THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY,
PERFORMANCE AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION.
READ THE MANUAL BEFORE TAKING YOUR FI RST
RIDE ON YOUR NEW BICYCLE, AND KEEP THE
MANUAL HANDY FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
To register your bike visit
www.schwinnbikes.com/registerbike
HELMETS
SAVE
LIVES !!!
ALWAYS WEAR A PROPERLY
FITTED HELMET WHEN
YOU RIDE YOUR BICYCLE.
DO NOT RIDE AT NIGHT.
AVOID RIDING IN WET
CONDITIONS.
CORRECT FITTING - MAKE
SURE YOUR HELMET COVERS
YOUR FOREHEAD.
INCORRECT FITTING. FOREHEAD
IS EXPOSED AND VULNERABLE
TO SERIOUS INJURY.
CONGRATULATIONS on the purchase of your new bicycle. This manual is designed to give you the
information you need for the safe operation and maintenance of your new bicycle. Please read it
thoroughly before riding your bicycle.
Your bicycle's service sticker is located on the bottom bracket shell. Please record the model name,
model #, date code, and date of purchase in this manual in the event your bicycle is lost or stolen.
You may also want to register this information with your local police department. Please retain your
sales receipt as proof of purchase and keep with the information below.
MODEL NUMBER_____________________________________
MODEL NAME________________________________________
DATE CODE__________________________________________
The following manual is only a guide to assist you and is not a complete or comprehensive manual of
all aspects of maintaining and repairing your bicycle. The bicycle you have purchased is a complex
object. We recommend that you consult a bicycle specialist if you have doubts or concerns as to your
experience or ability to properly assemble, repair, or maintain your bicycle. You will save time and the
inconvenience of having to go back to the store if you choose to write or call us concerning missing
parts, service questions, operating, and/or assembly questions.
SERVICE
CALL TOLL FREE 1.800.626.2811
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time
PACIFICCYCLE, INC.
P.O. Box 344 • 4730 E. Radio Tower Ln. • Olney, IL 62450
Customer Service 1.800.626.2811
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time
www.pacific-cycle.com
This manual contains important safety, performance and maintenance information. Read the manual
and all warnings before taking your rst ride on your new bicycle, and keep the manual handy for
future reference.
Unsafe or improper use of the Bicycle by failing to read and comply with all safety, performance and
maintenance requirements and warnings could result in serious injury or death. It is also impossible
to predict every situation and condition which will occur while riding. Pacic Cycle has made 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 safe, cautious riding is recommended.
All of the original equipment afxed to the bicycle at the time of the original sale were selected as
being compatible with your frame.
Use of any component that is not factory specied could result in damage to the bicycle which would
not be covered by the warranty and could further cause you to lose control of the bicycle and fall, all of
which could cause serious injury to the rider.
When inspecting your bicycle, be certain to tighten all nuts and bolts properly. Under-tightening can
result in loosening, parts loss, and component damage. Over-tightened nuts and bolts can break.
Certain bicycle parts have metric hardware--always use the correct tools.
This manual was written to help you get the most performance, comfort, enjoyment and safety when riding your
new bicycle. It is important for you to understand your new bicycle. By reading this manual
your rst ride, you'll know how to get better performance, comfort, and enjoyment from your new bicycle. It is also
important that your rst ride on your new bicycle is taken in a controlled environment, away from cars, obstacles and
other cyclists.
before
you go out on
GENERAL WARNING
Bicycling can be a hazardous activity even under the best of circumstances. Proper maintenance of your bicycle
is your responsibility as it helps reduce the risk of injury. This manual contains many
concerning the consequences of failure to maintain or inspect your bicycle. 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 repeat the
warning of possible injury or death whenever the risk of falling is mentioned.
"Warnings"
and
"Cautions"
SPECIAL NOTE FOR PARENTS
It is a tragic fact that many bicycle accidents involve children. As a parent or guardian, you bear the
responsibility for the activities and safety of your minor child. Among these responsibilities are to make sure that the
bicycle which your child is riding is properly tted to the child; that it is in good repair and safe operating
condition; that you and your child have learned, understand and obey not only the applicable local motor vehicle,
bicycle and trafc laws, but also the common sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling. As a parent, you should
read this manual before letting your child ride the bicycle. Please make sure that your child always wears an
approved bicycle helmet when riding.
2. Insert the seat post into the
seat tube to the minimum insertion mark. Tighten the quick
release by turning clockwise and
close the quick release lever
(refer to page 45 of your owner’s
manual).
INSTALLING FRONT WHEEL
3. Turn fork so that the brake is
facing forward. Insert handlebar
and tighten down four stem bolts
with an allen wrench (refer to
page 40,41,42 of your owner's
manual). Open up the brake
adjuster lever on the front brake
so the front wheel can be inserted into the fork (refer to page
47/48 of your owner's manual).
4. Insert front wheel into fork
drop outs with quick release lever
on the non-drive side. Center
wheel in drop out and turn quick
release nut clockwise to tighten.
When there is firm resistance
move the quick release to the
closed position (refer to page 35,
36 of your owner's manual).
7. Attach pedals to crank arms.
Each pedal is labeled left or right
on the pedal axle. Both pedals
will thread by turning the pedal
wrench towards the front of the
bicycle (refer to page 53/54 of
owner's manual).
Important: Tighten the pedals as tight as possible.
Today’s road bikes have a very long and distinguished history. There have been
many technological advances over the years allowing for even greater speed,
comfort, and efficiency. In general, road bikes (or what are sometimes referred to
as racing bikes) are designed to be lightweight, responsive, and quick handling.
They are generally intended to be ridden on smooth paved roads and bike paths.
A traditional road bike will be equipped with dropped handlebars that allow for a
more aerodynamic position and provide better leverage for climbing and sprinting,
as well as very skinny tires which provide for lower rolling resistance and greater
efficiency. These bikes excel at fast club rides and all out racing, but are also
perfect for long distance road rides and high intensity fitness training.
A more recent adaptation of the traditional road bike is the advent of the flat bar road bike. These bikes feature many of the same design aspects and ride
characteristics as a traditional road bike, but are generally geared toward a more
comfort oriented rider. The flat handlebars coupled with a slightly higher front end,
gives the rider a more upright position that appeals to many people looking to
do more recreational type riding. These bikes will also utilize a slightly wider tire
then a traditional road bike that is still efficient for the road, but will also provide a
smoother ride on varied terrain. Flat bar road bikes are commonly used for charity
or event rides, and work very well for people who want to incorporate cycling into
their fitness program.
Under no circumstances should the seat post project
from the frame beyond its “Minimum Insertion” or
“Maximum Extension” mark. If your seat post projects
from the frame beyond these markings, the seat post
or frame may break, which could cause you to lose
control and fall. Prior to your first ride, be sure to
tighten the saddle adjusting mechanism properly. A
loose saddle clamp or seat post binder can cause
damage to the bicycle or can cause you to lose control
and fall. Periodically check to make sure that the
saddle adjusting mechanism is properly tightened.
To obtain maximum comfort and efficiency, it is important for the rider
to establish his or her proper reach to the handlebars. For general
riding, you will want to achieve a position that allows you to have a
slight bend at the elbows with your back at an approximate 45-degree
angle. On a flat bar road bike, this should be done while sitting on the
saddle in a normal riding position and your hands on the grips. On a
traditional drop bar road bike, you should also be sitting on the saddle
in a normal riding position, but your hands should be placed on the
brake lever hoods. If you find that this position is not obtainable, you
may need to either re-evaluate your correct frame size or you may
need to change your stem to a different length or rise. Your local bike
shop will be able to assist you in choosing the correct stem length for
your needs.
Stem Wedge Bolt
Handlebar Height
Maximum comfort is usually obtained when the handlebar height is
equal to the height of the seat. You may wish to try different heights
to find the most comfortable position.
Handlebar Binder Bolt
Exceeds 2 1/2”
(64mm)
Clamp on stems for threadless steering systems cannot be adjusted height wise. It is
possible to make certain parts changes that will allow you to alter the handlebar position. Please consult your authorized bicycle dealer for available options. See diagram
on page 41.
The stem’s “Minimum Insertion” mark must not be visible above the top of the headset.
If the stem is extended beyond this mark, the stem may break or damage the fork’s
steerer tube, which could cause you to lose control and fall.
Failure to properly tighten the stem binder bolt, the handlebar binder bolt, or the bar
end extension clamping bolts may compromise steering action, which could cause
you to lose control and fall. Place the front wheel of the bicycle between your legs and
attempt to twist the handlebar/stem assembly using a reasonable amount of force. If
you can twist the stem in relation to the front wheel, turn the handlebars in relation to
the stem, or turn the bar end extensions in relation to the handlebar, you must tighten
the appropriate bolts accordingly.
Maximum Height/
Minimum Insertion
Mark
WARNING: If your bicycle does not fit properly, you
may lose control and fall. If your new bike doesn't fit
ask your local bike shop to adjust it for proper fit.
Before every ride, it is important to carry out the following safety checks:
1. Brakes
- Ensure front and rear brakes work properly.
- Ensure brake shoe pads are not over worn and are correctly positioned in relation to the rims.
- Ensure brake control cables are lubricated, correctly adjusted and display no obvious wear.
- Ensure brake control levers are lubricated and tightly secured to the handlebar.
2. Wheels and Tires
- Ensure tires are inflated to within the recommended limit as displayed on the tire sidewall.
- Ensure tires have tread and have no bulges or excessive wear.
- Ensure rims run true and have no obvious wobbles or kinks.
- Ensure all wheel spokes are tight and not broken.
- Check to ensure that wheels are properly seated in the forks.
- Check that axle nuts are tight. If your bicycle is fitted with quick release axles, make sure locking levers
are correctly tensioned and in the closed position.
3. Steering
- Ensure handlebar and stem are correctly adjusted and tightened, and allow proper steering.
- Ensure that the handlebars are set correctly in relation to the forks and the direction of travel.
- Check that the headset locking mechanism is properly adjusted and tightened.
- If the bicycle is fitted with handlebar end extensions, ensure they are properly positioned and tightened.
When riding obey the same road laws as all other road vehicles, including giving way to
pedestrians, and stopping at red lights and stop signs.
For further information, contact the Road Traffic Authority in your State.
Ride predictably and in a straight line. Never ride against traffic.
Use correct hand signals to indicate turning or stopping.
Ride defensively. To other road users, you may be hard to see.
Concentrate on the path ahead. Avoid pot holes, gravel, wet road markings, oil, curbs, speed
bumps, drain grates and other obstacles.
Cross train tracks at a 90 degree angle or walk your bicycle across.
Expect the unexpected such as opening car doors or cars backing out of concealed driveways.
Be extra careful at intersections and when preparing to pass other vehicles.
Familiarize yourself with all the bicycle's features. Practice gear shifts, braking, and the use of
toe clips and straps, if fitted.
If you are wearing loose pants, use leg clips or elastic bands to prevent them from being caught
in the chain. Wear proper riding attire and avoid open toe shoes.
Don't carry packages or passengers that will interfere with your visibility or control of the bicycle.
Don't use items that may restrict your hearing.
Do not lock up the brakes. When braking, always apply the rear brake first, then the front. The
front brake is more powerful and if it is not correctly applied, you may lose control and fall.
Maintain a comfortable stopping distance from all other riders, vehicles and objects.
Safe braking distances and forces are subject to the prevailing weather conditions.
Helmets
A properly fitting, ANSI or SNELL approved, bicycle safety helmet
should be worn at all times when riding your bicycle. In addition, if
you are carrying a passenger in a child safety seat, they must also be
wearing a helmet.
The correct helmet should:
- be comfortable
- be lightweight
- have good ventilation
- fit correctly
Always wear a properly fitted helmet which covers the forehead when riding a bicycle. Many states
require specific safety devices. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of the state
where you ride and to comply with all applicable laws, including properly equipping yourself and your
bike as the law requires. Reflectors are important safety devices which are designed as an integral part
of your bicycle. Federal regulations require every bicycle to be equipped with front, rear, wheel, and
pedal reflectors. These reflectors are designed to pick up and reflect street lights and car lights in a way
that helps you to be seen and recognized as a moving bicyclist. Check reflectors and their
mounting brackets regularly to make sure they are clean, straight, unbroken and securely mounted.
Have your dealer replace damaged reflectors and straighten or tighten any that are bent or loose.
Wet Weather
IT IS RECOMMENDED TO NOT RIDE IN WET WEATHER
- In wet weather you need to take extra care.
- Brake earlier, you will take a longer distance to stop.
- Decrease your riding speed, avoid sudden braking and take corners with additional caution.
- Be more visible on the road.
- Wear reflective clothing and use safety lights.
- Pot holes and slippery surfaces such as line markings and train tracks all become more hazardous when wet.
- Ensure bicycle is equipped with a full set of correctly positioned and clean reflectors.
- Use a properly functioning lighting set comprising of a white front lamp and a red rear lamp.
- If using battery powered lights, make sure batteries are well charged.
- Some rear lights available have a flashing mechanism which enhances visibility.
- Wear reflective and light colored clothing.
- Ride at night only if necessary. Slow down and use familiar roads with street lighting, if possible.
IT IS RECOMMENDED TO NOT RIDE AT NIGHT
Pedaling Technique
- Position the ball of your foot on the center of the pedal.
- When pedaling, ensure your knees are parallel to the bicycle frame.
- To absorb shock, keep your elbows slightly bent.
- Learn to operate the gears properly.
Braking Technique
- It is important to take the time to familiarize yourself with the braking system of your bicycle.
- Modern braking systems are quite powerful and do not normally require a great deal of
force to operate.
- The front brake is responsible for the majority of your stopping power. However, improper use
can result in accident or injury.
- It is recommended that you practice using the brakes in a controlled environment such as a
driveway or empty parking lot to gain a feel for how they function and how much force is required
to safely stop the bike.
- Always avoid using sudden or excessive force when operating the brake levers. A gradual and
smooth pull of the lever is all that is needed to safely reduce your speed and come to a stop.
Hill Technique
- Gear down before a climb and continue gearing down as required to maintain pedaling speed.
- If you reach the lowest gear and are struggling, stand up on your pedals. You will then obtain more power from
each pedal revolution.
- On the descent, use the high gears to avoid rapid pedaling.
- Do not exceed a comfortable speed; maintain control and take additional care.
Cornering Technique
Brake slightly before cornering and prepare to lean your body into the corner. Maintain the inside pedal at the 12 o'clock
position and slightly point the inside knee in the direction you are turning. Keep the other leg straight, don't pedal through
fast or tight corners.
Rules for Children
To avoid accidents, teach children good riding skills with an emphasis on safety from an early age. Make sure your child is
properly fitted to their bicycle. Your dealer will be able to offer detailed advice and assistance in determining the proper fit for
your child.
1. Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
2. Do not play in driveways or the road.
3. Do not ride on busy streets.
4. Do not ride at night.
5. Obey all the traffic laws, especially stop signs and red lights.
6. Be aware of other road vehicles behind and nearby.
7. Before entering a street: Stop, look left, right, and left again for traffic. If there's no traffic, proceed into the roadway.
8. If riding downhill, be extra careful. Slow down using the brakes and maintain control of the steering.
9. Never take your hands off the handlebars, or your feet off the pedals when riding downhill.
10. Your bicycle is intended for use by only one rider. Do not ride double.
The Consumer Protection Safety Commission advises that the riding of small wheel diameter
bicycles at excessive speeds can lead to instability and is not recommended.
Children should be made aware of all possible riding hazards and correct riding behavior before they take to the streets.
Most multi-speed bicycles today are equipped with what are known
as derailleur gears. They operate using a system of levers and mechanisms to move the drive chain between different sized driving gears
or cogs. The purpose of gears is to let you maintain a constant, steady
pedaling pace under varying conditions. This means your riding will
be less tiring without unnecessary straining up hills or fast pedaling
down hill. Bicycles come with a variety of gear configurations from 5
to 30 speeds. A 5-8 speed bicycle will have a single front chainwheel,
a rear derailleur, and 5 to 8 cogs on the rear hub. Bicycles with more
gears will also have a front derailleur, a front chainwheel with
2-3 cogs, and up to 10 cogs on the rear hub.
Operating Principles
No matter how many gears, the operating principles are the same.
The front derailleur is operated by the left shift lever and the rear
derailleur by the right. To operate you must be pedaling forward. You
can not shift derailleur gears when you are stopped or when pedaling
backwards. Before shifting ease up on your pedaling pressure. For
a smooth gear change when approaching a hill, shift to a lower gear
BEFORE your pedaling speed slows down too much. When coming
to a stop, shift to a lower gear first so it will be easier when you start
riding again. If, after selecting a new gear position, you hear a slight
rubbing noise from the front or rear gears, gently adjust the appropriate
shifter using the barrel adjusters until the noise goes away. For optimal performance and extended chain life, it is recommended that you
avoid using the extreme combinations of gear positions (diagram p.
Drop handlebar equipped road bikes will generally be
equipped with integrated shifter levers. This system
integrates the brake lever with the shift levers, enabling
you to have all of your primary controls constantly
available to you, no matter if you are riding with your
hands on the hoods or down in the drops. There are two
main variations of the integrated system. The rst type
integrates both high and low shift levers into the brake
lever. The second type integrates only one shift lever into
the brake lever, while the other shift lever is located on
the inboard side of the brake lever hoods to be accessed
separately by your thumbs.
Operate Lever a to
shift from smaller
to larger chainring.
Operate Lever b to
shift from larger to
smaller chainring.
Operate Lever B to
shift from larger to
smaller cog.
Operate Lever A to
shift from smaller
to larger cog.
The following illustrations will help you better understand how
to operate an integrated shifter lever. To shift the front derailleur
from a smaller to a larger chainring, push lever (A) inward with
your ngers. To shift from a larger to a smaller chainring, push
lever (B) inward with your ngers.
To shift the rear derailleur from a larger to a smaller rear cog,
press lever (B) inward with your nger. To shift from a smaller to
a larger rear cog, press lever (A) inward for one click. It is also
possible to shift through multiple rear cogs at one time by pushing lever (A) for one full stroke. There are three different click
stops for this operation, as illustrated in the diagram to the right.
It is also important to note that the front shifter lever has what
is referred to as a “trim” feature. This trim feature allows for
an intermediate shift that will slightly adjust the front derailleur
inward or outward by a small amount. This feature is useful in
situations where the chain may rub on the inside of the front
derailleur as a result of gearing selections where the chain is at
a more exaggerated angle. To make a trim adjustment, simply
push the lever for a fraction of the distance of a normal shift.
You will notice the intermediate click once the lever has reached
the trim position.
Operate Lever a to shift from smaller to
larger chainring.
Operate Lever b to shift from larger to
smaller chainring.
Lever a
start position
Lever A
Lever B
start position
Lever A
start position
2 click
1 click
Operate Lever A to shift from smaller to
larger rear cog.
Operate Lever B to shift from larger to
smaller rear cog.
Left Hand Lever
To engage smaller chainwheel
To engage larger chainwheel
Right Hand Lever
To engage smaller rear cog
To engage larger rear cog
Flat Bar Road Shifters -
(used on specic models)
Flat bar road bikes require a much different shifter set-up than
road bikes with drop style handlebars. This shifting system is
modeled after those found on many mountain bikes. Both the
front and rear shifters use two separate levers; one operated by
your thumb and the other operated by your index nger. Both
levers are located toward the underside of the handlebar.
To shift the rear derailleur from a smaller cog to a larger one,
push the larger lever forward with your thumb. To shift from a
larger cog to a smaller one, pull back on the smaller lever with
your index nger. To shift the front derailleur from a smaller
chainring to a larger one, push the larger lever forward with your
thumb. To shift from a larger chainring to a smaller one, pull back
1. Shifters are mounted on the top of the handlebar for
both the rear derailleur and front derailleur. The left
shifter controls the front derailleur and the right shifter
controls the rear derailleur.
2. The left shifter controls your front derailleur. To shift into the
smaller chain rings push up on the shifter with your thumb.
(refer to page 24,25 of your owner's manual)
3. The left shifter controls your front derailleur. To shift into the
large chain rings push down on the shifter with your thumb.
(refer to page 24,25 of your owner's manual)