SAFETY

WARNING

MANY STATES REQUIRE SPECIFIC SAFETY DEVICES. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE WHERE YOU RIDE AND TO COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, INCLUDING PROPERLY EQUIPPING YOURSELF AND YOUR BIKE AS THE LAW REQUIRES.

Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations.

Observe regulations about bicycle lighting, licensing of bicycles, riding on sidewalks, laws regulating bike path and trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws, special bicycle trac laws.

It’s your responsibility to know and obey the laws.

8 9

2.A  THE BASICS

1. Always wear a cycling helmet which meets the latest certiﬁcation standards and is appropriate for the type of riding you do. Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for ﬁt, use and care of your helmet. Most serious bicycle injuries involve head injuries which might have been avoided if the rider had worn an appropriate helmet.

Figure 1. Bicycle Helmet

Your helmet should be:

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

(CPSC) certiﬁed (look for the label on the helmet)

• Properly Sized for You

• Properly Fitted to You

• Properly Attached to Your Head!

• Undamaged

ASK YOUR RETAILER FOR HELP

2. Always do the Mechanical Safety Check (SECTION 1.C) before you get on a bike.

3. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your bicycle: brakes (SECTION 4.C.); pedals (SECTION

4.E.); shifting (SECTION 4.D.)

4. Be careful to keep body parts and other objects away from the sharp teeth of chainrings, the moving chain, the turning pedals and cranks, and the spinning wheels of your bicycle.

5. Always wear:

• Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip the

pedals. Never ride barefoot or in sandals.

• Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that

it can be tangled in the bicycle or snagged by objects at the side of the road or trail.

• Protective eye wear, to protect against airborne

dirt, dust and bugs —tinted when the sun is bright, clear when it’s not.

6. Unless you bicycle was speciﬁcally designed for jumping, don’t jump with your bike. Jumping a bike, particularly a BMX or mountain bike, can be fun; but it can put huge and unpredictable stress on the bicycle and its components. Riders who insist on jumping their bikes risk serious damage, to their bicycles as well as to themselves. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with your bike, read and understand SECTION 2.F.

7. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions. Increased speed means higher risk.

WARNING

FAILURE TO WEAR A HELMET WHEN RIDING MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

PART I

2.B - RIDING SAFETY

1. Obey all rules of the road and all local trac laws.

2. You are sharing the road or the path with others — motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists. Respect their rights.

3. Ride defensively. Always assume that others do not see you.

4. Look ahead, and be ready to avoid:

• Vehicles slowing or turning, entering the road

or your lane ahead of you, or coming up behind you.

• Parked car doors opening.

• Pedestrians stepping out.

• Children or pets playing near the road.

• Pot holes, sewer grating, railroad tracks,

expansion joints, road or sidewalk construction, debris and other obstructions that could cause you to swerve into trac, catch your wheel or otherwise cause you to lose control and have an accident.

• The many other hazards and distractions which

can occur on a bicycle ride.

5. Ride in designated bike lanes, on designated bike paths or as close to the edge of the road as possible, in the direction of trac ﬂow or as directed by local governing laws.

6. Stop at stop signs and trac lights; slow down and look both ways at street intersections. Remember that a bicycle always loses in a collision with a motor vehicle, so be prepared to yield even if you have the right of way.

7. Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping.

8. Never ride with headphones. They mask trac sounds and emergency vehicle sirens, distract you from concentrating on what’s going on around you, and their wires can tangle in the moving parts of the bicycle, causing you to lose control.

9. Never carry a passenger, and before installing a child carrier or trailer, check with you dealer or the bicycle manufacturer to make sure the bicycle is designed for it. If the bicycle is suitable for a child carrier or trailer, make sure that the carrier or trailer is correctly mounted and the child secured and wearing an approved and properly

ﬁtted helmet.

10. Never carry anything which obstructs your vision or your complete control of the bicycle, or which could become entangled in the moving parts of the bicycle.

11. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another vehicle.

12. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you intend to do stunts, wheelies, jumps or go racing with your bike despite our advice not to, read SECTION

2.F, Downhill, Stunt or Competition Biking, now. Think carefully about your skills before deciding to take the large risks that go with this kind of riding.

13. Don’t weave through trac or make any moves that may surprise people with whom you are sharing the road.

14. Observe and yield the right of way.

15. Never ride your bicycle while under the inﬂuence of alcohol or drugs.

16. If possible, avoid riding in bad weather, when visibility is obscured, at dawn, dusk or in the dark, or when extremely tired. Each of these conditions increases the risk of accident.

10 11

2.C - OFF-ROAD SAFETY

2.D - WET WEATHER RIDING

We recommend that children not ride on rough terrain unless they are accompanied by an adult.

1. The variable conditions and hazards of o-road riding require close attention and speciﬁc skills. Start slowly on easier terrain and build up your skills. If your bike has suspension, the increased speed you may develop also increases your risk of losing control and falling. Get to know how to handle your bike safely before trying increased speed or more dicult terrain.

2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan to do.

3. Don’t ride alone in remote areas. Even when riding with others, make sure that someone knows where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

4. Always take along some kind of identiﬁcation, so that people know who you are in case of an accident; and take along a couple of dollars in cash for a candy bar, a cool drink or an emergency phone call.

5. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride in a way that does not frighten or endanger them, and give them enough room so that their unexpected moves don’t endanger you.

6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong while you’re riding o-road, help may not be close.

7. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with your bike, read and understand SECTION 2.F.

Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your brakes (as well as the brakes of other vehicles sharing the road) is dramatically reduced and your tires don’t grip nearly as well. This makes it harder to control speed and easier to lose control.

WARNING

WET WEATHER IMPAIRS TRACTION, BRAKING AND VISIBILITY, BOTH FOR THE BICYCLIST AND FOR OTHER VEHICLES SHARING THE ROAD.

The risk of an accident is dramatically increased in wet conditions.

To make sure that you can slow down and stop safely in wet conditions, ride more slowly and apply your brakes earlier and more gradually than you would under normal, dry conditions. See also SECTION 4.C.

O-Road Respect

Obey the local laws regulating where and how you can ride o-road, and respect private property. You may be sharing the trail with others — hikers, equestrians, other cyclists. Respect their rights. Stay on the designated trail. Don’t contribute to erosion by riding in mud or with unnecessary sliding. Don’t disturb the ecosystem by cutting your own trail or shortcut through vegetation or streams. It is your responsibility to minimize your impact on the environment. Leave things as you found them; and always take out everything you brought in.

PART I

2.E - NIGHT RIDING

Riding a bicycle at night is much more dangerous than riding during the day. A bicyclist is very dicult for motorists and pedestrians to see. Therefore, children should never ride at dawn, at dusk or at night. Adults who chose to accept the greatly increased risk of riding at dawn, at dusk or at night need to take extra care both riding and choosing specialized equipment which helps reduce that risk. Consult your dealer about night riding safety equipment.

WARNING

REFLECTORS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR REQUIRED LIGHTS. RIDING AT DAWN, AT DUSK, AT NIGHT OR AT OTHER TIMES OF POOR VISIBILITY WITHOUT AN ADEQUATE BICYCLE LIGHTING SYSTEM AND WITHOUT REFLECTORS IS DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Bicycle reﬂectors are designed to pick up and reﬂect street lights and car lights in a way that may help you to be seen and recognized as a moving bicyclist.

CAUTION

Check reﬂectors and their mounting brackets regularly to make sure that they are clean,straight, unbroken and securely mounted. Have your dealer replace damaged reﬂectors and straighten or tighten any that are bent or loose.

The mounting brackets of front and rear reﬂectors are often designed as brake straddle cable safety catches which prevent the straddle cable from catching on the tire tread if the cable jumps out of its yoke or breaks.

WARNING

DO NOT REMOVE THE FRONT OR REAR REFLECTORS OR REFLECTOR BRACKETS FROM YOUR BICYCLE.

They are an integral part of the bicycle’s safety system.

REMOVING THE REFLECTORS MAY REDUCE YOUR VISIBILITY TO OTHERS USING THE ROADWAY. BEING STRUCK BY OTHER VEHICLES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

The reﬂector brackets may protect you from the brake straddle cable catching on the tire in the event of brake cable failure. If a brake straddle cable catches on the tire, it can cause the wheel to stop suddenly, causing you to loose control and fall.

If you choose to ride under conditions of poor visibility, check and be sure you comply with all local laws about night riding, and take the following strongly recommended additional precautions:

• Purchase and install battery or generator

powered head and tail lights which meet all regulatory requirements and provide adequate visibility.

• Wear light colored, reective clothing and

accessories, such as a reﬂective vest, reﬂective arm and leg bands, reﬂective stripes on your helmet, ﬂashing lights attached to your body and/or your bicycle ... any reﬂective device or light source that moves will help you get the attention of approaching motorists, pedestrians and other trac.

• Make sure your clothing or anything you may

be carrying on the bicycle does not obstruct a reﬂector or light.

• Make sure that your bicycle is equipped with

correctly positioned and securely mounted reﬂectors.

12 13

WHILE RIDING AT DAWN, AT DUSK OR AT NIGHT:

• Ride slowly.

• Avoid dark areas, areas of heavy or fast-

moving trac.

• Avoid road hazards.

• If possible, ride on familiar routes.

IF RIDING IN TRAFFIC:

• Be predictable. Ride so that drivers can see

you and predict your movements.

• Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the

unexpected.

• If you plan to ride in trac often, ask your

dealer about trac safety classes or a good book on bicycle trac safety.

WARNING

ALTHOUGH MANY CATALOGS, ADVERTISEMENTS AND ARTICLES ABOUT BICYCLING DEPICT RIDERS ENGAGED IN EXTREME RIDING, THIS ACTIVITY IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, INCREASES YOUR RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH, AND INCREASES THE SEVERITY OF ANY INJURY.

Remember that the action depicted is being performed by professionals with many years of training and experience.

Know your limits and always wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear. Even with stateof-the-art protective safety gear, you could be seriously injured or killed when jumping, stunt riding, riding downhill at speed or in competition.

2.F - EXTREME, STUNT OR

COMPETITION RIDING

Whether you call it Aggro, Hucking, Freeride, North Shore, Downhill, Jumping, Stunt Riding, Racing or something else: if you engage in this sort of extreme, aggressive riding you will get hurt, and you voluntarily assume a greatly increased risk of injury or death.

Not all bicycles are designed for these types of riding, and those that are may not be suitable for all types of aggressive riding. Check with your dealer or the bicycle’s manufacturer about the suitability of your bicycle before engaging in extreme riding.

When riding fast down hill, you can reach speeds achieved by motorcycles, and therefore face similar hazards and risks. Have your bicycle and equipment carefully inspected by a qualiﬁed mechanic and be sure it is in perfect condition. Consult with expert riders and race ocials on conditions and equipment advisable at the site where you plan to ride. Wear appropriate safety gear, including an approved full face helmet, full ﬁnger gloves, and body armor. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to have proper equipment and to be familiar with course conditions.

WARNING

Bicycles and bicycle parts have limitations with regard to strength and integrity, and this type of riding can exceed those limitations or dramatically reduce the length of their safe use.

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PART I

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We recommend against this type of riding because of the increased risks; but if you choose to take the risk, at least:

• Take lessons from a competent instructor rst

• Start with easy learning exercises and slowly

develop your skills before trying more dicult or dangerous riding.

• Use only designated areas for stunts, jumping,

racing or fast downhill riding

• Wear a full face helmet, safety pads and other

safety gear.

• Understand and recognize that the stresses

imposed on your bike by this kind of activity may break or damage parts of the bicycle and void the warranty.

• Take your bicycle to your dealer if anything

breaks or bends. Do not ride your bicycle when any part is damaged.

If you ride downhill at speed, do stunt riding or ride in competition, know the limits of your skill and experience. Ultimately, avoiding injury is your responsibility.

2.G - CHANGING COMPONENTS OR ADDING ACCESSORIES

There are many components and accessories available to enhance the comfort, performance and appearance of your bicycle. However, if you change components or add accessories, you do so at your own risk. The bicycle’s manufacturer may not have tested that component or accessory for compatibility, reliability or safety on your bicycle.

Before installing any component or accessory, including a dierent size tire, make sure that it is compatible with your bicycle by checking with your dealer.

Be sure to read, understand and follow the instructions that accompany the products you purchase for your bicycle. See also PART II, SECTION D. INSPECT FOR SAFETY.

WARNING

FAILURE TO CONFIRM COMPATIBILITY, PROPERLY INSTALL, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN ANY COMPONENT OR ACCESSORY CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING

Changing the components on your bike with other than genuine replacement parts compromise the safety of your bicycle and may void the warranty. Check with your dealer before changing the components on your bike.

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SECTION 3. FIT

NOTE: Correct ﬁt is an essential element of bicycling

safety, performance and comfort. Making the adjustments to your bicycle which result in correct ﬁt for your body and riding conditions requires experience, skill and special tools. Always have your dealer make the adjustments on your bicycle; or, if you have the experience, skill and tools, have your dealer check your work before riding.

WARNING

IF YOUR BICYCLE DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY, YOU MAY LOSE CONTROL AND FALL.

If your new bike doesn’t ﬁt, ask your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.

3.A - STAND OVER HEIGHT

1. Diamond frame bicycles

Stand over height is the basic element of bike ﬁt (see ﬁg. 2). It is the distance from the ground to the top of the bicycle’s frame at that point where your crotch is when straddling the bike. To check for correct stand over height, straddle the bike while wearing the kind of shoes in which you’ll be riding, and bounce vigorously on your heels. If your crotch touches the frame, the bike is too big for you. Don’t even ride the bike around the block. A bike which you ride only on paved surfaces and never take o-road should give you a minimum stand over height clearance of two inches (5 cm). A bike that you’ll ride on unpaved surfaces should give you a minimum of three inches (7.5 cm) of stand over height clearance. And a bike that you’ll use o road should give you four inches (10 cm) or more of clearance.

Figure 2. Stand Over Height

WARNING

IF YOU PLAN TO USE YOUR BIKE FOR JUMPING OR STUNT RIDING, READ SECTION 2.F AGAIN.

2. Step-through frame bicycles

Standover height does not apply to bicycles with step-through frames. Instead, the limiting dimension is determined by saddle height range. You must be able to adjust your saddle position as described in

3.B. SADDLE POSITION without exceeding the limits set by the height of the top of the seat tube and the ”Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum Extension” mark on the seat post.

PART I

3.B - SADDLE POSITION

Correct saddle adjustment is an important factor in getting the most performance and comfort from your bicycle. If the saddle position is not comfortable for you, see your dealer.

The saddle can be adjusted in three directions:

1. Up and Down Adjustment

To check for correct saddle height (ﬁg. 3):

• Sit on the saddle;

• Place one heel on a pedal;

• Rotate the crank until the pedal with your heel

on it is in the down position and the crank arm is parallel to the seat tube.

If your leg is not completely straight, your saddle

height needs to be adjusted. If your hips must rock for the heel to reach the pedal, the saddle is too high. If your leg is bent at the knee with your heel on the pedal, the saddle is too low.

Once the saddle is at the correct height, make sure that the seat post does not project from the frame beyond its “Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum Extension” mark (ﬁg. 4).

NOTE: Some bicycles have a sight hole in the seat tube, the purpose of which is to make it easy to see whether the seat post is inserted in the seat tube far enough to be safe. If your bicycle has such a sight hole, use it instead of the “Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum Extension” mark to make sure the seat post is inserted in the seat tube far enough to be visible through the sight hole.

If your bike has an interrupted seat tube, as is the case on some suspension bikes, you must also make sure that the seat post is far enough into the frame so that you can touch it through the bottom of the interrupted seat tube with the tip of your ﬁnger without inserting your ﬁnger beyond its ﬁrst knuckle. Also see NOTE above and ﬁg. 5).

WARNING

If your seat post is not inserted in the seat tube as described in B.1 above, the seat post may break, which could cause you to lose control and fall.

Figure 3. Saddle Position

Ask your dealer to set the saddle for your optimal riding position and to show you how to make this adjustment. If you choose to make your own saddle height adjustment:

• loosen the seat post clamp

• raise or lower the seat post in the seat tube

• make sure the saddle is straight fore and aft

• re-tighten the seat post clamp to the

recommended torque (See manufacturer’s instructions).

Figure 4. Minimum Insertion Mark

16 17

NOTE: If your bicycle is equipped with a suspension

seat post, periodically ask your dealer to check it. Ask your dealer for recommended service intervals for your suspension seat post.

Small changes in saddle position can have a substantial eect on performance and comfort. To ﬁnd your best saddle position, make only one adjustment at a time.

WARNING

Figure 5. Interrupted Seat Tube

2. Front and Back Adjustment

The saddle can be adjusted forward or back to help you get the optimal position on the bike. Ask your dealer to set the saddle for your optimal riding position and to show you how to make this adjustment.

If you choose to make your own front and back adjustment, make sure that the clamp mechanism is clamping on the straight part of the saddle rails and is not touching the curved part of the rails, and that you are using the recommended torque on the clamping fastener(s) (See manufacturer’s instructions).

3. Saddle Angle Adjustment

Most people prefer a horizontal saddle; but some riders like the saddle nose angled up or down just a little. Your dealer can adjust saddle angle or teach you how to do it.

If you choose to make your own saddle angle adjustment and you have a single bolt saddle clamp on your seat post, it is critical that you loosen the clamp bolt suciently to allow any serrations on the mechanism to disengage before changing the saddle’s angle, and then that the serrations fully re-engage before you tighten the clamp bolt to the recommended torque (See manufacturer’s instructions).

When making saddle angle adjustments with a single bolt saddle clamp, always check to make sure that the serrations on the mating surfaces of the clamp are not worn. Worn serrations on the clamp can allow the saddle to move, causing you to lose control and fall.

Always tighten fasteners to the correct torque. Bolts that are too tight can stretch and deform. Bolts that are too loose can move and fatigue. Either mistake can lead to a sudden failure of the bolt, causing you to lose control and fall.

WARNING

After any saddle adjustment, be sure that the saddle adjusting mechanism is properly tightened before riding. A loose saddle clamp or seat post binder can cause damage to the seat post, or can cause you to lose control and fall.

A correctly tightened saddle adjusting mechanism will allow no saddle movement in any direction. Periodically check to make sure that the saddle adjusting mechanism is properly tightened.

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PART I

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If, in spite of carefully adjusting the saddle height, tilt and fore-and-aft position, your saddle is still uncomfortable, you may need a dierent saddle design. Saddles, like people, come in many dierent shapes, sizes and resilience. Your dealer can help you select a saddle which, when correctly adjusted for your body and riding style, will be comfortable.

WARNING

Some people have claimed that extended riding with a saddle which is incorrectly adjusted or which does not support your pelvic area correctly can cause short-term or long-term injury to nerves and blood vessels, or even impotence.

If your saddle causes you pain, numbness or other discomfort, listen to your body and stop riding until you see your dealer about saddle adjustment or a dierent saddle.

3.C - Handlebar Height And Angle

Your bike is equipped either with a “threadless” stem, which clamps on to the outside of the steerer tube, or with a “quill” stem, which clamps inside the steerer tube by way of an expanding binder bolt. If you aren’t absolutely sure which type of stem your bike has, ask your dealer.

If your bike has a “threadless” stem (ﬁg 6), your dealer may be able to change handlebar height by moving height adjustment spacers from below the stem to above the stem, or vice versa. Otherwise, you’ll have to get a stem of dierent length or rise. Consult your dealer. Do not attempt to do this yourself, as it requires special knowledge.

If your bike has a “quill” stem (ﬁg 7), you can ask your dealer to adjust the handlebar height a bit by adjusting stem height.

A quill stem has an etched or stamped mark on its shaft which designates the stem’s “Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum Extension”. This mark must not be visible above the headset.

WARNING

A QUILL STEM’S “MINIMUM INSERTION MARK” MUST NOT BE VISIBLE ABOVE THE TOP OF THE HEADSET.

If the stem is extended beyond the minimum insertion mark the stem may break or damage the fork’s steerer tube, which could cause you to lose control and fall.

18 19

WARNING

On some bicycles, changing the stem or stem height can aect the tension of the front brake cable, locking the front brake or creating excess cable slack which can make the front brake inoperable. If the front brake pads move in towards the wheel rim or out away from the wheel rim when the stem or stem height is changed, the brakes must be correctly adjusted before you ride the bicycle.

Some bicycles are equipped with an adjustable angle stem. If your bicycle has an adjustable angle stem, ask your dealer to show you how to adjust if. Do not attempt to make the adjustment yourself, as changing stem angle may also require adjustments to the bicycle’s controls.

WARNING

3.D - Control Position Adjustments

The angle of the brake and shift control levers and their position on the handlebars can be changed. Ask your dealer to make the adjustments for you.

If you choose to make your own control lever angle adjustment, be sure to re-tighten the clamp fasteners to the recommended torque (See manufacturer’s instructions).

3.E - Brake Reach

Many bikes have brake levers which can be adjusted for reach. If you have small hands or ﬁnd it dicult to squeeze the brake levers, your dealer can either adjust the reach or ﬁt shorter reach brake levers.

WARNING

THE SHORTER THE BRAKE LEVER REACH, THE MORE CRITICAL IT IS TO HAVE CORRECTLY ADJUSTED BRAKES, SO THAT FULL BRAKING POWER CAN BE APPLIED WITHIN AVAILABLE BRAKE LEVER TRAVEL.

Brake lever travel insucient to apply full braking power can result in loss of control, which may result in serious injury or death.

WARNING

AN INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED STEM BINDER BOLT, HANDLEBAR BINDER BOLT OR BAR END EXTENSION CLAMPING BOLT MAY COMPROMISE STEERING ACTION, WHICH COULD CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL AND FALL.

Place the front wheel of the bicycle between your legs and attempt to twist the handlebar/ stem assembly. If you can twist the stem in relation to the front wheel, turn the handlebars in relation to the stem, or turn the bar end extensions in relation to the handlebar, the bolts are insuciently tightened.

Your dealer can also change the angle of the handlebar or bar end extensions.

PART I

SECTION 4. TECH

It’s important to your safety, performance and enjoyment to understand how things work on your bicycle.

We urge you to ask your dealer how to do the things described in this section before you attempt them yourself, and that you have your dealer check your work before you ride the bike.

If you have even the slightest doubt as to whether you understand something in this section of the Manual, talk to your dealer.