Frog Bikes Tadpole, Frog 43, Frog 48, Frog 52, Frog 55 Owner's Manual
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Frog Bikes
OWNER’S MANUAL
3rd Edition,
2014
frogbikes.com
This manual meets EN
Standards 71, 14764,
14765, 14766 and 14781.
This manual meets AS/
NZS Standard 1927:1998
ANSI Z535.4
This manual meets CPSC
CFR 1512
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing a Frog bike. We hope it will give you many hours of cycling
pleasure. The following pages will help you fully understand your bike and how to look
after it. They will provide you with the information you need to properly use, adjust,
maintain and service your new bike, so you can get the most out of every ride. Please
pay attention to any safety information – it’s there to help you avoid serious injury.
If you have not bought the bike from a stockist and it still needs to be assembled go
to www.frogbikes.com/manual where you will need a separate guide to setting up
your bike. It will tell you how to attach handlebars, front wheel and brakes, saddle
and pedals.
If you encounter any issues with your bike that aren’t covered in this manual, please
contact your nearest Frog Bikes stockist. As your number one resource, your stockist
can answer questions, perform required maintenance and recommend the best
equipment to complement your ride. A list of your nearest Frog bike stockists is
available at www.frogbikes.com
IMPORTANT
This manual contains important safety, performance and service information. Please
read it before you ride your new bike, and keep it for reference.
Additional safety, performance and service information for specic components such
as suspension or pedals on your bike, or for accessories such as helmets or lights
that you purchase, may also be available. Make sure your stockist has given you all
the literature that was included with your Frog bike or accessories. In case of a conict
between the instructions in this manual and information provided by a component
manufacturer always follow the component manufacturer’s instructions.
If you have any questions or do not understand something take responsibility for your
safety and consult your stockist.
NOTE: This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair
or maintenance manual. Please see your stockist for all service, repairs or
maintenance. Your stockist may also be able to refer you to courses or books
on bike use, service, repair or maintenance.
Please note all instructions are subject to change without notice. Please visit
www.frogbikes.com for technical updates.
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Frog Bikes
Owner’s Manual
3rd Edition
2014
WARNING
General Warning
A Special Note for Parents
1. INTRODUCTION
A. Bike Fit
B. Safety First
C. Mechanical Safety Check
D. First Ride
2. SAFETY
A. The Basics
B. Riding Safety
C. O Road Safety
D. Wet Weather Riding
E. Night Riding
F. Extreme, Stunt or Competition Riding
G. Changing Components or Adding Accessories
3. FIT
A. Standover Height
B. Saddle Position
C. Handlebar Height and Angle
D. Control Position Adjustments
E. Brake Reach
4. TECH
A. Wheels
B. Seat Post Cam Action Clamp
C. Brakes
D. Shifting Gears
E. Pedals
F. Bicycle Suspension
G.Tyres and Tubes
5. SERVICE
A. Service Intervals
B. If Your Bicycle Sustains an Impact:
APPENDIX A
Intended Use of
Your Bicycle
Kids
APPENDIX B
The Lifespan of Your Bike
and its Components
APPENDIX C
Coaster Brake
APPENDIX D
Fastener Torque
Specications
APPENDIX E
Getting Started with a
Tadpole Balance Bike
APPENDIX F
Recommended Tools
General Warning:
Like any sport, cycling involves risk of injury and damage. By choosing to ride a bike,
you assume the responsibility for that risk, so you need to know the rules of safe and
responsible riding and of proper use and maintenance. Proper use and maintenance
of your bike reduces risk of injury.
This manual contains many “Warnings” and “Cautions” concerning the consequences
of failure to maintain or inspect your bike, and of failure to follow safe cycling practices.
• The combination of the safety alert symbol and 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 bike 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 bike
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.
A Special Note for Parents:
As a parent or guardian you are responsible for the activities and safety of your
child and that includes making sure the bike is properly tted 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 bike; and that you and your
child have learned, understand and obey not only the applicable local motor
vehicle, bicycle and trac laws, but also the common sense rules of safe and
responsible cycling. As a parent, you should read this manual as well as review
its warnings and the bike’s functions and operating procedures with your child
before letting your child ride the bike.
WARNING: Make sure your child always wears an approved bicycle helmet
when riding; but also make sure that your child understands that a bicycle helmet
is for cycling only and must be removed when not riding. A helmet should 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.
WARNING: Make sure your child’s bike is sized correctly so that when the
saddle is adjusted correctly both feet can touch the ground. If your child’s new
bike doesn’t t, ask your stockist to exchange it before you ride it.
CONTENT WARNINGS
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2014
NOTE: We strongly urge you to read this manual in its entirety before your rst
ride. At the very least, read and make sure that you understand each point in
this section, and refer to the sections on any issue which you don’t completely
understand. Please note that not all bikes have all the features described in this
manual. Ask your local stockist to point out the features of your bike.
A. Bike Fit
1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see Section 3.A. If your bike is too large or too
small you may lose control and fall. If your new bike is not the right size, ask your
stockist 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? 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 bike? If not, before your rst ride,
ask your stockist to explain any functions or features you do not understand.
B. Safety First
1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the helmet
manufacturer’s instructions for t, 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 secure your front and rear wheels? Check Section
4.A.1 to make sure. Riding with an improperly secured wheel can cause the wheel
to wobble or disengage from the bike, and cause serious injury or death.
4. If your bike has toe clips 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 bikes your toe or toe clip 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. to check whether you have toe overlap.
6. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check Section 4.F. Suspension can change
the way a bike performs. Follow the suspension manufacturer’s instructions for
use, adjustment and care.
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 diering by model and
component, the correct tightening force or torque cannot be generalized. To make
sure that the many fasteners on your bike are correctly tightened, refer to the Fastener
Torque Specications in Appendix D of this manual or to the torque specications
in the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the 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 your bike. If
you choose to work on your own bike, you must use a torque wrench and the correct
tightening torque specications from the bike or component manufacturer or from
your stockist. If you need to make an adjustment we urge you to exercise care, and to
have the fasteners checked by your stockist as soon as possible.
WARNING : 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 lose control and fall.
Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel o the ground by two or three
inches, then let it bounce on the ground. Does anything sound, feel or look
loose? Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Are there any loose
parts or accessories? If so, secure them. If you’re not sure, ask someone with
experience to check.
Tyres and wheels: Make sure tyres are correctly inated (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 tyre deection. Compare
what you see with how it looks when you know the tyres are correctly inated; and
adjust if necessary. Are the tyres in good condition? Spin each wheel slowly and look
for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tyres before riding the bike. Are
the wheels “true”? Spin each wheel and check for brake clearance and lateral wobble.
If a wheel wobbles side to side even slightly, or rubs against the brake pads, take the
bike to a qualied bike stockist to have the wheel corrected.
CAUTION : Wheels must be true for rim brakes to work eectively. 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.
Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the rims are clean and undamaged at
the tyre 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.
WARNING : Bicycle wheel rims are subject to wear. Ask your stockist 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 lose control and fall.
Brakes: Check the brakes for proper operation (see Section 4.C). Squeeze the brake
levers. Are the brake quick-releases closed? Are all the control cables in place? If
you have rim brakes, do the brake pads contact the wheel rim squarely and make
full contact with the rim? Do the brakes begin to engage within an inch of brake
lever movement? Can you apply full braking force without the levers touching the
handlebar? If not, your brakes need adjustment. Do not ride the bike until the brakes
are properly adjusted by a professional mechanic.
1/ INTRODUCTION
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Wheel retention system: Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured.
See Section 4.A
Seat post: If your seat post has an over-centre cam action fastener for easy height
adjustment check that it is properly adjusted and in the locked position. See Section
4.B.
Handlebar and saddle alignment: Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem are
parallel to the bike’s centre line and clamped tight enough so that you can’t twist them
out of alignment. See Sections 3.B and 3.C.
Handlebar ends: Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition. If
not, ask your stockist to replace them. Make sure the handlebar ends and extensions
are plugged. If not, ask your stockist to 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, end plugs or extensions
should be replaced, as they can expose the ends of the handlebar, which have
been known to cause injury, and they can cause you to lose control and fall.
Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut you and cause serious injury in an
otherwise minor accident.
This warning is particularly important for children’s bikes, which should be
inspected regularly to ensure adequate protection for the ends of the handlebar
is in place.
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 Appendix
B on Page 42.
D. First Ride
When you go for your rst ride on your new bike we recommend doing so away from
cars, other cyclists, obstacles or hazards. Aim to become familiar with the controls,
features and performance of your new bike. Familiarise 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 rst. 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 bike 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 the position of
your body. See paragraph B.6 above and Section 4.F.
Practice shifting / changing the gears (see Section 4.D). Never shift/change gears
while pedaling backwards, nor pedal backwards immediately after having moved the
shifter. This could jam the chain and cause serious damage to the bike.
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
stockist before you ride again.
A. The Basics
WARNING : The area in which you ride may require specic safety devices. It is
your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the laws of the area 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 pavements, laws regulating bike path
and trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws, special bicycle trac laws. It’s your
responsibility to know and obey the laws.
1. Always wear a cycling helmet which meets the latest certication standards and is
appropriate for the type of riding you do. Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s
instructions for t, use and care of your helmet. Many serious bike injuries involve
head injuries which might have been avoided if the rider had worn an appropriate
helmet.
WARNING : Failure to wear a helmet when riding may result in serious injury or
death.
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 bike: 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
chain-rings, the moving chain, the turning pedals and cranks, and the spinning
wheels of your bike.
5. Always wear:
• Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip the pedals. Make sure that shoe
laces cannot get into moving parts, and never ride barefoot or in sandals.
• Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that it will get tangled in the bike or
snagged by objects at the side of the road or trail.
• Protective eyewear, to protect against dirt, dust and insects — tinted when the
sun is bright, clear when it’s not.
6. Don’t jump with your bike. Jumping a bike, particularly a BMX or mountain bike
can put huge and unpredictable stress on the bike and its components. Riders
who jump their bikes risk serious damage and injury. Before you attempt to jump,
perform stunts or race with your bike, read and understand Section 2.F.
7. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions. Higher speed means higher risk.
1/ INTRODUCTION 2/ SAFETY
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B. Riding Safety
1. Obey all rules of the road.
2. Respect the rights of motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists.
3. Ride defensively, anticipating dangers. Always assume that other road users and
pedestrians 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, manhole covers, railway tracks, expansion joints, road or pavement
construction, debris and other obstructions that could cause you to swerve
into trac, catch your wheel or cause you to have an accident.
• The many other hazards and distractions which can occur on a bike ride.
5. Ride in designated bike lanes if available, on designated bike paths or as close
to the edge of the road as possible, in the direction of trac ow or as directed
by local laws.
6. Stop at stop signs and trac lights; slow down and look both ways at street
intersections. Remember that a bike comes o second best in a collision with a
motor vehicle so be prepared to give way even if you have the right of way.
7. Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping.
8. Never ride wearing headphones or earphones. They mask trac sounds and
emergency vehicle sirens, distract you from concentrating on what’s going on
and their wires can tangle in the moving parts of the bike, causing you to lose
control.
9. Never carry a passenger, unless it is a small child wearing an approved helmet
and secured in a correctly mounted child carrier or a child-carrying trailer.
10. Never carry anything which obstructs your vision or your complete control of the
bike, or which could become entangled in the moving parts of the bike.
11. Never hold on to another vehicle.
12. Don’t perform 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. Think carefully about your skills before
deciding to take the large risks that go with this kind of riding.
13. Don’t weave through trac or make any moves that may surprise people with
whom you are sharing the road.
14. Observe and give way to those who have the right of way.
15. Never ride your bike under the inuence 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.
C. O Road Safety
We recommend children do not ride on rough terrain unless accompanied by
an adult.
1. The variable conditions and hazards of o-road riding require close attention and
specic 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. Learn how to handle your bike safely before trying
increased speed or more dicult terrain.
2. Wear appropriate safety clothing and equipment .
3. Don’t ride alone in remote areas. Even when riding with others, make sure someone
knows where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
4. Always carry identication so that people know who you are in case of accident;
and take along some cash for food, a drink or an emergency phone call.
5. Give 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 at hand.
7. Before you attempt to jump, perform stunts or race with your bike, read and
understand Section 2.F.
Off Road Respect
Obey the local laws regulating where and how you can ride off-road, and
respect private property. You may be sharing the route with others — hikers,
equestrians, other cyclists. Respect their rights. Stay on the designated
cycle trail if there is one. Don’t exacerbate erosion by riding in mud or
with unnecessary sliding. Don’t disturb wildlife by taking shortcuts through
vegetation or streams. It is your responsibility to minimize your impact on the
environment. Leave things as you nd them.
D. Wet Weather Riding
WARNING : Wet weather impairs traction, braking and visibility, both for the
cyclist and other vehicles sharing the road. The risk of an accident is dramatically
increased in wet conditions. 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 tyres don’t grip as well. This makes it harder to control speed
and easier to lose control. To make sure you can slow down and stop safely in
wet conditions, ride more slowly and apply your brakes earlier and more gradually
than you would in dry conditions. See also Section 4.C.
2/ SAFETY
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E. Night Riding
Riding a bike at night is much more dangerous than riding during the day. A cyclist
is very dicult 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 equipment which helps reduce that risk. Consult your stockist about night
riding safety equipment.
WARNING: Reectors 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 reectors is dangerous and may result in serious
injury or death.
Bicycle reectors are designed to pick up and reect car lights and street lights in a
way that may help you to be seen and be recognised as a moving bicyclist.
CAUTION : Check reectors and their mounting brackets regularly to make sure
that they are clean, straight, unbroken and securely mounted. Replace damaged
reectors and straighten or tighten any that are bent or loose.
The mounting brackets of front and rear reectors are often designed as brake
straddle cable safety catches which prevent the straddle cable from catching on
the tyre tread if the cable jumps out of its yoke or breaks.
WARNING: Do not remove the front or rear reectors or reector brackets from
your bike. They are an integral part of the bike’s safety system. Removing the
reectors reduces your visibility to others. The reector brackets may protect you
from a brake straddle cable catching on the tyre in the event of brake cable failure.
If a brake straddle cable catches on the tyre, it can cause the wheel to stop
suddenly, causing you to lose 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 front and rear lights which
meet all regulations and provide adequate visibility.
• Wear light coloured, reective clothing and accessories, such as a reective
vest, reective arm and leg bands, reective stripes on your helmet, ashing
lights attached to your body and/or your bike. Any reective device or light
source that moves will help alert approaching motorists, pedestrians and other
trac.
• Make sure your clothing or anything you may be carrying on the bike does not
obstruct a reector or light.
• Make sure your bike is equipped with correctly positioned and securely mounted
reectors.
While riding at dawn, at dusk or at night:
• Ride slowly.
• Avoid dark areas and areas of heavy or fast-moving trac.
• Avoid road hazards.
• If possible, ride on familiar routes.
If riding in trac:
• Be predictable. Ride so drivers can see you and predict your movements.
• Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.
• If you plan to ride in trac regularly, ask your stockist about cycling safety
courses or a good source of information on trac safety.
F. Extreme, Stunt or Competition Riding
Extreme or aggressive riding is dangerous and you voluntarily assume a
greatly increased risk of injury or death.
Not all bikes are designed for extreme riding, and those that are may not be suitable
for all types of aggressive riding. Check with your stockist about the suitability of your
bike.
When riding downhill you can reach speeds achieved by motorbikes, and therefore
face similar hazards and risks. Make sure your bike is in perfect condition.
Consult with expert riders or ocials (if in competition) on conditions and wear
appropriate safety gear such as a full face helmet, full nger gloves and body armour.
It is your responsibility to have proper equipment and to be familiar with course
conditions.
WARNING : Although many catalogues, advertisements and articles 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 state-of-the-art protective safety gear, you
could be seriously injured or killed when jumping, stunt riding, riding downhill at
speed or in competition.
WARNING : Bicycles and bicycle parts have limitations with regard to strength
and integrity, and this type of riding can exceed those limitations.
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 exercises and slowly develop your skills before trying more
dicult 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 recognise that the stresses imposed on your bike by this kind
of activity may break or damage parts of the bike and void the warranty
• Take your bike to your stockist if anything breaks or bends. Do not ride your bike
when any part is damaged.
• If you ride downhill at speed, perform stunts or ride in competition, know the
limits of your skill and experience. Ultimately, avoiding injury is your responsibility.
2/ SAFETY
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G. Changing Components or Adding Accessories
There are many components and accessories available to enhance the comfort,
performance and appearance of your bike. However, if you change components or
add accessories you do so at your own risk. We may not have tested that component
or accessory for compatibility, reliability or safety on your bike. Before installing any
component or accessory, including a dierent size tyre, make sure it is compatible
with your bike by checking with your stockist. Be sure to read, understand and follow
the instructions that accompany the products you purchase for your bike. See also
Appendix A, and B,
WARNING : Failure to conrm 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 may compromise the safety of your bicycle and may void the
warranty. For example, replacement forks must have the same rake and steerer
tube inner diameter as those originally tted with the bicycle. Check with your
stockist before changing the components on your bike.
NOTE: Correct t is an essential element of cycling safety, performance and
comfort. Making the adjustments to your bike which result in correct t for your
body and riding conditions requires experience, skill and special tools.
Always ask your stockist to make the adjustments or, if you have the experience,
skill and tools, ask your stockist to check your work before riding.
WARNING : Make sure that the seat position is adjustable so that the feet of
a seated rider can touch the ground. This warning is particularly important for
children. If your bike does not t properly you may lose control and fall. If your new
bike doesn’t t, ask your stockist to exchange it before you ride it.
A. Standover Height
1. Diamond frame bikes
g.2
Standover height is the basic element of bike t (see
above). It is the distance from the ground to the top
of the bike’s frame at that point where your crotch is
when straddling the bike.
To check for correct standover height, straddle the bike while wearing the kind of
shoes in which you’ll be riding, and bounce on your heels. If your crotch touches
the frame, the bike is too big for you. A bike which you ride on roads and don’t take
o-road should give you a minimum standover height clearance of two inches (5
cm). A bike you’ll ride on unpaved surfaces should give you a minimum of three
inches (7.5 cm) of standover height clearance. A bike you’ll use o road should
give you four inches (10 cm) or more of clearance.
2. Step-through frame bikes
Standover height does not apply to bikes 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 B 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.
B. Saddle Position
Correct saddle adjustment is an important factor in
getting the most performance and comfort from your
bike. If the saddle position is not comfortable for you,
see your stockist. The saddle can be adjusted in three
directions:
1. Up and down adjustment. To check for correct
saddle height (g. 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 you
need to rock your hips 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.
Ask your stockist 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
• re-tighten the seat post clamp to the recommended torque (see Appendix D).
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
(g. 4).
2/ SAFETY
3/ FIT
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