Gary Fisher Bicycle User Manual
Bicycle
Owner’s
Manual
1
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations for choosing a Gary Fisher® bicycle. We have carefully constructed
your bicycle so that its safety and performance meet the highest standards. Your Fisher
dealer has helped you choose the size and model to meet your personal requirements and
has assembled and adjusted it. With proper care and maintenance, your new Fisher bicycle
will give you riding pleasure for years to come.
For parents of young riders not able to read this manual: Take time to explain the
material to your child.
Read Chapter 1 carefully before you ride your new Fisher bicycle!
• Chapter 1 covers important information concerning safety and bicycle care. This
information will help you and your Fisher avoid injury and damage.
• Chapter 2 provides information about periodic maintenance for your Fisher with
the intervals for upkeep of specific parts of your bike under normal riding conditions.
• Chapter 3 gives basic instructions for inspection, lubrication, and adjustment of
the individual components on your Fisher bicycle.
Because the different models in the Gary Fisher line come with a variety of equipment,
this manual may contain some information which does not apply to your bike. Some
illustrations may vary from actual bicycles as delivered. For the Owner's Manual for the
most current model year, please check the web site listed below. If you have any questions
after reading this manual or the information on the Gary Fisher website, consult your
Gary Fisher dealer.
For some parts we refer you to the part manufacturer’s manual supplied with your
bike covering the specific part. If you did not receive a required manual, get one from
your dealer, or contact us at the phone number or Web site listed below and we’ll send
you one.
Assembly and initial adjustment of your Gary Fisher bicycle
require special tools and skills, so this should only be done by an
authorized Gary Fisher dealer.
Read Chapters 1 and 2 thoroughly. This will take about 45 minutes but will help
to ensure that your Fisher keeps working properly and safely. Use Chapter 3 as a
reference guide whenever a part of your bike needs routine maintenance, as required in
the Periodic Maintenance Schedule, or whenever something needs repair or adjustment
between routine maintenance periods.
Some maintenance and repair should only be performed by your Gary Fisher dealer. Any
such service will be indicated in this manual. If you have a question or problem which your
Fisher dealer can’t handle, contact us at:
Gary Fisher Bicycles (800) 473-4743
Attn: Customer Service http://www.fisherbikes.com
801 W. Madison Street
Waterloo, Wisconsin 53594
© Copyright Trek Bicycle Corporation 2001
All rights reserved
1
YOUR GARY FISHER BICYCLE
Your Owner’s Manual bag supplied with your bike or frameset includes a warranty card.
You must complete and send this card to Gary Fisher Bicycle Company before we can
process a warranty claim.
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Thank you for buying a Fisher.
Top tube
Head tube
Seat stay
Rear derailleur hanger
Chain stay
Fig. 1
Your bicycle:
Model Name Color Size
Your serial number:
Your bicycle’s serial number is embossed on the underside of the bottom bracket shell, on the
derailleur hanger, or on the disc brake mount.
Your Gary Fisher dealer:
Phone:
Down tube
Fork blade
Bottom bracket
shell
Steerer
(inside
the head
tube)
WARNING
Read Chapter 1 now! It contains important safety information which
you should read thoroughly before you ride your new bicycle.
In this manual, the warning sign indicates there is the possibility of
death or serious injury if an error is made in handling or operation.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
Chapter 1 Guide to Safe Road Riding
Make sure your bicycle fits you properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Make sure you are familiar with your bicycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Make sure your bicycle is in proper working condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Check that your wheels are straight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Check your tire inflation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Check your brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Check attachment of both wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Ride safely. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Ride responsibly off road. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Take care of your bike. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
Understand the use of your pedaling system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
Child safety and training wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Note: To remove and install your wheels, read Check Attachment of Both Wheels on pages
Chapter 2 Periodic Maintenance
Periodic maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Recommended tools for proper bicycle maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Chapter 3 Inspection, Adjustment, and Lubrication
A word about torque specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Handlebars, bar-ends, and stem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23
Seat and seatpost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25
Drivetrain—pedals, crank, chain, and cassette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27
Derailleur shifting systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-33
RapidFire shifters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-31
Twist shifters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33
Shimano Nexus 7 speed internal shift system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Headset and fork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Brake systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-41
Rim brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37
Coaster and internal brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rotor and caliper brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Disc brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-45
Reflectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Tire installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47
Suspension forks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Rear suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Care of your aluminum or OCLV frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Trekking accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-53
Gary Fisher Bicycle Company Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Important- Read Before You Ride!
8-9 and Tire Installation on pages 46-47.
.
3
IMPORTANT! READ BEFORE YOU RIDE
Because a bicycle is smaller and less powerful than other vehicles, safety cannot be
overemphasized. This chapter contains suggestions that will help you ride as safely as
possible. Read this entire chapter before you ride your new Gary Fisher bicycle.
page
Before your first ride
Make sure your bicycle fits you properly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Make sure you are familiar with your bicycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Before every ride: Checklist
Make sure your bicycle is in proper working condition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Check that your wheels are straight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Check your tire inflation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Check your brakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Check attachment of both wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
During every ride
Ride safely. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Ride responsibly off road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Before, during, and after every ride
Take care of your bike. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
Understand the use of your pedaling system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
Child safety and training wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Handlebars
Seat
Front
Wheel
Rear
derailleur
4
Fig. 2
derailleur
Crankset
Wheel
Pedal
BEFORE YOUR FIRST RIDE
Make sure your bicycle fits you properly.
Your Fisher dealer should fit you with the proper size of bicycle.
There should be at least 1 inch (25 mm) clearance between the top tube and the rider
when standing over the bicycle (Fig. 3). For all terrain bicycles we recommend 2-3 inches
(50-75 mm) clearance.
You can also adjust the seat and handlebars to offer the best comfort and performance
possible. Read pages 22-25 of this manual before attempting to make these adjustments.
Make sure you are familiar with your bicycle.
Your new Fisher bicycle is a wonder of technology. Its mechanisms provide enhanced
control, more efficient pedaling, increased comfort, and great stopping power. However,
these same features, if misused, can cause you to lose control of the
bike.
Familiarize yourself with the use of the mechanisms on this bike.
Practice riding the bike at slower speeds in a flat, empty parking lot
before attempting to ride fast, or riding in more difficult conditions.
When riding slowly, do not turn the handlebars while the arms of the
crankset (Fig. 2) are parallel to the ground. Modern high performance
bicycles use a short wheelbase design where the front wheel may
be close to the crankset. With this design it is sometimes possible
at very slow speeds for your foot, or toe clips, to contact the front
wheel or fender when the wheel is turned to the side and your foot is
fully forward. At normal riding speeds this does not happen. At slow
speeds, keep your crankarms vertical while turning.
In very rare cases some riders, particularly heavier riders on larger
bikes, may experience a “shimmy” or “harmonic oscillation” or “frame
vibration” at certain speeds. Experts disagree on what can cause the
phenomenon but some believe it can be caused by a loose headset, improper spoke
tension, or frame alignment. Riding “no-hands” or front wheel impact are among other
possible causes. If you believe you are experiencing a shimmy, slow down immediately and
take your bicycle directly to an authorized dealer for inspection and repair.
A bicycle is both fun and useful. To increase the utility of your bicycle, many accessories
can be added. Make sure any accessories you choose to add to your bike are appropriate
for your riding, and correctly attached so that they are safe. If you are unsure about the
appropriateness or safety of any accessory, consult your Gary Fisher dealer.
ONE
Guide for
Safe Road
Riding
1 inch
Fig. 3
WARNING
Never allow your foot or toe clip to contact the front wheel or
fender when turning. This may cause loss of control resulting in
personal injury.
If you believe you are experiencing a shimmy, slow down immedi-
ately and take your bicycle directly to an authorized dealer for
inspection and repair. Shimmy may lead to loss of control resulting
in personal injury.
5
BEFORE EVERY RIDE- CHECKLIST
Make sure your bicycle is in proper working condition.
Spend a few moments before each ride to check your bike’s systems against the
following checklist:
Check that your wheels are straight.
to side, and that the wheels are centered in the bicycle frame and fork. To do this, watch
the rim as it passes through the brake pads, or the frame. If one or both wheels fail this
test, take your bike to your Fisher dealer for service.
4). Within the recommended range, higher pressures usually give the best performance on hard surfaces like pavement while lower pressures work best for off-road
riding.
Fig. 4
on the rim (Fig. 5). If your brakes are too tight, too loose, or not centered on the rim, refer
to the Brake System section of Chapter 3.
to toe in used brake pads, or some new direct pull or V type brakes.
Spin each wheel to check that the rim doesn’t wobble up and down or from side
Check your tire inflation.
Inflate your tires to the air pressure recommended on the tire sidewalls (Fig.
The weight of the rider (and any load) is also a consideration in
selecting tire pressure. Within the recommended inflation rates,
lighter riders may find lower pressures more comfortable, while higher
pressures may better support larger loads or heavier riders and help
prevent pinch flats.
Use a hand-operated pump with an appropriate gauge. Gas station
hoses inflate bicycle tires too rapidly and the pressure they indicate is
often inaccurate.
Check your brakes.
Hand brakes
Press each brake lever to make sure that the brakes move freely and
stop the bike.
The brake pads should be adjusted so they are 1 to 2 mm away from
the rim when the brakes are not applied. Brake pads should be centered
The toe-in shown in Fig. 5 is to prevent squealing of the brakes. It may not be necessary
Brake pad aligned with
the rim surface
Fig. 5
Pad and rim should be
parallel
Direction of rim
rotation
0.5 - 1mm toe in
WARNING
This is not a comprehensive maintenance program. Check the
entire bicycle carefully. If you spot a problem, do not ride the bike
until it has been corrected. If you are not certain if your bike has a
6
problem, take your bike to your Gary Fisher dealer.
Disc brakes
For disc brakes where the pads contact a disc attached to the wheel hub the pads
should be .25 to .75 mm away from the disc when the brakes are not applied. Always be
careful inspecting disc brakes, as they may become hot after use. As with other rotating
parts on a bicycle, avoid placing your fingers in the disc rotor.
Coaster brakes.
The brakes should engage with less than 60 degrees backwards rotation of the cranks
(1/6 revolution). If your brakes do not firmly engage, take your bike to your Fisher dealer
for service.
Also refer to Use your brakes carefully found on page 11 of this section under
Ride safely.
ONE
Guide for
Safe Road
Riding
WARNING
If your brakes are not working properly, do not ride your bicycle.
Refer to the Brake System section of Chapter 3 or take your
bicycle to your Fisher dealer for service.
Initially practice using your brakes at slow speed. Overuse of any
brake system can cause loss of control resulting in personal injury.
Refer to ‘Use your brakes carefully’ and ‘Be careful when riding in wet
conditions’ both found on page 11 of this section under ‘Ride safely.’
The cooling fin and hub shell of Shimano Inter-M roller brakes, or disc
brakes, can get very hot and could cause burns. Do not touch the
rotor (brake disc) or hub shell for at least 30 minutes after braking.
7
BEFORE EVERY RIDE- CHECKLIST
OPEN
CLOSED
OPEN
CLOSED
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
(continued)
Fig. 6 Fig. 7
Fig. 8 Fig. 9
Fig. 10 Fig. 11
For you techies: If it requires more
than 45 pounds (200 Newton)
force to completely close the quick
release lever, open the lever and
slightly loosen the quick release
adjustment nut. Close the lever
again. If it requires less than 12
pounds (53.4 Newton) force to
begin to open the lever from the
fully closed position, open the
lever and slightly tighten the
adjustment nut. Close the lever
again. Try to pull the lever from
the fully closed position again.
Repeat adjustment if necessary.
Fig. 12
8
WARNING
Failure to tighten wheel axle nuts, or failure to have wheel quick release
retention mechanisms properly adjusted and closed, may cause loss of
control resulting in personal injury. If you have any questions about the
operation of this system, consult your Fisher dealer.
Check attachment of both wheels.
This bicycle may be equipped with a quick
release wheel retention mechanism. The quick
release allows the wheel to be installed and removed
without tools. For proper and safe performance, read
and follow these instructions carefully:
1. Check both wheels of your bicycle before
every ride.
2. Move the quick release lever to the OPEN
position and set the wheel so it firmly touches the
inside of the fork ends.
3. With the lever about halfway between the
OPEN position and the CLOSED position (Fig.
6), tighten the quick release adjusting nut on the
opposite end of the quick release axle until fingertight (Fig. 7).
4. Place the quick release lever in the palm of your
hand and move the lever in a motion as shown in
Figure 8. Move the lever into the CLOSED position
(Fig. 10 for a front wheel or 11 for a rear wheel). At the
halfway closed position of the quick release lever, you
should start to feel some resistance to this motion.
5. If the lever is moved to the CLOSED position
with little or no resistance, clamping strength is
insufficient. Simply return the lever to the OPEN
position, tighten the quick release adjusting nut
further and close the lever, testing again for
resistance. When the quick release device is properly
tightened, and clamped to the closed position, the
clamping force is adequate to cause metal into
metal engagement (embossing) of the fork surfaces.
• Do not tighten the quick release by
using the quick release lever like a
wing nut (Fig. 9). This will not result
in sufficient force to hold the wheel
in place. For further information
on correct adjustment of the quick
release tension, read Figure 12.
6. Orient the quick release levers so that they
do not interfere with any other bicycle part or
accessory part (such as rack or fenders) and so
that they will not become accidentally snagged by
obstacles in the path of the bicycle (Figs. 10 and 11).
7. Do these two tests to ensure that you have
adequately performed these procedures:
• Pick the front of the bike off of the ground, and
give the top of the tire a sharp downward blow (Fig. 13).
The wheel should not come off, be loose, or move from
side to side. If uncertain, repeat the tightening process,
as shown in Steps 2-6 of these instructions.
• With the quick release lever properly adjusted and
in a closed position, you will not be able to rotate the
quick release lever in a circular motion parallel to the
wheel (as opposed to the flipping motion used to open
and close the quick release lever- see Fig. 14).
8. For the rear wheel, follow the instructions for the
front wheel, and note the correct position of the quick
release lever when closed (Fig. 11).
If your bicycle is equipped with axle nuts instead of quick release
mechanisms (for bikes with pegs, Fig. 16, note special information below),
make sure the axle nuts are tightened to 180-240 lb•in (20.3-27.1 Nm) for
a front wheel, and 240-300 lb•in (27.1-33.9 Nm) for a rear wheel. Use this
test to ensure that you have adequately performed these procedures:
• Pick the front of the bike off of the ground, and give the top of
the tire a sharp downward blow (Fig. 13). The wheel should not come
off, be loose, or move from side to side. Repeat this test again for
the rear wheel.
For BMX bikes with axle nuts, where the front axle does not fit snugly
inside the fork tips, a special two-stage washer must be in place on both
sides of the hub for correct wheel retention (Fig. 15).
Some freestyle bikes have tubular axle extensions, called pegs (Fig. 16).
For bikes with pegs, the two-stage washer goes against the fork tip as in
Fig. 15, and additional washers and nut go inside the peg. For axle nuts
in pegs using a 15mm socket, tighten to 220-240 lb•in (24.9-27 Nm). For
axle nuts in pegs using a 19 mm socket, tighten to 350 lb•in (40 Nm).
ONE
Guide for
Safe Road
Riding
Fig. 13
x
Fig. 14
Two-stage
washer
Fig. 16
Peg
Axle nut and
washer
Fig. 15
9
DURING EVERY RIDE
45
90
RIDE SAFELY
Wear a helmet.
An unprotected head is highly susceptible to injury, even from the
slightest contact. Wear a helmet that is comfortable, fits properly, and
meets CPSC or CE safety testing standards (Fig. 17). Eye protection and
appropriate cycling clothes are also recommended. Helmets should be
removed when not riding the bicycle to avoid entrapment in the straps.
Know and observe your local bicycle riding laws.
Most state and local areas have specific laws for cyclists. Local cycling
clubs or your state’s Department of Transportation (or equivalent)
should be able to supply this information to you. A few of the more
important rules of riding:
Fig. 17
• Ride single file when riding with other cyclists.
• Ride defensively (expect the unexpected). Remember: You are hard to see, and
although cycling is becoming more and more common, many drivers simply are not
trained to recognize the rights and special considerations of a bicycle rider.
Do not use unsafe riding practices.
While most cycling rules can be classified as common sense, it is still necessary to list a
few of the things you should NOT do on a bicycle.
• Do not ride ‘no hands’. Without a firm grip on the handlebars, the slightest road
imperfection could initiate a wheel shimmy or in other ways cause the front wheel
to turn unexpectedly.
• Do not ride with loose objects attached to the handlebars or any other part of
the bicycle. They could get caught in the wheel spokes, cause the handlebars to turn
unexpectedly, or in other ways cause loss of control.
• Do not ride while intoxicated or while using medications which might make you
drowsy. Bicycles require good coordination to ride in control, and riders must be
alert for hazards.
• Do not ‘ride double’. Standard bicycles are not designed to carry the additional
load of a second rider. They also are much harder to balance, steer and stop with the
additional weight of a second rider.
• Use proper hand signals.
• Ride on the correct side of the road (never go against traffic).
Ride defensively.
Always watch for hazardous situations. Remember, you are not as
visible as a car to other bicyclists, motorists, or pedestrians. Be ready to
stop or take evasive action at all times.
Watch the road.
Watch for potholes, drain grates, soft or low shoulders, and other
deviations. Impact to a wheel, like improper spoke tension, can lead to
wheel collapse causing loss of control. When crossing railroad tracks or
drain grates, do so carefully at a 90° angle (Fig. 18). If you are not sure
Fig. 18
Mount a horn or bell on your bicycle for defensive riding.
of conditions, walk your bike.
Watch the parked cars you are preparing to pass.
If a car you are passing suddenly enters your lane or someone opens
a car door unexpectedly, you could be involved in a serious accident.
10
Use your brakes carefully.
Always keep a safe stopping distance between you and other vehicles or objects. Adjust
stopping distances and braking forces to suit riding conditions. If your bike has two hand
brakes, apply both brakes at the same time. Many models of modern brakes are designed
to stop a bike in wet or muddy conditions. Over-use of a powerful front brake, or use of
only the front brake in an emergency situation, could cause the rear wheel to lift from the
ground which could cause serious personal injury. If you feel your brakes are too powerful
for your riding needs, take your bike to your dealer for adjustment.
WARNING
Avoid mis-use of the front brake
Applying excessive stopping force with the front brake may cause your rear wheel to
lift off the ground, or your front wheel to slip out from under you, causing a loss of
control resulting in personal injury.
No brakes, whatever their design, work as effectively in wet weather as they do in
dry. Brakes, even when properly aligned, lubricated, and maintained, require greater lever
pressure and longer stopping distances in wet weather. Anticipate the extra time it will
take to stop. Also remember that wet weather causes reduced visibility (both for you and
for motorists) and reduced traction. Use slower cornering when traction is reduced. Wet
leaves and manhole covers are other wet weather hazards.
Do not submerge any bearings of your bicycle.
Bearings allow the parts of a bicycle to rotate smoothly, and water will make them
rust and lose their smoothness. If any bearings on your bicycle get submerged, take your
bicycle to your Fisher dealer for service.
Use special care when off-road riding.
• Never ride a road bike on unpaved trails or off road.
• Wear protective clothing including a helmet, eye protection, and gloves.
• Ride only on the trails.
• When approaching a descent, reduce your speed, keep your weight back and low,
and use the rear brake more than the front.
• Avoid rocks, branches, or depressions.
• Be considerate of other trail users. Mounting a bell on your bike will allow you to
sound a friendly warning as you approach others on the trail.
• Read and follow the IMBA Rules of the Trail (page 13).
(continued next page)
ONE
Guide for
Safe Road
Riding
WARNING
Be careful when riding at night.
Your bicycle is equipped with a full set of reflectors; keep them clean and in position. As
useful as these reflectors are, remember that they do not help you see, nor do they help you
be seen unless light is directed on them. Use a working headlight and a tail light
when you ride at night. Also wear light, bright, and reflective clothing,
especially at night, to make yourself more visible. The important thing is to
see and be seen. A number of products will help you achieve this. If you do any amount of
night riding, visit your Fisher dealer to see what’s available.
11
DURING EVERY RIDE
RIDE SAFELY
(continued)
WARNING
As with any mechanical device, every bicycle, and each part
attached to it, has a limited useful life due to wear and stress.
The length of that life varies according to its design, materials,
maintenance, and use.
A crash can put extraordinary stress on a bicycle or its parts.
Jumping your bicycle, performing bicycle stunts, severe off road
riding, downhill riding, or any abnormal bike riding can be very
dangerous because they increase the stress on your frame.
Industry pictures and videos of these kinds of activities depict
very experienced or professional riders. Frames or components
under high stress can fatigue prematurely which can lead to
premature or sudden failure of your bicycle frame or components.
Such failure could cause a loss of control resulting in serious
injury or death.
Regularly inspect your entire bicycle for signs of stress. If you
choose to jump your bicycle, use it for stunts, or use it in a severe
off road or downhill environment, carefully inspect your frame
and components for signs of fatigue before and after each ride.
Scratches, cracks, dents, deformation, or discoloration are signs
of stress-caused fatigue. Although lighter frames or parts may
in some cases have a longer life than heavier ones, it should be
expected that light weight, high performance bicycles and parts
require better care and more frequent inspections.
Remember; it is much easier to have an accident resulting in
serious personal injury in these situations even if your bicycle
performs as intended. Use suitable protective gear, including a
certified bicycle helmet.
12
RIDE RESPONSIBLY OFF ROAD
At Fisher, we follow these IMBA Rules of the Trail when riding our mountain bikes off road.
We hope you will, too. The future enjoyment of our sport depends on good trail manners.
1. RIDE ON OPEN TRAILS ONLY.
Respect trail and road closures (ask if not sure), avoid possible trespass on
private land, and obtain all required permits and authorization. Federal and State
Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. Additional trails may be closed because of
sensitive environmental concerns or conflicts with other users. Your riding example
will determine what is closed to all cyclists!
2. LEAVE NO TRACE.
Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Even on open trails, you should not ride
under conditions where you will leave evidence of your passing, such as on certain
soils shortly after a rain. Be careful not to ride during spring thaws or any time
when the weather makes for sensitive trail conditions. Observe the different types
of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. This also means staying
on the trail and not creating new ones. Be sure to pack out at least as much as
you pack in.
3. CONTROL YOUR BICYCLE.
Inattention for even a second can cause disaster. Excessive speed is dangerous
and threatens people. There is no excuse for it!
4. ALWAYS YIELD TRAIL.
Make your approach known well in advance. A friendly greeting (or bell) is
considerate and works well; startling someone may cause loss of trail access. Show
your respect when passing others by slowing to a walk or even stopping. Anticipate
that other trail users may be around corners or in blind spots.
5. NEVER SPOOK ANIMALS.
All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a
loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals
extra room and time to adjust to you. In passing, use special care and follow the
directions of horseback riders. Running cattle or disturbing wild animals is a serious
offense. Leave gates as you found them or as marked.
6. PLAN AHEAD.
Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding and
prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your bike in good repair, and
carry necessary supplies for changes in weather and conditions. A well-executed trip
is a satisfaction to you and not a burden or offense to others. Keep trails open by
setting an example of responsible cycling for all mountain bicyclists.
7. BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR.
The opportunity to ride on any trail brings with it a responsibility to maintain
the trail, whether it be State or privately owned lands. Volunteer to assist in trail
maintenance. Help your local park ranger, or form a group of your own, to clean and
maintain trails in your area. Pick up trash when you see it. Be kind to other trail
users. Form friendly relationships with hikers, equestrians, other trail users, and the
people who own or manage the land you use.
Dedicated to the appreciation of and access to recreational lands, nonprofit IMBA
welcomes your support. Contact:
ONE
Guide for
Safe Road
Riding
International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA)
P.O. Box 7578 (303) 545-9011
Boulder, CO 80306 FAX (303) 545-9026
www.imba.com
13
BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTER EVERY RIDE
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BIKE
Keep your bicycle clean.
To keep your bicycle in proper working condition, keep it clean. If your frame or a
component is dirty, clean it with a soft damp cloth and Wrench Force® bike cleaner or
similar product. If you hear a grinding or “sandy” noise coming from any bearings, your
bearings need maintenance. Take your bicycle to your Fisher dealer for service.
Avoid high pressure washing systems, like those at most car washes. The high pressure
can bypass bearing seals, letting water into the bearings. Water will make the bearings
rust and lose their smoothness.
Avoid leaving your bicycle out in the weather.
When not riding, keep your bike in a location where it will be protected from rain, snow,
sun, etc. Rain and snow can cause your bicycle to corrode. The ultraviolet radiation from
the sun can fade the paint, or crack any rubber or plastic on the bicycle.
Use proper storage for your bicycle.
Improper storage is very hard on a bicycle. Before storing your bike for an extended
period of time, clean and lubricate it, and polish the frame with Wrench Force® frame
polish or a similar frame protectant. Hang the bicycle off the ground with the tires at
approximately half pressure. Do not store near electric motors, as ozone from motors
destroys rubber and paint. Before riding the bicycle again, be certain it is in good
working order.
Protect your bicycle from theft.
• Keep a record of the serial number in a safe place. See page 2 for the location
of the serial number on your bike. Also make sure you return your warranty card; we
will keep your bike’s serial number on file.
• Register the bicycle with your local police department.
• Purchase a lock that is effective against bolt cutters and saws, and follow the
recommended locking procedures.
• Use your lock. Never leave your bike unlocked while unattended, not even for a
minute.
• With quick release wheels, lock both of your wheels as well as your frame. If
you have a quick release seatpost binder, when locking your bike you may want to
remove your seat and seatpost to prevent theft. However, avoid allowing water to
enter your bicycle frame through the open seat tube of your bike.
Use good shifting techniques.
When shifting, reduce the amount of pressure on your pedals. This provides quicker,
smoother shifting and will help avoid bent chains, derailleurs, and chainrings, and will also
help avoid excessive chain and gear wear.
Protect your bike from accidental damage.
Park your bike in a place where it will be out of the way, and make sure it cannot fall
over. Do not lay the bike on its derailleurs, as you may bend the rear derailleur or get
dirt on the drivetrain. Don’t let the bike fall down, as this may cut the handlebar grips, or
tear the seat. Incorrect use of bike racks can bend your wheels, as can riding over some
obstacles. These are just a few of the potential hazards you and your bike may encounter.
If you suspect your bicycle has been damaged or tampered with in any way, ensure that
there is no problem, or take it to your Fisher dealer for inspection and repair.
14
Prevent handlebar impact damage to your frame.
With some bicycles it is possible for part, or parts, of the handlebar to contact the frame
as the front wheel turns to extreme angles. If a sharp edge on any part of the handlebar
were to make contact with the frame with sufficient force, it could damage the frame.
Check to see if your handlebar contacts the frame in such a way that this could happen.
Prevent such damage by padding the handlebar parts, the frame, or both at the points of
contact. See your Fisher dealer for recommended protection devices or materials.
Never modify your fork, frame, or components.
Your bike’s parts have been carefully designed to meet the strength and function
requirements of safe riding. Modifying these parts in any way may make your bike unsafe.
As an example, some bike frames have special surface treatments which add strength
and these could be removed through poor paint stripping techniques. Removing the
redundant wheel retention tabs on fork tips or peg-and- eyelet style redundant retention
devices is another example of how modifying a bicycle could make it less functional.
Only Fisher dual suspension frames manufactured after 1996 are compatible with
double crown, triple clamp suspension forks because these forks put extra stress on the
frame. Hardtail diamond frames (with no rear suspension) are not compatible with triple
clamp forks. Do not install triple clamp forks on diamond construction hardtail frames.
If you are unsure what type of frame you have, or what a triple clamp fork is, consult
your Fisher dealer.
Any modification of your frame, fork, or components means that your bike no longer
meets our specifications and will therefore void the bike’s warranty.
Care of your aluminum or OCLV frame or forks
Fisher bicycles use a variety of materials in the construction of frames and forks. If
you have purchased a bicycle frame or fork of aluminum or OCLV carbon fiber composite,
your frame may require special attention in its care and maintenance. See page 49 for
information about your frame or fork.
ONE
Guide for
Safe Road
Riding
WARNING
Never modify your frameset in any way, including sanding, drilling,
filing, removing redundant retention devices from forks, or by any
other technique. Such modifications will void your warranty, may
cause your frame to fail, and may contribute to loss of control
resulting in personal injury.
15
UNDERSTAND THE USE OF YOUR PEDALING SYSTEM
Toe clips and straps.
If this bike came without pedals, you will choose the pedals that are
best for you. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and
use of these pedals.
This bicycle may be equipped with toe clips and straps. Familiarize
yourself with the use of toe clips and straps. Proper fitting toe clips
place the ball of your foot over the pedal axle for improved pedaling
power. Shoes which might allow your foot to become trapped by the toe
straps, such as those with wide, heavily patterned soles, should never
be used with toe clips and straps.
If you are new to this system, practice entry and exit before your first
ride. Watch the road while in motion. Looking at your pedals will make it
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
difficult to see upcoming obstacles. After first practicing in a stationary
position, a flat, empty parking provides an excellent place to practice
the following:
• Always keep toe straps loose enough to remove your feet quickly
from the pedals to remain upright. This is done by adjusting the buckle
of the toe strap (Fig. 19).
• To enter the pedals, first straddle the bike. Keep your left foot on the
ground, and move the crank arm on the other side of the bike into the
5 o’clock position. To place your foot in the pedal, place the toe of your
shoe on the back edge of the upside down pedal with your toes pointed
slightly downward (Fig. 20). With a motion similar to scraping something
off the bottom of your shoe, flip the pedal into an upright position, and
insert your foot into the toe clip. This can be tricky at first, but practice
will help you improve.
To mount the bike, push down on this pedal while pushing off with the
other foot, and at the same time, sit on the bicycle seat. Once moving,
put your other foot into the second pedal using the same technique.
• To exit this system, raise your heel so that the sole of your shoe
clears the top of the pedal (Fig. 21). Withdraw your foot in an up-andback motion, make sure your foot clears the pedal, and bring the bike to
a stop.
Fig. 21
16
Always disengage at least one foot from the pedals
before stopping.
WARNING
Improper use of toe clips and straps may cause loss of control
resulting in personal injury. If you are uncertain about the
operation of this system, consult your Fisher dealer. If your bicycle
has toe clips and they do not fit or you do not want them, ask your
Fisher dealer to remove them.
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