Giant V8.0 User Manual

VERSION 8.0

WELCOME, AND CONGRATULATIONS

on your purchase of a new Giant bicycle; the fun of pedaling your new

Giant bicycle is only moments away.

Safety First.

We strongly encourage you to read through the owner’s manual be fore you take your new Giant bicycle for a spin. By doing so you will have a greater understanding for the general operation of the various components found on your new bike. You will learn many of the components you once recognized as part of a bicycle have changed significantly. Saf e riding instruc tions are equally important and shouldn’t be overlooked. So even if you are an experienced cyclist, please take a moment to read through this manual before you ride.

Sharing the Joy of the Ride.

Nothing makes us happier than seeing people out riding bikes. For over thirty years Giant has manufactured quality bicycles for every type of terrain and rider imaginable. Giant bicycles have allowed millions of cyclists just like you the opportunity to live happier, healthier lives because of the joy, exercise, and sheer exhilaration riding a bicycle brings. And it’s this commitment to sharing the joy of the ride that inspires us to continually offer the world’s most innovative bicycles.

Learn More.

We encourage you to get connected and learn more about proper riding and safety through your local Authorized Giant Retailer. The independent bike shop retailers are the best in the nation at providing sales and service for any and all your bicycle related needs. It’s the only place you’ll find knowledgeable staff ready to assist you with everything you’ll need to get the most out of your bike and your ride.

Enjoy.

Contents

GENERAL WARNING A special note to parents

1. First

A. Bike fit p. 6 B. Safety first p. 6 C. Mechanical Safety Check p. 7 D. First ride p. 8

2. Safety

A. The Basics p. 9 B. Riding Safety p. 10 C. Off Road Safety p. 11 D. Wet Weather Riding p. 11 E. Night Riding p. 12 F. Extreme, stunt or competition riding p. 13 G. Changing Components or Adding Accessories p. 14

3. Fit

A. Standover height p. 15 B. Saddle position p. 15 C. Handlebar height and angle p. 17 D. Control Position Adjustments p. 17 E. Brake reach p. 17

p. 4 p. 5

4. Tech

A. Wheels p. 18

1. Wheel Quick Release p. 18

2. Removing and Installing Quick Release Wheels p. 19

3. Removing and Installing Bolt-On Wheels p. 21 B. Seatpost Quick Release p. 23 C. Brakes p. 23 D. Shifting gears p. 25 E. Pedals p. 27 F.

Bicycle Suspension p. 28

G. Tires and Tubes p. 29

5. Service

A. Service Intervals p. 31 B. If your bicycle sustains an impact p. 32 C. Tightening Torques for Giant Bikes p. 33

Appendix A: Lifespan of your bike and its components

6. Dealer/Warranty

A. About Your Dealer p. 41 B. Warranty Information p. 42

NOTE: This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair or maintenance manual. Please see your dealer for all service, repairs or maintenance. Your dealer may also be able to refer you to classes, clinics or books on bicycle use, service, repair or maintenance.

p. 35

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 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 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.

IMPORTANT:

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.

Additional safety, performance and service information for specific components such as suspension or pedals on your bicycle, or for accessories such as helmets or lights that you purchase, may also be available. Make sure that your dealer has given you all the manufacturers’ literature that was included with your bicycle

or accessories.

If you have any questions or do not understand something, take responsibility for your safety and

consult with your dealer or the bicycle’s manufacturer.

A special note for parents:

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 traffic 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.

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.

A. Bike fi t

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 seatpost 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.

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. to check whether 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.

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 differing by model and component, it is not possible for this Manual to specify correct torque (tightening force) for the fasteners on your bicycle. We can tell you the importance of correct torque, but not the specific torque required for each fastener on your bicycle. To correctly torque a fastener, a torque wrench must be used. 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 get 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.

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 loose control and fall.

Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel off 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 effectively. Wheel truing 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 along the braking surface, and check for excess rim wear.

Brakes: Check the brakes for proper operation (see Sections 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.

Quick Releases: Make sure the front wheel, rear wheel and seat post quick releases are properly adjusted and in the locked position. See Section 4.A and 4.B.

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 Sections 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, have your dealer 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 Appendix A on Page 33.

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 your next ride.

2. Safety

A. The Basics

WARNING: Many provinces or territories require specific safety devices. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of the provinces or territories 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 traffic laws. It’s your responsibility to know and obey the laws.

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.

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.

Fig.1

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

• Protective eyewear, to protect against airborne dirt, dust and bugs — 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 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.

B. Riding Safety

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

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

3. 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 traffic, catch your wheel or cause you to have an accident.

• The many other hazards and distractions which can occur on a bicycle ride.

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

5. Stop at stop signs and traffic 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.

6. Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping.

7. Never ride with headphones. They mask traffic 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

11. 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.

12. Don’t weave through traffic or make any moves that may surprise people with whom you are sharing the road.

13. Observe and yield the right of way.

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

15. 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. Off Road Safety

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

1. The variable conditions and hazards of off-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 difficult 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 off-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.

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 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. I t is your responsibility to minimize your impact on the environment. Leave things as you found them; and always take out everything you brought in.

D. Wet Weather Riding

WARNING: Wet weather impairs traction, braking and visibility, both for the cyclist and for 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 tires don’t grip nearly as well. This makes it harder to control speed and easier to lose control. 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.

E. Night Riding

Riding a bicycle at night is many times more dangerous than riding during the day. A cyclist is very difficult 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 car lights and street lights in a way that may help you to be seen and recognized as a moving cyclist.

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, reflective 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 t he attention of approaching motorists, pedestrians and other traffic.

• 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.

While riding at dawn, at dusk or at night:

• Ride slowly.

• Avoid dark areas and areas of heavy or fast-moving traffic.

• 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 traffic often, ask your dealer about traffic safety classes or a good book on bicycle

traffic safety.

F. Extreme, stunt or competition riding

Whether you call it Hucking, Freeride, North Shore, Downhill, Jumping, Stunt Riding, Racing or something else: by engaging in this sort of extreme, aggressive riding you voluntarily assume an 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 seen on 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 officials 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: 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 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.

CAUTION: 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 first

• Start with easy learning exercises and slowly develop your skills before trying more difficult or dangerous riding

• Do stunts, jumping, racing or fast downhill riding only in areas designated for this type of 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.

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 compon ent or accessory, including a different 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 Appendix A p. 33.

WARNING: Failure to confirm compatibility, properly install, operate and maintain any component or accessory can result in serious injury or death.

CAUTION: Changing the components on your bike may void the warranty. Refer to your warranty, and check with your dealer before changing the components on your bike.

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