Bicycle Owner's Manual

Bicycle

Owner‘s Manual

CANNONDALE BICYCLE OWNER’S MANUAL

131264 (07/18)

FOLLOW THIS CHECKLIST BEFORE EVERY RIDE. IF YOU HAVE ANY REASON TO SUSPECT

THAT YOUR BICYCLE IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, DO NOT RIDE IT. Have it inspected

by an Authorized Cannondale Retailer. To locate your nearest Authorized Cannondale Retailer

call the 1-800-BIKE-USA. Failure to follow this checklist and to have any potential problem

inspected could lead to an accident, with risk of serious injury, paralysis or death.

Are you wearing a helmet and other

appropriate equipment and clothing, such as

protective glasses and gloves? Do not wear

loose clothing that could become entangled in

the bicycle (See PART I, Section 2.A The Basics).

Are your seatpost and stem securely

fastened? Twist the handlebars rmly from side

to side while holding the front wheel between

your knees. The stem must not move in the

steering tube. Similarly, the seatpost must be

secure in the seat tube (See PART I, Section 3.

Fit).

Are you visible to motorists? If you are riding at

dusk, dawn or at night, you must make yourself

visible to motorists. Use front and rear lights

and a strobe or blinker. Reectors alone do

not provide adequate visibility. Wear reective

clothing (See PART I, Section 2.E Night Riding

and PART II, A. Important Safety Information).

Is it raining or wet? If so, be more cautious.

Your braking distances will increase, and

your tires’ grip on the road will decrease.

Remember that motorists’ visibility decreases

with bad weather (See PART I, Section 2.D Wet

Weather Riding and PART II, A. Important Safety

Information).

Are your tires properly inated? Tires must

inated to the recommended pressure. (See

PART I, Section 4.G Tires and Tubes).

Are your wheels true? Lift each end of the bike

and spin each wheel. Does the space between

the rim and the brake pads, or the tire and

the frame, remain nearly the same size as the

wheel turns? Are your spokes tight? (See PART I,

Section 1.C Mechanical Safety Check).

Are your wheels’ quick-releases properly

fastened? Be sure to read the section on proper

operation of quick-release skewers (See PART I,

Section 4.A Wheels).

Are your front and rear brakes functioning

properly? With V-brakes, the quick release

“noodle” must be properly installed. With

cantilever brakes, the quick release straddle

cable must be properly attached. With caliper

brakes the quick release lever must be closed.

With any rim brake, the brake pads must make

rm contact with the rim without the brake levers

hitting the handlebar grip (See PART I, Section

4.C Brakes).

With hydraulic disc brakes, check that the lever

feels rm, does not move too close to the

handlebar grip, and there is no evidence of

leaking brake uid. With cable actuated disc

brakes, check that the lever feels rm and does

not move too close to the handlebar grip. With

any disc brakes, the brake pads must make rm

contact with the rotor without the brake levers

hitting the handlebar grip (See PART I, Section

4.C Brakes).

How do your clipless pedals work today?

Clip in and out of your pedals before you begin.

Experienced cyclists do. The connection between

cleat and pedal is affected by dozens of factors

including dirt, mud, lubrication, spring tension

and wear. By clipping in and out you will check

the function and have a fresh memory of how

they feel (See PART I, Section 4.E Pedals).

How recently were your frame, fork and

components inspected? Never ride a frame,

fork or components with any crack or damage.

(See PART II, Section D. Inspect For Safety).

PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST

THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY,

PERFORMANCE AND SERVICE INFORMATION.

Read it before you take the rst ride on your new

bicycle, and keep it for reference.

This manual meets: 16 CFR 1512 and

EN Standards 14764, 14766, and 14781.

Vélo certié conforme aux exigences

du décret N 95-937 du 24 août 1995

norme NFR030

Contacting Cannondale

CANNONDALE USA

Cycling Sports Group, Inc.

1 Cannondale Way,

Wilton CT, 06897, USA

1-800-726-BIKE (2453)

www.cannondale.com

CANNONDALE EUROPE

Cycling Sports Group Europe, B.V.

Hanzepoort 27, 7570 GC, Oldenzaal, Netherlands

+41 61 4879380

servicedeskeurope@cyclingsportsgroup.com

CANNONDALE UK

Cycling Sports Group

Vantage Way, The Fulcrum,

Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NU

+44 (0)1202732288

[email protected]

FRANCAISE - Si vous parlez Francais, veuillez contacter Cannondale

Europe a l’adresse indiquee ci joint pour recevoir une copie du manuel en

Francais. Vous pouvez egalement visiter le website www.cannondale.com

http://www.cannondale.com pour visualiser le manuel en francais.

ITALIANO - Se la sua lingua è l’italiano la preghiamo di contattare

Cannondale Europe al recapito che trovate qui sotto per per ottenere

una copia in italiano di questo manuale. Il manuale può anche essere

visualizzato sul sito Internet

www.cannondale.com/ manuals <http://www.cannondale.com/manuals> .

DEUTSCH - Wenn Deutsch Ihre Muttersprache ist nehmen Sie bitte

mit Cannondale Europe unter unten angebenen Adresse auf für eine

deutschsprachige Kopie der Anleitung. Sie können auch auf: www.

cannondale.com/manuals <http://www.cannondale.com/manuals> gehen

für eine Anleitung in Deutsch.

NEDERLANDS - Indien uw moedertaal Nederlands is, neemt u dan a.u.b.

contact op met Cannondale Europe op onderstaand adres om een gratis

copie van deze handleiding in het Nederlands aan te vragen. U kunt ook

onze website

www.cannondale.com/manuals <http://www.cannondale.com/manuals>

bezoeken om zo de Nederlandse versie te bekijken.

ESPANOL - Si su idioma es el español, por favor póngase en contacto

con Cannondale Europe en la dirección mencionada abajo para obtener

una copia gratuita del manual en español. Usted también puede visitar a

nuestra web www.cannondale.com/manuals <http://www.cannondale.

com/manuals> para ver el manual en español.

131264 (07/18)

PB 1

PART I

USE OF THIS MANUAL

Cannondale Bicycle Owner’s Manual

This manual contains important information

aecting your safety and the proper use of bicycles.

It is a very important manual for every bike we make.

It is organized into two parts:

PART I

Is a generic guide to the proper function and use

of bicycles. This generic information is used by

many bike companies. Most aspects of bicycles are

common or “generic.” PART I of this manual is the

10th edition of the generic manual.

PART II

Contains information speciﬁc to Cannondale bicycles

and topics we feel you need to know and understand

about our bikes.

A manual alone cannot teach you how to ride, and a

manual the size of an encyclopedia could not cover

every combination of bicycle, rider and conditions.

Thus, as a reasonable person would expect, the

Cannondale manuals and supplements focus on the

bicycle, not teaching you to ride.

This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use,

service, repair or maintenance manual. It contains

no assembly instructions. This manual is not a

service manual for any parts of your bike. Please see

your dealer for all service, repairs or maintenance.

Your dealer may also be able to refer you to classes or

books on bicycle use, and maintenance.

Owner’s Manual Supplements

Cannondale Owner’s Manual Supplements are

“supplements” to this manual providing important

additional model speciﬁc safety, maintenance, and

technical information. Cannondale Owner’s Manual

Supplements are not replacements for this or any

other manual for your bike.

You can download Adobe Acrobat PDF versions of

any Cannondale Owner’s Manual or Owner’s Manual

Supplements or Tech Notes from our website. Go to:

http://www.cannondale.com.

Other Manuals & Instructions

Many of the components on your bike were not

made by Cannondale. When available from the

manufacturer, Cannondale packages these manuals

and/or instructions with our bikes for delivery to you.

We strongly recommend that you read and follow

all the manufacturer’s speciﬁc instructions included

with your bike.

Authorized Cannondale Retailers

Your local Authorized Cannondale Retailer is your

primary contact for service and adjustment of your

bicycle, instruction in its use, and any warranty

questions.

Your new bike is to be delivered by a Authorized

Cannondale Retailer to you in a completely

assembled and properly adjusted condition,

complete with all required safety equipment,

Owner’s Manuals, any Cannondale Owner’s Manual

Supplements, and the available manufacturer’s

instructions (shipped by Cannondale) for parts and

components for your bike.

To ﬁnd the Cannondale retailer closest to you, call

1-800-THE-BIKE-USA, or use our website dealer

locator at www.cannondale.com.

Use Only Genuine Replacement Parts

It is important to your safety and the performance

of your Cannondale bicycle that you use only

genuine Cannondale replacement parts in Headshok

and Lefty forks, Cannondale swingarms and rear

suspension assemblies, derailleur hangers and other

frame hardware.

These parts are described in Owners Manual

Supplements. This note does not apply to widely

used generic bicycle components such as derailleurs.

PART I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PART II

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This section also includes weight limit information.

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

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

CONDITION 3 Cross-Country, Mararthon,

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

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

CONDITION 5 Gravity, Freeride,

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

CONTENTS

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

O-Road Riding ...................................................... 61

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SECTION G. PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST .............. 87

APPENDIX

A. Cannondale BB30

Standard Bicycle Frames ................................... 88

B. Maximum Fork Length ...................................... 89

C. Care And Maintenance Of

Carbon Fiber Seat Posts .................................... 90

D. Care And Maintenance Of

Carbon Fiber Forks And Stems .......................... 94

E. Bicycle Racks ..................................................... 98

F. Using Bicycle Trainers ....................................... 100

Trainers: Risks To Children

G. Bicycle Lights .....................................................101

H. Foreign Objects (Riding Hazard) ....................... 102

Check for related info

in all three areas:

PART 1, PART II,

and the

APPENDIX.

4 5

PART I

GENERAL WARNING

Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury and

damage. By choosing to ride a bicycle, you assume

the responsibility for that risk, so you need to know

— and to practice — the rules of safe and responsible

riding and of proper use and maintenance. Proper

use and maintenance of your bicycle reduces risk of

injury.

This Manual contains many “Warnings” and

“Cautions” concerning the consequences of failure

to maintain or inspect your bicycle and of failure to

follow safe cycling practices.

The combination of the safety alert symbol 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.

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR PARENTS

WARNING

This manual does not cover Juvenile or BMX

bicycles.

As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the

activities and safety of your minor child, and that

includes making sure that the bicycle is properly

ﬁtted to the child; that it is in good repair and safe

operating condition; that you and your child have

learned and understand the safe operation of the

bicycle; and that you and your child have learned,

understand and obey not only the applicable local

motor vehicle, bicycle and trac laws, but also

the common sense rules of safe and responsible

bicycling. As a parent, you should read this manual,

as well as review its warnings and the bicycle’s

functions and operating procedures with your child,

before letting your child ride the bicycle.

WARNING

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CHILD ALWAYS

WEARS AN APPROVED BICYCLE HELMET

WHEN RIDING; BUT ALSO MAKE SURE THAT

YOUR CHILD UNDERSTANDS THAT A BICYCLE

HELMET IS FOR BICYCLING ONLY, AND MUST BE

REMOVED WHEN NOT RIDING.

A helmet must not be worn while playing, in

play areas, on playground equipment, while

climbing trees, or at any time while not riding

a bicycle. Failure to follow this warning could

result in serious injury or death.

4 5

PART I

SECTION 1. FIRST

NOTE:

We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its

entirety before your ﬁrst ride. At the very least, read

and make sure that you understand each point in

this section, and refer to the cited sections on any

issue which you don’t completely understand. Please

note that not all bicycles have all of the features

described in this manual. Ask your dealer to point out

the features of your bicycle.

1.A - BIKE FIT

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

3.A. If your bicycle is too large or too small for

you, You may lose control and fall. If your new

bike is not the right size, ask your dealer to

exchange it before you ride it.

2. Is the saddle at the right height? To check, see

SECTION 3.B. If you adjust your saddle height,

follow the Minimum Insertion instructions in

SECTION 3.B.

3. Are saddle and seat post securely clamped? A

correctly tightened saddle will allow no saddle

movement in any direction. See SECTION 3.B.

4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height

for you? If not, see SECTION 3.C.

5. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not,

you may be able to adjust their angle and reach.

See SECTION 3.D and 3.E.

6. Do you fully understand how to operate your new

bicycle? If not, before your ﬁrst ride, have your

dealer explain any functions or features which

you do not understand.

1.B - SAFETY FIRST

1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding

your bike, and follow the helmet manufacturer’s

instructions for ﬁt, use and care.

2. Do you have all the other required and

recommended safety equipment?

See SECTION 2. It’s your responsibility to

familiarize yourself with the laws of the areas

where you ride, and to comply with all applicable

laws.

3. Do you know how to correctly operate your wheel

quick releases? Check SECTION 4.A.1 to make

sure. Riding with an improperly adjusted wheel

quick release can cause the wheel to wobble or

disengage from the bicycle, and cause serious

injury or death.

4. If your bike has toeclips and straps or clipless

(“step-in”) pedals, make sure you know how they

work (see SECTION 4.E). These pedals require

special techniques and skills. Follow the pedal

manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment

and care.

5. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed

bicycles your toe or toeclip may be able to

contact the front wheel when a pedal is all

the way forward and the wheel is turned. Read

SECTION 4.E. If you have toeclip overlap.

6. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check

SECTION 4.F. Suspension can change the way

a bicycle performs. Follow the suspension

manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment

and care.

6 7

PART I

1.C - MECHANICAL SAFETY CHECK

Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before

every ride.

Nuts, Bolts Screws & Other Fasteners

Because manufacturers use a wide variety of fastener

sizes and shapes made in a variety of materials,

often diering by model and component, the correct

tightening force or torque cannot be generalized.

To make sure that the many fasteners on your bicycle

are correctly tightened. See page 78.

Always refer to the torque speciﬁcations in the

instructions provided by the manufacturer of a

component in question.

Correctly tightening a fastener requires a calibrated

torque wrench. A professional bicycle mechanic with

a torque wrench should torque the fasteners on you

bicycle. If you choose to work on your own bicycle,

you must use a torque wrench and the correct

tightening torque speciﬁcations from the bicycle

or component manufacturer or from your dealer. If

you need to make an adjustment at home or in the

ﬁeld, we urge you to exercise care, and to have the

fasteners you worked on checked by your dealer as

soon as possible.

Note that there are some components which require

special tools and knowledge. In Sections 3 and 4, we

discuss the items which you may be able to adjust

yourself. All other adjustments and repairs should be

done by a qualiﬁed bike mechanic.

WARNING

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 o

the ground by two or three inches, then let it bounce

on the ground. Anything sound, feel or look loose?

Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike.

Any loose parts or accessories? If so, secure them.

If you’re not sure, ask someone with experience to

check.

Tires & Wheels

Make sure tires are correctly inﬂated (see SECTION

4.G.1). Check by putting one hand on the saddle, one

on the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then

bouncing your weight on the bike while looking at tire

deﬂection. Compare what you see with how it looks

when you know the tires are correctly inﬂated; and

adjust if necessary.

Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look

for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged

tires before riding the bike.

Wheels true? Spin each wheel and check for brake

clearance and side-to-side wobble. If a wheel

wobbles side-to-side even slightly, or rubs against or

hits the brake pads, take the bike to a qualiﬁed bike

shop to have the wheel trued.

CAUTION

Wheels must be true for the brakes to work

eectively. Wheel trueing is a skill which

requires special tools and experience. Do not

attempt to true a wheel unless you have the

knowledge, experience and tools needed to do

the job correctly.

6 7

PART I

Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the

rims are clean and undamaged at the tire bead and,

if you have rim brakes, along the braking surface.

Check to make sure that any rim wear indicator

marking is not visible at any point on the wheel rim.

WARNING

BICYCLE WHEEL RIMS ARE SUBJECT TO WEAR.

Ask your dealer about wheel rim wear. Some

wheel rims have a rim wear indicator which

becomes visible as the rim’s braking surface

wears. A visible rim wear indicator on the side

of the wheel rim is an indication that the wheel

rim has reached its maximum usable life. Riding

a wheel that is at the end of its usable life can

result in wheel failure, which can cause you to

loose control and fall.

Brakes

Check the brakes for proper operation (see SECTION

4.C). Squeeze the brake levers. Are the brake

quick-releases closed? All control cables seated

and securely engaged? Do the brake pads contact

the wheel rim squarely and make full contact with

the rim? Do the brake pads touch the wheel rim

within an inch of brake lever movement? Can you

apply full braking force at the levers without having

them touch the handlebar? If not, your brakes need

adjustment. Do not ride the bike until the brakes are

properly adjusted by a professional bicycle mechanic.

Wheel Retention System

Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly

secured. See SECTION 4.A

Seat post

If your seat post has an over-center cam action

fastener for easy height adjustment, check that it

is properly adjusted and in the locked position. See

Section 4.B.

Handlebar and Saddle Alignment

Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem are parallel

to the bike’s center line and clamped tight enough

so that you can’t twist them out of alignment. See

SECTION 3.B and 3.C.

Handlebar Ends

Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good

condition. If not, have your dealer replace them.

Make sure the handlebar ends and extensions are

plugged. If not, plug them before you ride. If the

handlebars have bar end extensions, make sure they

are clamped tight enough so you can’t twist them.

WARNING

LOOSE OR DAMAGED HANDLEBAR GRIPS

OR EXTENSIONS CAN CAUSE YOU TO

LOSE CONTROL AND FALL. UNPLUGGED

HANDLEBARS OR EXTENSIONS CAN CUT

YOU AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IN AN

OTHERWISE MINOR ACCIDENT.

VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:

Please also read and become thoroughly familiar

with the important information on the lifespan of

your bicycle and its components in PART II, SECTION

D. INSPECT FOR SAFETY.

8 9

PART I

1.D - FIRST RIDE

When you buckle on your helmet and go for your ﬁrst

familiarization ride on your new bicycle, be sure to

pick a controlled environment, away from cars, other

cyclists, obstacles or other hazards. Ride to become

familiar with the controls, features and performance

of your new bike.

Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the

bike (see SECTION 4.C). Test the brakes at slow

speed, putting your weight toward the rear and

gently applying the brakes, rear brake ﬁrst. Sudden

or excessive application of the front brake could pitch

you over the handlebars. Applying brakes too hard

can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to lose

control and fall. Skidding is an example of what can

happen when a wheel locks up.

If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals, practice

getting in and out of the pedals. See paragraph B.4

above and SECTION 4.E.4.

If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with

how the suspension responds to brake application

and rider weight shifts. See paragraph B.6 above and

SECTION 4.F.

Practice shifting the gears (see SECTION 4.D).

Remember to never move the shifter while pedaling

backward, nor pedal backwards immediately after

having moved the shifter. This could jam the chain

and cause serious damage to the bicycle.

Check out the handling and response of the bike; and

check the comfort.

If you have any questions, or if you feel anything

about the bike is not as it should be, consult your

dealer before you ride.

SECTION 2. SAFETY

WARNING

MANY STATES REQUIRE SPECIFIC SAFETY

DEVICES. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE LAWS OF

THE STATE WHERE YOU RIDE AND TO COMPLY

WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, INCLUDING

PROPERLY EQUIPPING YOURSELF AND YOUR

BIKE AS THE LAW REQUIRES.

Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations.

Observe regulations about bicycle lighting,

licensing of bicycles, riding on sidewalks, laws

regulating bike path and trail use, helmet laws,

child carrier laws, special bicycle trac laws.

It’s your responsibility to know and obey the

laws.

8 9

PART I

2.A  THE BASICS

1. Always wear a cycling helmet which meets the

latest certiﬁcation standards and is appropriate

for the type of riding you do. Always follow the

helmet manufacturer’s instructions for ﬁt, use

and care of your helmet. Most serious bicycle

injuries involve head injuries which might have

been avoided if the rider had worn an appropriate

helmet.

Figure 1. Bicycle Helmet

Your helmet should be:

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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

• Properly Sized for You

• Properly Fitted to You

• Properly Attached to Your Head!

• Undamaged

ASK YOUR RETAILER FOR HELP

WARNING

FAILURE TO WEAR A HELMET WHEN RIDING

MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

2. Always do the Mechanical Safety Check

(SECTION 1.C) before you get on a bike.

3. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your

bicycle: brakes (SECTION 4.C.); pedals (SECTION

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

4. Be careful to keep body parts and other objects

away from the sharp teeth of chainrings, the

moving chain, the turning pedals and cranks,

and the spinning wheels of your bicycle.

5. Always wear:

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

pedals. Never ride barefoot or in sandals.

• Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that

it can be tangled in the bicycle or snagged by

objects at the side of the road or trail.

• Protective eye wear, to protect against airborne

dirt, dust and bugs —tinted when the sun is

bright, clear when it’s not.

6. Unless you bicycle was speciﬁcally designed for

jumping, don’t jump with your bike. Jumping a

bike, particularly a BMX or mountain bike, can

be fun; but it can put huge and unpredictable

stress on the bicycle and its components.

Riders who insist on jumping their bikes risk

serious damage, to their bicycles as well as to

themselves. Before you attempt to jump, do

stunt riding or race with your bike, read and

understand SECTION 2.F.

7. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions.

Increased speed means higher risk.

10 11

PART I

2.B - RIDING SAFETY

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

laws.

2. You are sharing the road or the path with others

— motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists.

Respect their rights.

3. Ride defensively. Always assume that others do

not see you.

4. Look ahead, and be ready to avoid:

• Vehicles slowing or turning, entering the road

or your lane ahead of you, or coming up behind

you.

• Parked car doors opening.

• Pedestrians stepping out.

• Children or pets playing near the road.

• Pot holes, sewer grating, railroad tracks,

expansion joints, road or sidewalk construction,

debris and other obstructions that could cause

you to swerve into trac, catch your wheel or

otherwise cause you to lose control and have an

accident.

• The many other hazards and distractions which

can occur on a bicycle ride.

5. Ride in designated bike lanes, on designated

bike paths or as close to the edge of the road

as possible, in the direction of trac ﬂow or as

directed by local governing laws.

6. Stop at stop signs and trac lights; slow down

and look both ways at street intersections.

Remember that a bicycle always loses in a

collision with a motor vehicle, so be prepared to

yield even if you have the right of way.

7. Use approved hand signals for turning and

stopping.

8. Never ride with headphones. They mask trac

sounds and emergency vehicle sirens, distract

you from concentrating on what’s going on

around you, and their wires can tangle in the

moving parts of the bicycle, causing you to lose

control.

9. Never carry a passenger, and before installing a

child carrier or trailer, check with you dealer or the

bicycle manufacturer to make sure the bicycle

is designed for it. If the bicycle is suitable for a

child carrier or trailer, make sure that the carrier

or trailer is correctly mounted and the child

secured and wearing an approved and properly

ﬁtted helmet.

10. Never carry anything which obstructs your vision

or your complete control of the bicycle, or which

could become entangled in the moving parts of

the bicycle.

11. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another

vehicle.

12. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you intend

to do stunts, wheelies, jumps or go racing with

your bike despite our advice not to, read SECTION

2.F, Downhill, Stunt or Competition Biking, now.

Think carefully about your skills before deciding

to take the large risks that go with this kind of

riding.

13. Don’t weave through trac or make any moves

that may surprise people with whom you are

sharing the road.

14. Observe and yield the right of way.

15. Never ride your bicycle while under the inﬂuence

of alcohol or drugs.

16. If possible, avoid riding in bad weather, when

visibility is obscured, at dawn, dusk or in the

dark, or when extremely tired. Each of these

conditions increases the risk of accident.

10 11

PART I

2.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 o-road

riding require close attention and speciﬁc skills.

Start slowly on easier terrain and build up your

skills. If your bike has suspension, the increased

speed you may develop also increases your risk

of losing control and falling. Get to know how to

handle your bike safely before trying increased

speed or more dicult terrain.

2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding

you plan to do.

3. Don’t ride alone in remote areas. Even when

riding with others, make sure that someone

knows where you’re going and when you expect

to be back.

4. Always take along some kind of identiﬁcation,

so that people know who you are in case of an

accident; and take along a couple of dollars in

cash for a candy bar, a cool drink or an emergency

phone call.

5. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals.

Ride in a way that does not frighten or endanger

them, and give them enough room so that their

unexpected moves don’t endanger you.

6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong while

you’re riding o-road, help may not be close.

7. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding

or race with your bike, read and understand

SECTION 2.F.

O-Road Respect

Obey the local laws regulating where and how you

can ride o-road, and respect private property.

You may be sharing the trail with others — hikers,

equestrians, other cyclists. Respect their rights.

Stay on the designated trail. Don’t contribute to

erosion by riding in mud or with unnecessary sliding.

Don’t disturb the ecosystem by cutting your own

trail or shortcut through vegetation or streams. It is

your responsibility to minimize your impact on the

environment. Leave things as you found them; and

always take out everything you brought in.

2.D - WET WEATHER RIDING

Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your

brakes (as well as the brakes of other vehicles sharing

the road) is dramatically reduced and your tires don’t

grip nearly as well. This makes it harder to control

speed and easier to lose control.

WARNING

WET WEATHER IMPAIRS TRACTION, BRAKING

AND VISIBILITY, BOTH FOR THE BICYCLIST AND

FOR OTHER VEHICLES SHARING THE ROAD.

The risk of an accident is dramatically increased

in wet conditions.

To make sure that you can slow down and stop safely

in wet conditions, ride more slowly and apply your

brakes earlier and more gradually than you would

under normal, dry conditions. See also SECTION 4.C.

12 13

PART I

2.E - NIGHT RIDING

Riding a bicycle at night is much more dangerous

than riding during the day. A bicyclist is very dicult

for motorists and pedestrians to see. Therefore,

children should never ride at dawn, at dusk or at

night. Adults who chose to accept the greatly

increased risk of riding at dawn, at dusk or at night

need to take extra care both riding and choosing

specialized equipment which helps reduce that

risk. Consult your dealer about night riding safety

equipment.

WARNING

REFLECTORS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR

REQUIRED LIGHTS. RIDING AT DAWN, AT

DUSK, AT NIGHT OR AT OTHER TIMES OF POOR

VISIBILITY WITHOUT AN ADEQUATE BICYCLE

LIGHTING SYSTEM AND WITHOUT REFLECTORS

IS DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS

INJURY OR DEATH.

Bicycle reﬂectors are designed to pick up and reﬂect

street lights and car lights in a way that may help you

to be seen and recognized as a moving bicyclist.

CAUTION

Check reﬂectors and their mounting

brackets regularly to make sure that they are

clean,straight, unbroken and securely mounted.

Have your dealer replace damaged reﬂectors and

straighten or tighten any that are bent or loose.

The mounting brackets of front and rear reﬂectors

are often designed as brake straddle cable safety

catches which prevent the straddle cable from

catching on the tire tread if the cable jumps out of its

yoke or breaks.

WARNING

DO NOT REMOVE THE FRONT OR REAR

REFLECTORS OR REFLECTOR BRACKETS FROM

YOUR BICYCLE.

They are an integral part of the bicycle’s safety

system.

REMOVING THE REFLECTORS MAY REDUCE

YOUR VISIBILITY TO OTHERS USING THE

ROADWAY. BEING STRUCK BY OTHER

VEHICLES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR

DEATH.

The reﬂector brackets may protect you from the

brake straddle cable catching on the tire in the

event of brake cable failure. If a brake straddle

cable catches on the tire, it can cause the wheel

to stop suddenly, causing you to loose control

and fall.

If you choose to ride under conditions of poor

visibility, check and be sure you comply with all

local laws about night riding, and take the following

strongly recommended additional precautions:

• Purchase and install battery or generator

powered head and tail lights which meet all

regulatory requirements and provide adequate

visibility.

• Wear light colored, 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 the

attention of approaching motorists, pedestrians

and other trac.

• Make sure your clothing or anything you may

be carrying on the bicycle does not obstruct a

reﬂector or light.

• Make sure that your bicycle is equipped with

correctly positioned and securely mounted

reﬂectors.

12 13

PART I

WHILE RIDING AT DAWN, AT DUSK OR AT

NIGHT:

• Ride slowly.

• Avoid dark areas, areas of heavy or fast-

moving trac.

• Avoid road hazards.

• If possible, ride on familiar routes.

IF RIDING IN TRAFFIC:

• Be predictable. Ride so that drivers can see

you and predict your movements.

• Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the

unexpected.

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

dealer about trac safety classes or a good

book on bicycle trac safety.

2.F - EXTREME, STUNT OR

COMPETITION RIDING

Whether you call it Aggro, Hucking, Freeride, North

Shore, Downhill, Jumping, Stunt Riding, Racing

or something else: if you engage in this sort of

extreme, aggressive riding you will get hurt, and you

voluntarily assume a greatly increased risk of injury

or death.

Not all bicycles are designed for these types of riding,

and those that are may not be suitable for all types

of aggressive riding. Check with your dealer or the

bicycle’s manufacturer about the suitability of your

bicycle before engaging in extreme riding.

When riding fast down hill, you can reach speeds

achieved by motorcycles, and therefore face similar

hazards and risks. Have your bicycle and equipment

carefully inspected by a qualiﬁed mechanic and be

sure it is in perfect condition. Consult with expert

riders and race ocials on conditions and equipment

advisable at the site where you plan to ride. Wear

appropriate safety gear, including an approved full

face helmet, full ﬁnger gloves, and body armor.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to have proper

equipment and to be familiar with course conditions.

WARNING

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.

WARNING

Bicycles and bicycle parts have limitations

with regard to strength and integrity, and this

type of riding can exceed those limitations or

dramatically reduce the length of their safe

use.

(continued on next page...)

14 15

PART I

(continued from previous page...)

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 dicult or

dangerous riding.

• Use only designated areas for stunts, jumping,

racing or fast downhill riding

• Wear a full face helmet, safety pads and other

safety gear.

• Understand and recognize that the stresses

imposed on your bike by this kind of activity may

break or damage parts of the bicycle and void the

warranty.

• Take your bicycle to your dealer if anything

breaks or bends. Do not ride your bicycle when

any part is damaged.

If you ride downhill at speed, do stunt riding or

ride in competition, know the limits of your skill

and experience. Ultimately, avoiding injury is your

responsibility.

2.G - CHANGING COMPONENTS

OR ADDING ACCESSORIES

There are many components and accessories

available to enhance the comfort, performance and

appearance of your bicycle. However, if you change

components or add accessories, you do so at your

own risk. The bicycle’s manufacturer may not have

tested that component or accessory for compatibility,

reliability or safety on your bicycle.

Before installing any component or accessory,

including a dierent size tire, make sure that it is

compatible with your bicycle by checking with your

dealer.

Be sure to read, understand and follow the

instructions that accompany the products

you purchase for your bicycle. See also

PART II, SECTION D. INSPECT FOR SAFETY.

Be sure to read, understand and follow the

instructions that accompany the products you

purchase for your bicycle. See also PART II, SECTION

D. INSPECT FOR SAFETY.

WARNING

FAILURE TO CONFIRM COMPATIBILITY,

PROPERLY INSTALL, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN

ANY COMPONENT OR ACCESSORY CAN RESULT

IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING

Changing the components on your bike

with other than genuine replacement parts

compromise the safety of your bicycle and may

void the warranty. Check with your dealer before

changing the components on your bike.

14 15

PART I

SECTION 3. FIT

NOTE: Correct ﬁt is an essential element of bicycling

safety, performance and comfort. Making the

adjustments to your bicycle which result in correct

ﬁt for your body and riding conditions requires

experience, skill and special tools. Always have your

dealer make the adjustments on your bicycle; or, if

you have the experience, skill and tools, have your

dealer check your work before riding.

WARNING

IF YOUR BICYCLE DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY,

YOU MAY LOSE CONTROL AND FALL.

If your new bike doesn’t ﬁt, ask your dealer to

exchange it before you ride it.

3.A - STAND OVER HEIGHT

1. Diamond frame bicycles

Stand over height is the basic element of bike ﬁt (see

ﬁg. 2). It is the distance from the ground to the top of

the bicycle’s frame at that point where your crotch is

when straddling the bike. To check for correct stand

over height, straddle the bike while wearing the

kind of shoes in which you’ll be riding, and bounce

vigorously on your heels. If your crotch touches the

frame, the bike is too big for you. Don’t even ride

the bike around the block. A bike which you ride only

on paved surfaces and never take o-road should

give you a minimum stand over height clearance of

two inches (5 cm). A bike that you’ll ride on unpaved

surfaces should give you a minimum of three inches

(7.5 cm) of stand over height clearance. And a bike

that you’ll use o road should give you four inches

(10 cm) or more of clearance.

Figure 2. Stand Over Height

WARNING

IF YOU PLAN TO USE YOUR BIKE FOR JUMPING

OR STUNT RIDING, READ SECTION 2.F AGAIN.

2. Step-through frame bicycles

Standover height does not apply to bicycles with

step-through frames. Instead, the limiting dimension

is determined by saddle height range. You must be

able to adjust your saddle position as described in

3.B. SADDLE POSITION without exceeding the limits

set by the height of the top of the seat tube and the

”Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum Extension” mark

on the seat post.

16 17

PART I

3.B - SADDLE POSITION

Correct saddle adjustment is an important factor in

getting the most performance and comfort from your

bicycle. If the saddle position is not comfortable for

you, see your dealer.

The saddle can be adjusted in three directions:

1. Up and Down Adjustment

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

• Sit on the saddle;

• Place one heel on a pedal;

• Rotate the crank until the pedal with your heel

on it is in the down position and the crank arm is

parallel to the seat tube.

If your leg is not completely straight, your saddle

height needs to be adjusted. If your hips must

rock for the heel to reach the pedal, the saddle is

too high. If your leg is bent at the knee with your

heel on the pedal, the saddle is too low.

Figure 3. Saddle Position

Ask your dealer to set the saddle for your optimal

riding position and to show you how to make this

adjustment. If you choose to make your own saddle

height adjustment:

• loosen the seat post clamp

• raise or lower the seat post in the seat tube

• make sure the saddle is straight fore and aft

• re-tighten the seat post clamp to the

recommended torque (See manufacturer’s

instructions).

Once the saddle is at the correct height, make sure

that the seat post does not project from the frame

beyond its “Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum

Extension” mark (ﬁg. 4).

NOTE: Some bicycles have a sight hole in the seat

tube, the purpose of which is to make it easy to see

whether the seat post is inserted in the seat tube

far enough to be safe. If your bicycle has such a sight

hole, use it instead of the “Minimum Insertion” or

“Maximum Extension” mark to make sure the seat

post is inserted in the seat tube far enough to be

visible through the sight hole.

If your bike has an interrupted seat tube, as is the

case on some suspension bikes, you must also make

sure that the seat post is far enough into the frame

so that you can touch it through the bottom of the

interrupted seat tube with the tip of your ﬁnger

without inserting your ﬁnger beyond its ﬁrst knuckle.

Also see NOTE above and ﬁg. 5).

WARNING

If your seat post is not inserted in the seat tube

as described in B.1 above, the seat post may

break, which could cause you to lose control

and fall.

Figure 4. Minimum Insertion Mark

16 17

PART I

Figure 5. Interrupted Seat Tube

2. Front and Back Adjustment

The saddle can be adjusted forward or back to

help you get the optimal position on the bike.

Ask your dealer to set the saddle for your optimal

riding position and to show you how to make this

adjustment.

If you choose to make your own front and back

adjustment, make sure that the clamp mechanism

is clamping on the straight part of the saddle rails

and is not touching the curved part of the rails,

and that you are using the recommended torque

on the clamping fastener(s) (See manufacturer’s

instructions).

3. Saddle Angle Adjustment

Most people prefer a horizontal saddle; but some

riders like the saddle nose angled up or down just a

little. Your dealer can adjust saddle angle or teach

you how to do it.

If you choose to make your own saddle angle

adjustment and you have a single bolt saddle clamp

on your seat post, it is critical that you loosen the

clamp bolt suciently to allow any serrations on

the mechanism to disengage before changing the

saddle’s angle, and then that the serrations fully

re-engage before you tighten the clamp bolt to

the recommended torque (See manufacturer’s

instructions).

NOTE: If your bicycle is equipped with a suspension

seat post, periodically ask your dealer to check it. Ask

your dealer for recommended service intervals for

your suspension seat post.

Small changes in saddle position can have a

substantial eect on performance and comfort.

To ﬁnd your best saddle position, make only one

adjustment at a time.

WARNING

When making saddle angle adjustments with a

single bolt saddle clamp, always check to make

sure that the serrations on the mating surfaces

of the clamp are not worn. Worn serrations on

the clamp can allow the saddle to move, causing

you to lose control and fall.

Always tighten fasteners to the correct torque.

Bolts that are too tight can stretch and deform.

Bolts that are too loose can move and fatigue.

Either mistake can lead to a sudden failure of

the bolt, causing you to lose control and fall.

WARNING

After any saddle adjustment, be sure that

the saddle adjusting mechanism is properly

tightened before riding. A loose saddle clamp or

seat post binder can cause damage to the seat

post, or can cause you to lose control and fall.

A correctly tightened saddle adjusting

mechanism will allow no saddle movement in

any direction. Periodically check to make sure

that the saddle adjusting mechanism is properly

tightened.

(continued on next page...)

18 19

PART I

(continued from previous page...)

If, in spite of carefully adjusting the saddle height,

tilt and fore-and-aft position, your saddle is still

uncomfortable, you may need a dierent saddle

design. Saddles, like people, come in many dierent

shapes, sizes and resilience. Your dealer can help you

select a saddle which, when correctly adjusted for

your body and riding style, will be comfortable.

WARNING

Some people have claimed that extended riding

with a saddle which is incorrectly adjusted

or which does not support your pelvic area

correctly can cause short-term or long-term

injury to nerves and blood vessels, or even

impotence.

If your saddle causes you pain, numbness or

other discomfort, listen to your body and stop

riding until you see your dealer about saddle

adjustment or a dierent saddle.

3.C - Handlebar Height And Angle

Your bike is equipped either with a “threadless”

stem, which clamps on to the outside of the steerer

tube, or with a “quill” stem, which clamps inside the

steerer tube by way of an expanding binder bolt. If

you aren’t absolutely sure which type of stem your

bike has, ask your dealer.

If your bike has a “threadless” stem (ﬁg 6), your

dealer may be able to change handlebar height by

moving height adjustment spacers from below the

stem to above the stem, or vice versa. Otherwise,

you’ll have to get a stem of dierent length or rise.

Consult your dealer. Do not attempt to do this

yourself, as it requires special knowledge.

If your bike has a “quill” stem (ﬁg 7), you can ask

your dealer to adjust the handlebar height a bit by

adjusting stem height.

A quill stem has an etched or stamped mark on

its shaft which designates the stem’s “Minimum

Insertion” or “Maximum Extension”. This mark must

not be visible above the headset.

WARNING

A QUILL STEM’S “MINIMUM INSERTION MARK”

MUST NOT BE VISIBLE ABOVE THE TOP OF THE

HEADSET.

If the stem is extended beyond the minimum

insertion mark the stem may break or damage

the fork’s steerer tube, which could cause you to

lose control and fall.

18 19

PART I

WARNING

On some bicycles, changing the stem or stem

height can aect the tension of the front brake

cable, locking the front brake or creating excess

cable slack which can make the front brake

inoperable. If the front brake pads move in

towards the wheel rim or out away from the

wheel rim when the stem or stem height is

changed, the brakes must be correctly adjusted

before you ride the bicycle.

Some bicycles are equipped with an adjustable angle

stem. If your bicycle has an adjustable angle stem,

ask your dealer to show you how to adjust if. Do

not attempt to make the adjustment yourself, as

changing stem angle may also require adjustments

to the bicycle’s controls.

WARNING

Always tighten fasteners to the correct torque.

Bolts that are too tight can stretch and deform.

Bolts that are too loose can move and fatigue.

Either mistake can lead to a sudden failure of

the bolt, causing you to lose control and fall.

WARNING

AN INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED STEM

BINDER BOLT, HANDLEBAR BINDER BOLT OR

BAR END EXTENSION CLAMPING BOLT MAY

COMPROMISE STEERING ACTION, WHICH

COULD CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL AND

FALL.

Place the front wheel of the bicycle between

your legs and attempt to twist the handlebar/

stem assembly. If you can twist the stem in

relation to the front wheel, turn the handlebars

in relation to the stem, or turn the bar end

extensions in relation to the handlebar, the bolts

are insuciently tightened.

Your dealer can also change the angle of the

handlebar or bar end extensions.

3.D - Control Position Adjustments

The angle of the brake and shift control levers and

their position on the handlebars can be changed. Ask

your dealer to make the adjustments for you.

If you choose to make your own control lever

angle adjustment, be sure to re-tighten the

clamp fasteners to the recommended torque (See

manufacturer’s instructions).

3.E - Brake Reach

Many bikes have brake levers which can be adjusted

for reach. If you have small hands or ﬁnd it dicult

to squeeze the brake levers, your dealer can either

adjust the reach or ﬁt shorter reach brake levers.

WARNING

THE SHORTER THE BRAKE LEVER REACH, THE

MORE CRITICAL IT IS TO HAVE CORRECTLY

ADJUSTED BRAKES, SO THAT FULL BRAKING

POWER CAN BE APPLIED WITHIN AVAILABLE

BRAKE LEVER TRAVEL.

Brake lever travel insucient to apply full

braking power can result in loss of control,

which may result in serious injury or death.

20 21

PART I

SECTION 4. TECH

It’s important to your safety, performance and

enjoyment to understand how things work on your

bicycle.

We urge you to ask your dealer how to do the things

described in this section before you attempt them

yourself, and that you have your dealer check your

work before you ride the bike.

If you have even the slightest doubt as to whether you

understand something in this section of the Manual,

talk to your dealer.

See also PART I, SECTION 4. A Wheels.

72 73

PART II

2. UNDERSTANDING

COMPOSITES (CARBON FIBER)

All riders must understand a fundamental reality of

composites. Composite materials constructed of

carbon ﬁbers are strong and light, but when crashed

or overloaded, carbon ﬁbers do not bend, they break.

What Are Composites?

The term “composites” refers to the fact that a part

or parts are made up of dierent components or

materials. You’ve heard the term “carbon ﬁber bike.”

This really means “composite bike.”

Carbon ﬁber composites are typically a strong, light

ﬁber in a matrix of plastic, molded to form a shape.

Carbon composites are light relative to metals. Steel

weighs 7.8 grams/cm3 (grams per cubic centimeter),

titanium 4.5 grams/cm3, aluminum 2.75 grams/cm3.

Contrast these numbers with carbon ﬁber composite

at 1.45 grams/cm3.

The composites with the best strength-to-weight

ratios are made of carbon ﬁber in a matrix of epoxy

plastic. The epoxy matrix bonds the carbon ﬁbers

together, transfers load to other ﬁbers, and provides

a smooth outer surface. The carbon ﬁbers are the

“skeleton” that carries the load.

Why Are Composites Used?

Unlike metals, which have uniform properties in all

directions (engineers call this isotropic), carbon ﬁbers

can be placed in speciﬁc orientations to optimize the

structure for particular loads. The choice of where

to place the carbon ﬁbers gives engineers a powerful

tool to create strong, light bicycles. Engineers may

also orient ﬁbers to suit other goals such as comfort

and vibration damping.

Carbon ﬁber composites are very corrosion resistant,

much more so than most metals. Think about carbon

ﬁber or ﬁberglass boats.

Carbon ﬁber materials have a very high strength-to-

wieght ratio.

What Are The Limits Of Composites?

Well designed “composite” or carbon ﬁber bicycles

and components have long fatigue lives, usually

better than their metal equivalents.

While fatigue life is an advantage of carbon ﬁber,

Cannondale still urges you to regularly inspect your

carbon ﬁber frame, fork, or components.

Carbon ﬁber composites are not ductile. Once a

carbon structure is overloaded, it will not bend; it will

break. At and near the break, there will be rough,

sharp edges and may be delamination of carbon ﬁber

or carbon ﬁber fabric layers. There will be no bending,

buckling, or stretching.

If You Hit Something Or Have A Crash,

What Can You Expect From Your Carbon

Fiber Bike?

Let’s say you hit a curb, ditch, rock, car, fallen cyclist

or other object. First, read the Important warnings at

the beginning of PART II Section A. Bicycles Cannot

Protect You in this manual.

At any speed above a fast walk, your body will

continue to move forward, the momentum carrying

you over the front of the bike. You cannot and will

not stay on the bike and what happens to the frame

and fork is irrelevant to what happens to your body.

What should you expect from your carbon frame? It

depends on many complex factors, which is why we

tell you that crash worthiness cannot be a design

criteria. With that important note, we can tell you

that if the impact is hard enough, the fork or frame

may be completely broken. See Figure A on page 68.

Note the signiﬁcant dierence in behavior between

carbon and metal. 1. Understanding Metals in this

section. Even if the carbon frame was twice as

strong as a metal frame, once the carbon frame is

overloaded it will not bend, it will break completely.

Our carbon frames/fork/components are designed

for normal riding loads with a factor of safety. These

frames/fork/components will be broken by some

crash or impact loads.

See “Composite Frame, Fork, And Component

Inspection” on next page.

72 73

PART II

Composite Frame, Fork, and Component

Inspection

Cracks:

Inspect for cracks, broken, or splintered areas. Any

crack is serious. Do not ride any bicycle or component

that has a crack of any size.

Delamination:

Delamination is serious damage. Composites are

made from layers of fabric. Delamination means that

the layers of fabric are no longer bonded together.

Do not ride any bicycle or component that has any

delamination. These are some delamination clues:

• A cloudy or white area. This kind of area looks

dierent from the ordinary undamaged areas.

Undamaged areas will look glassy, shiny, or

“deep,” as if one was looking into a clear liquid.

Delaminated areas will look opaque and cloudy.

• Bulging or deformed shape. If delamination

occurs, the surface shape may change. The

surface may have a bump, a bulge, soft spot, or

not be smooth and fair.

• A dierence in sound when tapping the surface.

If you gently tap the surface of an undamaged

composite you will hear a consistent sound,

usually a hard, sharp sound. If you then tap

a delaminated area, you will hear a dierent

sound, usually duller, less sharp.

Unusual Noises:

Either a crack or delamination can cause creaking

noises while riding. Think about such a noise as a

serious warning signal. A well maintained bicycle

will be very quiet and free of creaks and squeaks.

Investigate and ﬁnd the source of any noise. It may

not be a crack or delamination, but whatever is

causing the noise must be ﬁxed before riding.

WARNING

DO NOT RIDE A FRAME OR FORK WITH ANY

DELAMINATION OR CRACK. IF YOU RIDE A

DELAMINATED OR CRACKED FRAME/FORK/

COMPONENT IT MAY COMPLETELY BREAK

APART WITH RISK OF ACCIDENT, SERIOUS

INJURY, PARALYSIS OR DEATH.

Damage caused by a handlebar rotating

and striking the top tube is common.

The resulting impact cracks and breaks

the top tube.

This is not a warranty.

The frame is not safe to ride.

Any impact or crash damage can produce

serious damage to the frame. This

chainstay was cracked in a crash.

This is not a warranty.

The frame is not safe to ride.

74 75

PART II

3. UNDERSTANDING

COMPONENTS

It is often necessary to remove and disassemble

components in order to properly and carefully inspect

them. Most customers will use this component list as

a checklist. The intention here is to tell you what parts,

and what area of each part, most need inspection. Insist

that your mechanic do such inspections. Our intention is

deﬁnitely not to teach bicycle mechanics.

WARNING

FAILURE TO DISASSEMBLE OR REASSEMBLE

BICYCLE COMPONENTS PROPERLY COULD RESULT

IN AN ACCIDENT, WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY,

PARALYSIS OR DEATH.

There are many special tools and techniques

required. Unless you are a very experienced and

skilled bicycle mechanic, we urge you to have this

work done by a professional bicycle retailer.

IF YOU SEE ANY CRACK, OR ANYTHING YOU

ARE UNSURE OF, PLEASE TAKE YOUR BICYCLE

TO A RETAILER. IF YOU RIDE A DELAMINATED

OR CRACKED FRAME/FORK/COMPONENT IT

MAY COMPLETELY BREAK APART WITH RISK

OF ACCIDENT, SERIOUS INJURY, PARALYSIS OR

DEATH.

IF YOU HAVE CARBON FIBER COMPONENTS,

YOU MUST READ PART II, SECTION D. 2.

UNDERSTANDING COMPOSITES.

DO NOT ride any component with a crack, even a

small one. Replace the component before riding.

Break or saw in half any component you replace so

that no one uses it again.

■ Aftermarket “Super Light”

Components

Think carefully about your rider proﬁle as outlined above.

The more you ﬁt the “shorten product life” proﬁle,

the more you must question the use of super light

components. The more you ﬁt the “lengthen product

life” proﬁle, the more likely it is that lighter components

may be suitable for you.

Discuss your needs and your proﬁle very honestly

with your retailer. Take these choices seriously and

understand that you are responsible for the changes.

A great slogan to discuss with your retailer as you

consider changing components: “Strong, Light, Cheap

– Pick two.”

■ Original Equipment Components

Cannondale tests the fatigue life of many of the

components that are original equipment on your bike.

This means that the designs many original equipment

components have met our test criteria and have

reasonable fatigue life. It does not mean that the

original equipment components will last forever. They

will not.

■ Stem

Clean and inspect carefully for cracks. Pay particular

attention to the underside of the stem. If the stem is of

welded construction, examine the edges of each weld.

See also the closely related handlebar section below.

■ Handlebars

Remove from stem. With road bars, you will need to

remove the handlebar tape. Remove any handlebar

mounted components. Clean and inspect carefully for

cracks. Pay particular attention to the area where the

handlebar emerges from the stem. This is the area where

virtually all handlebars will eventually break. Periodic

replacement of all handlebars is strongly recommended.

How often they need to be replaced depends upon the

many factors outlined above.

Be sure that you do not scratch or score the surface

of the handlebars with either the stem or the brake

or shifter levers. As noted above, any such damage

will reduce the life of the handlebar and could lead to

breakage.

If you ﬁnd that there is a sharp edge or burr on

the inside of the stem, right where the handlebars

emerge, it must be smoothed out with ﬁne

sandpaper (220 grit or ﬁner) before the new

handlebars are installed. Such a sharp edge or burr

could cause a scratching or scoring of the handlebar.

As noted above, any such damage will reduce the life

of the handlebar and could lead to breakage.

74 75

PART II

■ Seat Post

Remove from seat tube and remove from saddle.

Disassemble the head/saddle clamp assembly. Clean

and inspect all parts carefully for cracks.

Pay particular attention to the bolt (or bolts) that clamp

the saddle in place. If the bolt looks stretched, bent or

in any way damaged, replace it. Note that these bolts

have been known to be broken due to fatigue when

not properly tightened. They must be tightened with a

torque wrench.

The threads of the seat post bolts be greased before

reassembly.

Be sure the clamp assembly is clamped only to the

straight parallel part of the saddle rails.

■ Seat Post Lubrication

Clean and apply the following to a seat post before

inserting into the frame.

FRAME MATERIAL

SEAT POST

LUBRICATION

SEAT TUBE SEAT POST

ALLOY ALLOY GREASE

ALLOY CARBON CARBON GEL

CARBON ALLOY CARBON GEL

CARBON CARBON CARBON GEL

GREASE - A high-quality bicycle bearing grease

CARBON GEL - Is a gel like lubricant formulated for use

with carbon ﬁber components (Cannondale p/n KF115/).

■ Saddle

While the saddle is o the seat post, clean and

inspect the rails carefully for cracks. Check the

saddle rails to the saddle body; make sure that the

rails are ﬁrmly attached.

■ Pedals

Remove both from the crankset. Clean and inspect

carefully for cracks. Pay particular attention to the pedal

axle. See clipless pedal manufacturer’s instructions for

information on cleat wear and replacement.

■ Crankset

Remove both sides from the bottom bracket. Clean and

inspect all parts carefully for cracks. Examine both inside

and outside surfaces. Pay particular attention to edges,

shapes and changes of shape that are a part of your

particular crankset design. Also check the area around

the pedal mounting holes.

■ Wheels

Clean the wheels. Inspect the hub ﬂange, where the

heads of the spokes are hooked (or otherwise attached)

to the hub ﬂange, for cracks. Inspect the rim where the

spokes meet the rim. It is not uncommon to see cracks

form where the spokes meet the rim.

■ Brake Track of Wheel Rim

The brake track is the surface of the rim where the

brake pads make contact. While not related to fatigue,

this surface can be worn out. We urge you to inspect

the brake tracks on your rims. They can wear out quite

quickly on a mountain bike used in abrasive conditions.

Many rims have brake track wear indicators; please ask

your retailer to show you this feature.

Some brake pads are very aggressive and speed up wear.

If you see a noticeable amount of wear relative to the

nearby surface untouched by the brake pads, speak to

your retailer about possible replacement. Severely worn

brake tracks can lead to a broken wheel.

WARNING

DO NOT RIDE ON A RIM THAT HAS BEEN WORN

OUT!

If the wear indicator shows that the rim is worn out,

there is a danger that the rim could be broken due

to tire pressure and/or riding loads.

IF THE RIM BREAKS WHILE YOU ARE RIDING

YOU COULD HAVE AN ACCIDENT, WITH RISK OF

SERIOUS INJURY, PARALYSIS OR DEATH.

76 77

PART II

BICYCLE LIFESPAN

Nothing Lasts Forever, Including Your

Bike

When the useful life of your bike or its components is

over, continued use is hazardous.

Every Cannondale bicycle frame and the components

attached to the frame have a ﬁnite, limited useful

life. The length of that life will vary with the

construction and materials used in the frame and

components, the maintenance and care the frame

and components receive over their life and the type

and amount of use the frame and components are

subjected. Use in competitive events, trick riding,

ramp riding, jumping, aggressive riding, riding on

severe terrain, riding in severe climates, riding with

heavy loads, commercial activities and other types

of non-standard use can dramatically shorten the

life of the frame and components. Any one or a

combination of these conditions may result in an

unpredictable breakage.

ALL FRAMES AND COMPONENTS SHOULD BE

PERIODICALLY CHECKED BY AN AUTHORIZED

CANNONDALE RETAILER for indicators of stress

and/or potential breakage , including cracks,

deformation, delamination, creaking sounds,

corrosion, paint peeling, dents, and any other

indicators of potential problems, inappropriate use

or abuse. These are important safety checks and very

important to help prevent accidents, bodily injury

to the rider and shortened product life. (See PART I,

Section 5 Service and PART II, Section D. Inspect For

Safety)

Useful Life of Lightweight Frames

Lightweight frames and components usually have

shorter lives. For example, all aspects of use being

identical, a lightweight Super Six, System Six, CAAD7

or CAAD8 frame will have a shorter life than a heavier

CAAD3 frame.

In selecting lightweight frames and components

you are making a trade-o, favoring the higher

performance that comes with light weight over

longevity. So, If you choose lightweight, high

performance equipment, be sure to inspect it

frequently.

76 77

PART II

SECTION E. MAINTENANCE

WARNING

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ARE

IMPORTANT TO YOUR SAFETY AND THE

LONGEVITY OF YOUR BICYCLE.

Any part of a poorly maintained bike can break

or malfunction leading to an accident where

you can be killed, severely injured or paralyzed.

Please ask your Cannondale Dealer to help you

develop a complete maintenance program, a

program which includes a list of the parts on

your bike for YOU to check regularly. Frequent

checks are necessary to identify the problems

that can lead

to an accident.

YOU CAN BE SEVERELY INJURED, PARALYZED

OR KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT IF YOU IGNORE

THIS WARNING.

30 DAY SERVICE

Many retailers oer a special on the ﬁrst service of

your new bike. Whether it is free or not, please be

sure to have this ﬁrst service done. The ﬁrst service

is very important. Many parts of the bike will break

in, bed in, stretch or seat themselves through use.

This is true even with a perfectly assembled new

bike. The ﬁrst service is the chance to make all the

small adjustments that will enhance the safety,

performance and durability of your new bike.

This is as important as the ﬁrst oil change on a

new car. This ﬁrst service also gives you the perfect

opportunity to ask questions arising from reading

the manuals and actually riding your new bike, take

steps to ﬁne tune your ﬁt and comfort on the bike,

and add accessories to suit your needs.

CLEANING

Use only water and dishwashing liquid.

On suspension forks and shocks, cover adjustment

knobs and air ﬁlter (if equipped) with a clean plastic

bag secured temporarily with a rubber band or

masking tape.

Before wiping away dirt, use an ordinary water hose

to gently spray o heavy soils and dirt.

CAUTION

DO NOT POWER WASH or spray water under

high pressure to clean. Power washing will

force contaminants into parts where they will

promote corrosion, immediately damage, or

result in accelerated wear.

DO NOT USE COMPRESSED AIR TO DRY.

DO NOT USE ABRASIVE OR HARSH CHEMICAL

CLEANER/SOLVENTS which can damage the

ﬁnish or attack and destroy both the outside

and internal parts.

When rinsing, avoid directing the spray directly

at shock/fork adjusters or bearings.

PREVENTING CORROSION

After cleaning and drying it is a good idea to lightly

coat the water bottle bosses with a water displacing

lubricant such as Tri-Flow or WD40 to minimize

corrosion from sweat and salt. This is particularly

important on bicycles used in coastal salt air

environments and those drenched in sweat on an

indoor trainer.

To thoroughly clean the frame it is desirable to

remove components. This is best done in conjunction

with a periodic overhaul by an authorized Cannondale

retailer.

78 79

PART II

LUBRICATION

After cleaning your bike you should lubricate it. The

chain should be lubricated. Consult with your retailer

to choose among the many types of chain lubes best

suited to your climate and riding conditions. The

pivot points on your derailluers should be lubricated.

Apply a small drop of oil to each pivot point and wipe

o the excess.

Periodically, depending upon how, how often, and

where you ride and the design of the components

on your bike, other lubrication must be part of your

maintenance. Some of you will know how to perform

the procedures on this check list, while others will

need to take the bike to a dealer. If you are not an

experienced and skilled bicycle mechanic, take your

bike to a retailer.

Other Lubrication Checklist

• Derailleur cables

• Brake cables

• Brake pivots

• Headset bearings

• Bottom bracket bearings

• Hub bearings

• Freehub

• Seat post to seat tube, See page 74.

• Stem to steering tube

• HEADSHOK or LEFTY or supermax see

the owner’s manual supplement.

TIGHTENING TORQUES

Correct tightening torque for the fasteners (bolts,

screws, nuts) on your bicycle is very important to your

safety. Correct tightening torque for the fasteners is

also important for the durability and performance

of your bicycle. We urge you to have your Dealer

correctly torque all fasteners using a torque wrench.

If you decide to torque fasteners yourself always use

a torque wrench.

Find Tightening Torque Information

for Your Bike

The wide range of bicycle models and

components used means that a listing of

tightening torque would be out of date by the

time it was published. Many fasteners should

be installed with a thread locking adhesive such

as Loctite ®.

To determine correct tightening torque and

any adhesive application for a fastener we ask

you to check:

■ Markings on the component. Many

components are marked. On-product

marking is becoming common.

■ Torque specs in the component

manufacturers instructions shipped with

your bicycle.

■ Torque specs listed on the websites of

component manufacturers.

■ With your Dealer. Dealers have access to

current data and have experience with

correct torque for most fasteners.

78 79

PART II

BICYCLE REPAIR / WORK STANDS

The clamping jaws of a bike stand can generate a

crushing force strong enough to seriously damage

your frame. See next ﬁgure.

CAUTION

Never place your bike in a bike stand by clamping

the frame.

Place your bike in a stand by extending the seat

post and positioning the stand clamp on the

extended seat post. Don’t extend beyond the

MINIMUM INSERT line marked on the seat post.

Since your carbon seat post can also be damaged

by clamping force, adjust the stand clamp for

the minimum clamping force needed to secure

the bike.

Also, before clamping, clean the post and

protect the seat post ﬁnish with a rag.

RIDING THROUGH WATER

CAUTION

“Sealed” components (such as HEADSHOK

and LEFTY and SUPERMAX, headsets, bottom

brackets and hubs) are eective at keeping mud

and grit out of your bearings.

However, any bike that is submerged or

exposed to large amounts of water will require a

complete bearing overhaul to prevent extensive—

and expensive—damage.

Figure 22.

Protect Carbon Bikes From Extreme

Temperatures

• Protect your carbon bike from extreme

temperatures when storing or transporting it.

• Allow your bike to cool o or warm-up before

you ride

• Do not store your bike in places where the

temperature will exceed 66.5C° (150°F).

For example, do not leave your bike lying ﬂat in

a black pickup truck bed in the desert sun, or,

under the glass of a hatchback auto.

INCORRECT

CORRECT

80 81

PART II

APPLYING FRAME PROTECTION

Some areas of your bicycle require protection from

abrasion. If protection is not in place, damage can

result. Please consult with your Cannondale Dealer

about the replacement location and position of these

various frame protections.

NOTE: Damage to your bike resulting cable rub is

not covered under your warranty. Make sure the

protections indicated below are in place whenever

you ride your bike. Ask your Cannondale Dealer for

help.

Housing and Cable Guides

Normal line and cable movement against the frame

can wear away painted ﬁnishes and decals.

Figure 23.

To apply the guard material:

1. Clean the frame with a mild detergent and wipe

dry with a clean towel. Do not use solvents or

harsh chemicals to clean the frame. OPTIONAL:

Trim the adhesive guard material to the shape

required.

2. Remove the backing and position the guard

under the cable/ line.

3. Rub the guard ﬁrmly against the frame with

your ﬁngers to ﬁx it in place.

4. Periodically, recheck the guards and other areas

of the frame as you continue to ride. Replace the

guards if they wear out.

Also, adhesive frame guards are not a ﬁx for

incorrectly installed or routed cables or lines. If you

ﬁnd that applied guards are wearing out very quickly,

consult with your Cannondale Dealer about the

routing on your bike.

Figure 24.

THIS PHOTO SHOWS A TYPICAL USE OF GUARD

MATERIAL AT A CONTACT POINT.

■ Headtube area

■ Seattube

■ Pivots areas

■ Anywhere a control cable or housing

may contact the frame.

CAUTION

Over time, cable rubbing can wear into the

frame itself causing very serious frame damage.

Check over your bike after your ﬁrst few rides.

Apply the guard material where rubbing is

found. When applied correctly and renewed

when worn, the guard material is good

protection for your bike.

80 81

PART II

Right Chainstay Plate

On mountain or road bikes, the chainstay plate (1)

is located on the right chainstay (2) just behind

the chainrings (3). This plate protects the carbon

(composite) chainstay from damage in the event the

chain is dropped from the chainring.

Figure 25.

Downtube Protector

On mountain bikes, placement on the down tube

protector (1) on the downtube (2) reduces the

potential for damage caused by debris thrown by

the wheel. For some bikes, the protector is a ﬁtted

adhesive backed material. Some bike models may

have light weight plastic formed guards.

Figure 26.

Chainstay Protector

On mountain or road bikes, the chainstay protector

is a clear, adhesive ﬁlm applied to the upper surface

of the right chainstay. This protector can prevent

damage to the chainstay caused by the chain.

Figure 27.

On mountain bikes, a wrap-around or snap on

type protector (1) can be installed as additional

protection.

Figure 28.

82 83

PART II

WATER BOTTLES

Side impacts to a water bottle or cage can result

in damage threaded inserts due to the leverage

on a very small area. In a crash, certainly the last

thing you should be worried about is saving the

threaded inserts in your frame. However, when you

are storing or transporting your bike, take steps to

prevent situations where a water bottle may be hit or

bumped by a strong force that would cause damage.

Remove bottle and cage when you are packing your

bike for travel.

Periodically check the attachment of the bottle cage;

tighten the cage bolts if necessary. Don’t ride with

a loose bottle cage. Riding with loose cage bolts

can produce a rocking motion or vibration of the

attached cage. A loose cage will damage the insert

and possibly lead to the inserts to pull out. It may

be possible to repair a loose insert, or install another

insert only if the frame is undamaged. Replacement

requires the use of a special tool. If you notice

damage to the threaded insert, please ask your

Cannondale Dealer for help.

CAUTION

WATER BOTTLES - An impact, crash, or loose

bottle cage can result in damage to your frame.

This kind of damage is not covered by the

Cannondale Limited Warranty.

82 83

PART II

Cannondale stands behind all of its products.

Cannondale bicycles are warrantied against manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship. Cannondale will repair or

replace any products found to be defective within the normal scope of use with the same or most nearly comparable model

or component then available. The terms of this limited warranty are described below.

LIMITED WARRANTY

LENGTH OF WARRANTY

Every bicycle has a useful product lifespan. This limited warranty is not meant to suggest or imply that the frame or com-

ponents can never be broken or will last forever. This limited warranty covers manufacturing defects that occur within the

normal lifespan and use of the product.

Cannondale bicycles must be registered on cannondale.com or in person by an Authorized Cannondale Retailer in order to

activate the lifetime frame warranty described below.

Frames, excluding those listed below: Lifetime of the original owner.

Frames of Gravity, Freeride, Downhill, Dirt Jump and other ASTM Category Five Bicycles: Three years from original

retail purchase.

Swing Arms, Chainstays, Seatstays, and Shock Links of Full Suspension Frames: Five years from original retail purchase.

Cannondale Lefty and Headshok Suspension Forks and Unbranded Forks: The fork structure is covered under the frame

warranty. The internal components are covered as Cannondale Branded Components.

Paint and Decals: One year from original retail purchase.

Cannondale Branded Components: One year from original retail purchase.

Non-Cannondale Branded Components, including Non-Cannondale Branded Forks, Electronic Systems, Shocks, and

Other Components, are covered by the stated warranty, if any, of their manufacturer, and are not covered under this limited

warranty. Please check in your owner’s manual pack for information regarding these warranties.

WARRANTY CONDITIONS

This limited warranty applies only to the original owner of the bicycle and is not transferable to subsequent owners.

For any warranty claim to be considered, the bicycle must be brought in to an Authorized Cannondale Retailer on the same

continent on which the bicycle was purchased. The bicycle must be in an assembled, reasonably clean and sanitary condition

and accompanied by the original, dated sales receipt for the bicycle (be sure to keep your receipt in a safe place!).

This limited warranty applies only to bicycles purchased in assembled and adjusted condition from Authorized Cannondale

Retailers.

This limited warranty is void if the bicycle is subjected to abuse, neglect, improper repair, improper assembly, lack of proper

maintenance according to the owner’s manual, alteration, modication, installation of incompatible parts, corrosion, an ac-

cident or other abnormal, excessive, or improper use.

This limited warranty is void if the bicycle is used in a rental or bike sharing program.

(continued on the next page...)

SECTION F: LIMITED WARRANTY

84 85

PART II

(LIMITED WARRANTY continued.....)

Damage resulting from normal wear and tear, including the results of fatigue, is not covered. It is the owner’s responsibility

to regularly inspect and properly maintain his/her bicycle. Some items that typically exhibit damage from normal wear and

tear include:

• Bearings

• Bearing races

• Rear shock mounting

hardware and main seals

• Chainrings

• Cassettes

• Tires

• Tubes

• Saddles

• Chain

• Seals

• Brake pads

• Pawls

• Free hubs

• Wheel braking surface

• Spokes

• Handlebar and grips

• Cables and housing

• Bushings

Paint fading caused by the eects of ultraviolet light (UV) or outdoor exposure is not covered by this limited warranty.

All labor charges for warranty service, including the transfer of components and/or any installation of new components, are

the responsibility of the bicycle owner.

Due to product evolution and obsolescence (such as products that have been discontinued or are no longer kept in stock),

some frames or components may not be available for older models. In these cases, Cannondale may elect to provide a

replacement that it determines to be the most nearly comparable model, but sourcing and paying for components is the

responsibility of the bicycle owner.

All determinations under this limited warranty will be made in the sole discretion of Cannondale, including but not limited to

the decision to repair or replace a defective product, and what replacement product is the most nearly comparable product

then available.

THE REMEDIES STATED ABOVE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES UNDER THIS WARRANTY. ANY AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES AND

DAMAGES THAT MAY OTHERWISE BE APPLICABLE ARE EXCLUDED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INCIDENTAL OR CONSE-

QUENTIAL DAMAGES, DAMAGES TO OTHER PROPERTY, OR ANY PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

THIS IS THE ONLY WARRANTY MADE BY CANNONDALE ON ITS FRAMES AND COMPONENTS, AND THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES

WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION HEREIN. ANY WARRANTIES THAT MAY OTHERWISE BE IMPLIED BY LAW INCLUD-

ING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE

EXCLUDED.

PLEASE REFER TO THE DOCUMENTS INCLUDED WITH YOUR BICYCLE FOR POSSIBLE FURTHER RESTRICTIONS.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES THE CONSUMER SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. THE CONSUMER MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER LEGAL

RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE OR COUNTRY TO COUNTRY. SOME STATES AND COUNTRIES DO NOT ALLOW THE

EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS

OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IF IT IS DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION THAT A CERTAIN

PROVISION OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY, SUCH DETERMINATION SHALL NOT AFFECT ANY OTHER PROVI-

SION OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND ALL OTHER PROVISIONS SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT.

84 85

PART II

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

We encourage you to register your bike with us.

Registration helps us ensure your continued

satisfaction as well as enabling us to contact you

with important product recall safety information at

a later time.

Please obtain the bike serial number and visit our

website to complete the online questionaire :

http://www.cannondale.com

WARNING

Please register your bike with us. If you don’t,

we may not be able to contact you directly with

important safety recall information.

We respect your privacy, see http://www.

cannondale.com/privacy for details.

SERIAL NUMBER

The serial number for your bike is located :

• On the bike’s bottom bracket. It is a 7-character

barcoded label like the one shown below.

• The serial number should also appear on your

original sales receipt.

Please note that you must have your original proof of

purchase (sales receipt) when presenting a warranty

claim. Be sure to keep it in a safe place.

The serial number also appears on a “Warranty

Card.” The card, attached during assembly, also

contains other information used when your bike was

manufactured. We encourage you to keep this card

as a reference .

The other number stamped into the bottom bracket

in the same area are NOT unique to your bicycle

although, they could be helpful to authorities in theft

recovery. These numbers are used in our factory.

N230200

2FS2S

945255P006546

7-CHARACTER

BARCODE

WRITE YOUR BIKE’S SERIAL NUMBER HERE:

Under bottom bracket

86 87

PART II

This page has been left blank intentionally.

86 87

PART II

SECTION G.

PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST

WARNING

FOLLOW THIS CHECKLIST BEFORE EVERY RIDE.

IF YOU HAVE ANY REASON TO SUSPECT THAT

YOUR BICYCLE IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY,

DO NOT RIDE IT.

Have it inspected by an Authorized Cannondale

Retailer. To locate your nearest Authorized

Cannondale Retailer call 1-800-BIKE-USA. Failure

to follow this checklist and to have any potential

problem inspected could lead to an accident, with

risk of serious injury, paralysis or death.

Are you wearing a helmet and other appropriate

equipment and clothing, such as protective glasses

and gloves? Do not wear loose clothing that could

become entangled in the bicycle (See PART I, Section

2.A The Basics).

Are your seatpost and stem securely fastened?

Twist the handlebars ﬁrmly from side to side while

holding the front wheel between your knees. The

stem must not move in the steering tube. Similarly,

the seatpost must be secure in the seat tube (See

PART I, Section 3. Fit).

Are you visible to motorists? If you are riding at

dusk, dawn or at night, you must make yourself

visible to motorists. Use front and rear lights and

a strobe or blinker. Reﬂectors alone do not provide

adequate visibility. Wear reﬂective clothing (See

PART I, Section 2.E Night Riding and PART II, A.

Important Safety Information).

Is it raining or wet? If so, be more cautious. Your

braking distances will increase, and your tires’ grip

on the road will decrease. Remember that motorists’

visibility decreases with bad weather (See PART

I, Section 2.D Wet Weather Riding and PART II, A.

Important Safety Information)

Are your tires properly inﬂated? Tires must inﬂated

to the recommended pressure.

(See PART I, Section 4.G Tires and Tubes).

Are your wheels true? Lift each end of the bike and

spin each wheel. Does the space between the rim

and the brake pads, or the tire and the frame, remain

nearly the same size as the wheel turns? Are your

spokes tight? (See PART I, Section 1.C Mechanical

Safety Check).

Are your wheels’ quick-releases properly fastened?

Be sure to read the section on proper operation

of quick-release skewers (See PART I, Section 4.A

Wheels).

Are your front and rear brakes functioning

properly? With V-brakes, the quick release “noodle”

must be properly installed. With cantilever brakes,

the quick release straddle cable must be properly

attached. With caliper brakes the quick release lever

must be closed. With any rim brake, the brake pads

must make ﬁrm contact with the rim without the

brake levers hitting the handlebar grip (See PART I,

Section 4.C Brakes).

With hydraulic disc brakes, check that the lever feels

ﬁrm, does not move too close to the handlebar grip,

and there is no evidence of leaking brake ﬂuid. With

cable actuated disc brakes, check that the lever feels

ﬁrm and does not move too close to the handlebar

grip. With any disc brakes, the brake pads must

make ﬁrm contact with the rotor without the brake

levers hitting the handlebar grip (See PART I, Section

4.C Brakes).

How do your clipless pedals work today? Clip in and

out of your pedals before you begin. Experienced

cyclists do. The connection between cleat and pedal

is aected by dozens of factors including dirt, mud,

lubrication, spring tension and wear. By clipping in

and out you will check the function and have a fresh

memory of how they feel (See PART I, Section 4.E

Pedals).

How recently were your frame, fork and

components inspected? Never ride a frame, fork or

components with any crack or damage. (See PART II,

- Section D. Inspect For Safety)

88 89

PART II

CANNONDALE BB30 STANDARD BICYCLE FRAMES

Certain Cannondale bicycle frames are manufactured using the BB30 standard. See http://www.

BB30standard.com/. It may be possible to convert a BB30 frame for use with standard English/68mm or

73mm bottom bracket cranksets using the appropriate Cannondale frame adapter. Other adapters, ones not

speciﬁcally approved for use by Cannondale, may void your warranty.

Figure 31. BB30 Bottom Bracket Shell

CAUTION

All Adapters must be installed by a professional bike mechanic. No adapter should be used as a frame

repair part. Adapters should only be used in undamaged frames in good condition. Improper installation

or removal can result in damage and void applicable frame warranty.

The adapter is removable, however, repeated removal and reinstallation could result in damage to the SI BB

shell and is not recommended. Damage caused by improper removal is not covered under your warranty.

APPENDIX A.

88 89

PART II

MAXIMUM FORK LENGTH (Mountain Bikes)

Maximum Fork Length is an important frame safety testing speciﬁcation for front suspension mountain bikes.

You must observe the measurement when installing headset parts, headset adapters, installing and adjusting

a fork, and selecting replacement forks.

TO CENTER OF

THE FORK AXLE

FROM

BOTTOM OF FRAME

HEAD TUBE

Headset

MAXIMUM

FORK

LENGTH

WARNING

YOU MUST SELECT A REPLACEMENT FORK NOT ONLY BASED ON HEAD TUBE DIAMETER BUT THE

CRITICAL FACTOR OF FRAME MAXIMUM FORK LENGTH

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM FORK LENGTH. Exceeding the MAXIMUM FORK LENGTH limit can overload

the frame causing it to break while riding.

Your retailer MUST follow observe this speciﬁcation for your bike. For Maximum Fork Length speciﬁcations

for Cannondale bicycles, see http://www.cannondale.com/

YOU CAN BE SEVERELY INJURED, PARALYZED OR KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT

IF YOU IGNORE THIS WARNING.

APPENDIX B.

90 91

PART II

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF

CARBON FIBER SEAT POSTS

Inserting the Seat Post

Check the seat tube (1) opening , and slot (2)

carefully for sharp edges or burrs. Anything that can

scratch, score, gouge, or cut the seat post can cause

serious damage leading to breakage of the seat

post.

Sharp edges or burrs can be removed by hand by

lightly sanding with a very ﬁne sandpaper (400 grit).

The should feel very smooth without jagged edges

or nicks.

(1)

(2)

Figure 32.

1. Make sure the seat post, seat binder, and seat

tube are clean.

2. Apply small amount of a carbon seat post gel

(Cannondale part number KF115/ to seat post

surface. The gel adds desirable friction and

minimizes corossion. It will help keep your seat

post in place.

3 Position the seat binder on the seat tube with

the binder slot (A) opposite the seat tube

slot (b). Locating the binder slot opposite

the seat tube slot reduces the chances of

cracking from deformation or accidental

overtightening.

4. Insert the seat post and tighten the seat binder

to the speciﬁed torque with an accurate torque

wrench. Consult the seat post manufacturer’s

instructions for torque information.

5. Check tightening torques of the saddle to

seat post clamp bolts. Too much torque may

break the bolts. Too little torque will result

in movement which leads to fatigue and bolt

breakage.

Figure 33.

APPENDIX C.

90 91

PART II

Periodic Seat Post Inspection

Frequent seat post checks are necessary to identify

the problems that can lead to an accident. Regularly

or in conjunction with your regular bike maintenance

routine, do the following:

1. Remove the seat binder from the frame seat

post. Clean the binder, the seat post, and inside

the seat tube. Use a clean dry towel. Do not use

solvents.

2 Carefully inspect the seat post for damage (e.g.,

cracks, scratches, scrapes, gouges, splintering).

If the seat post is damaged in any way, (cracks,

scratches, scrapes, gouges, splintering), do not

ride it; discard it. Replace it with a new one.

3. Always properly torque saddle to seat post clamp

bolts. Too much torque may break the bolts.

Too little torque will result in movement which

leads to fatigue and bolt breakage.

WARNING

To avoid seat post or frame damage:

1. FOLLOW THE SEAT POST MANUFACTURER’S

INSTRUCTIONS If you do not have the

manufacturer’s instructions for your seat post,

obtain and read them before using the seat post.

2. INSPECT AFTER ANY CRASH, FALL, OR

IMPACT - Remove and inspect the seat post for

damage (eg., cracks, scratches, scrapes, gouges,

splintering). If you ﬁnd damage, replace it with

a new one. STOP RIDING A DAMAGED SEAT

POST IMMEDIATELY GO TO PART II, Section

D. Inspect For Safety. Read “Understanding

Composites” for information on carbon ﬁber

3. NEVER FORCE A SEAT POST INTO THE SEAT

TUBE. The seat post should always be a slide

ﬁt. If the seat post is dicult to install, there is

a serious problem. Do not shorten or cut a seat

post. Ask your Cannondale dealer for help in

properly ﬁtting and adjusting your seat post.

4. KEEP THE SEAT POST’S “MINIMUM INSERT”

BELOW THE TOP OF THE SEAT TUBE.

5. USE A TORQUE WRENCH TO TIGHTEN SEAT

POST BINDER AND ALL SADDLE MOUNTING

FASTENERS.

6. NEVER USE LIGHT OR SPRAY OILS TO

LUBRICATE A SEAT POST OR INSIDE THE SEAT

TUBE. Never use solvents, or chemical spray

cleaners to clean the inside of the seat tube.

Wipe out the seat tube with a clean dry towel

only. Light oils (WD40 and oils typically used in

honing) and solvents, and including chemical

cleaners can attack and weaken composite bonds

holding the frame together leading to breakage.

Follow the seat post and frame manufacturer

instructions. See also page 74.

YOU CAN BE SEVERELY INJURED, PARALYZED

OR KILLED IF YOUR IGNORE THESE WARNINGS.

92 93

PART II

Seat Post Insert Limit

“MINIMUM INSERT”

(of seat post)

SEAT POST INSERT LIMIT

(for frame)

SEAT POST

(Saddle not shown)

Saddle height

adjustment range

SEAT TUBE

What is it?

Some frames have designs that limit how far into the

frame the seat post can be inserted.

Such a seat post insert limitation is a physical limit

and will aect seat posts made of any material.

Such a seat post insert limit will be marked on

the frame, via a frame decal and/or in the owner’s

manual supplement as “seat post insert limit” in the

Geometry/Speciﬁcations section.

How does it aect my bike?

The seat post must not be forced beyond the limit

depth. Attempting to insert the seat post beyond

the limit can damage the seat post and/or frame.

To ﬁt some riders who require a lower seat it may be

necessary to cut the seat post. This must be done by

a professional mechanic who will: Carefully measure,

Cut with the proper tools, Smoothly ﬁnish the new

lower edge of the shortened seat post, Re-mark the

CPSC required minimum insertion line on the seat

post, Install with the proper lubricant or carbon gel.

WARNING

DON’T CUT A SEAT POST YOURSELF.

If the seat post requires cutting, have it done by

a professional bike mechanic with experience

cutting high performance carbon or alloy

compoments..

This will help ensure that:

1. The seat post is cut properly.

2. The seat post adjustment range in the frame

is correct and the saddle height ﬁts you

3. The seat post is correctly re-marked with its

“MINIMUM INSERT.”

YOU CAN BE SEVERELY INJURED, PARALYZED

OR KILLED IF YOUR IGNORE THIS WARNING.

1. The seat post is cut properly.

2. The seat post adjustment range in the frame is

correct and the saddle height ﬁts you

3. The seat post is correctly re-marked with its

“MINIMUM INSERT.”

92 93

PART II

Minimum Seat Post Insert Depth

SEAT POST

(Saddle not shown)

SEAT TUBE

MINIMUM

SEAT POST

INSERT DEPTH

(for frame)

TOP TUBE

What is it?

Some frames have designs that require no less than

a speciﬁed length of the seat post to be inserted

inside the frame. This requirement is more common

on high performance carbon ﬁber mountain bikes,

but can exist for other designs. The frame and

the seat post work together, support each other.

Inadequate overlap of these parts can lead to failure

in high load situations.

Such a minimum seat post insert limit will be marked

on the frame, via a frame decal and/or in the owner’s

manual supplement as “minimum seat post insert”

in the Geometry/Speciﬁcations section.

How Does It Aect My Bike?

You must always have at least the required minimum

length of seat post inserted inside the frame.

WARNING

IF YOUR FRAME HAS A MINIMUM SEAT

POST INSERT DEPTH, MAKE SURE THE

SPECIFIED LENGTH SEAT POST IS INSTALLED

INSIDE THE SEAT TUBE AT ALL TIMES. ASK

YOUR CANNONDALE DEALER ABOUT THIS

SPECIFICATION.

Failure to insert the seat post correctly can

improperly stress the frame and/or the seat post

causing the frame to break while riding.

YOU MUST ALSO BE AWARE THAT bicycle

seat posts are permanently marked by the

manufacturer with a “MINIMUM INSERT” line

on the seat post itself. You must not rely on this

marking as an indication of the proper MINIMUM

SEAT POST INSERTION DEPTH.

YOU CAN BE SEVERELY INJURED, PARALYZED

OR KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT IF YOU IGNORE

THIS WARNING.

94 95

PART II

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARBON FIBER FORKS & STEM

WARNING

ALWAYS SEEK PROFESSIONAL SERVICE - Incorrectly installing, adjusting, servicing, or assembling the wrong

parts (handlebar stem, compression assembly, brake bolt, spacers and spacer positions) on your bicycle fork can

cause serious damage to it. Any failure in the fork, headset, handlebar stem, or compression assembly while

riding can cause you to have a serious accident. All adjustments, maintenance, and any changes must be made by

your Cannondale Dealer.

STOP RIDING A DAMAGED FORK & STEM IMMEDIATELY Your fork can be seriously damaged in any crash or

impact. Damage can be concealed and requires very carefully inspection by a professional bike mechanic. A

damaged fork and/or handlebar stem can fail without warning. Go to PART II, Section D. Inspect For Safety. Read

“Understanding Composites” for information on carbon ﬁber

REPLACE THE FORK WITH A NEW ONE IF THE DROPOUT TABS ARE MISSING OR DAMAGED. The dropout tabs

located at the bottom of the fork dropout act as a secondary wheel retention device and can reduce the risk of the

wheel disengaging from the fork if the quick release is not correctly adjusted and closed. It is possible for the tabs

to become worn out or damaged through repeated wheel installation and removal, car rack use, etc. Do not ﬁle,

disable or remove the secondary retention devices. If they are damaged or severely worn, replace the fork.

DO NOT MODIFY THE FORK IN ANY WAY. Do not drill holes or install mechanical clamps.

BRAKE NUT ENGAGEMENT The brake mount is the attachment point of the front brake. A correctly size brake

bolt (recessed allen nut) must be used to ensure adequate thread enagement ( a minimum of 5mm) with the

brake caliper mounting post. Ask your cannondale dealer to help you. obtain the correct brake nut.

DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM STACK HEIGHT (55mm) OR LOCATE SPACERS ON TOP OF THE STEM.

MAXIMUM STACK HEIGHT is a distance spacers may be stacked between the top of the head tube and the

bottom of the stem. Exceeding this distance with spacers or locating spacers on top of the handlebar stem can

place signiﬁcant stress on the steerer tube. It could break.

All Cannondale carbon road forks with a carbon steerer tube must use the SI Compression Assembly - KP017/.

No star nuts, no other compression devices may be used, no exceptions. The SI compression assembly must be

assembled and installed inside the steerer tube according to the instructions. See page 95.

OLDER FORKS & STAR NUTS - Cannondale carbon forks (2001-2008) utilized the various star nut and top caps

systems. Systems in these forks should not be changed. Do not use the Si Compression Assembly in a fork

with a star nut.

Always tighten fasteners of the headset/stem system and brake with a torque wrench. Observe the

manufacturer’s torque limits and loctite (thread locking compound) recommendations for each component of the

fork, stem, brake and handlebar system. Ask your cannondale dealer to help you. Over-tightening may cause

damage and lead to fork or component failure.

For technical information and speciﬁcations, see http://www.cannondale.com

YOU CAN BE SEVERELY INJURED, PARALYZED OR KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT IF YOU IGNORE THESE

WARNINGS.

(continued on next page...)

APPENDIX D.

94 95

PART II

CROWN RACE

(A Headset part)

LEG

DROPOUT

BRAKE

MOUNT

STEERER TUBE

BRAKE BOLT

TAB

HEAD TUBE

HANDLEBAR STEM

HEADSET

TOP

CAP

SPACERS

MAXIMUM

STACK

HEIGHT

55mm

COMPRESSION

ASSEMBLY

PARTS OF A TYPICAL CARBON ROAD FORK

DROPOUT

TAB

PARTS OF A TYPICAL ROAD STEM

STEERER TUBE

CROWN

Figure 34

NOTE: Carbon ﬁber bicycle forks and stems

come in many dierent shapes. The basic

parts common to most carbon forks and

handlebar stem systems are shown here.

Your fork appearance and shape may vary from

what is shown.

If you have any questions about your fork, ask

your Cannondale Dealer.

NOTE: DROPOUTS, STEERER, and

HANDLEBAR STEM can be made from carbon

ﬁber, metals or both in a “carbon ﬁber” fork.

96 97

PART II

(continued from previous page)

OEM vs. Aftermarket Fork Parts Compatibility

Your bicycle was shipped by Cannondale with a

compatible component speciﬁcation. The fork, the

handlebar stem, the headset parts (i.e. spacers,

bearings, crown race), and the compression

assembly are parts of the system. Other handlebar

stems, headset parts, and compression assemblies

available to you from sources other than Cannondale

may not be compatible.

The Cannondale SI Compression Assembly - KP017/

Only the SI Compression Assembly KP017/

may be used in Cannondale carbon forks with a

carbon steerer tube. You may not use any other

compression assemblies: star nuts, expanding

wedge, or stems with an integrated compression

device or anything else. Incompatible parts can

cause serious damage (cracking, splitting, scoring, or

deformation) of the steerer tube.

A double ﬂanged star nut may only be used in a

carbon fork with an alloy (metal) steerer tube.

Aftermarket Handlebar Stems

Many handlebar stem designs from many dierent

manufacturers are available. It is impossible

to provide a listing of compatibility based on

availability. Don’t think availability means

compatibility. Here are some factors aecting

compatibility:

1. A compatible handlebar stem must be

compatible for use with the Cannondale SI

Compression Assembly KP017/.

2. The stem must be designed for use with carbon

forks having an 1 1/8 steerer tubes, without

adaptation or alteration of the stem or the

steerer tube. The surfaces must mate correctly.

3. The inside diameter of the stem clamping

surface must be smooth, free of burrs. It

must ﬁt the outside diameter of the steerer

tube snugly with the clamp bolts completely

loosened. The stem surfaces in contact with the

steerer must be smooth, without interruptions

(large openings or holes). When clamped to the

recommended tightening torque, the stem must

not pinch or cause other impressions or cuts in

the steerer tube. Smooth and remove any burrs

with ﬁne sand paper (220 is ideal).

4. Wedge clamping stems must not be used.

What You Have To Know When Installing Or

Adjusting Any Handlebar Stem

The steerer tube length for any Cannondale carbon

ﬁber fork with a carbon steerer is limited to the

MAXIMUM STACK HEIGHT of 55mm. This aects

the height adjustment of the stem. No spacers may

be used on top of a stem. The stack measurement

method is shown on the following page. If the

steerer tube is cut to accommodate a lesser spacer

stack height, please observe the following:

1. Cutting must be done by a professional bike

mechanic experience d with carbon components.

2. To produce a straight cut, use a fork cutting jig

(e.g., Park Tool SG-6). See http://www.parktool.

com/tools/SG_6.shtml.

3. Do not clamp steerer tube directly in vice jaws

and/or cut the steerer free hand. Vice jaws

can crack or damage the surface of the steerer.

Locate the jig on the cut o end of the steerer

tube to avoid placing a clamping force on the

steerer tube which could produces cracks.

Alternatively, you can clamp the steerer in

grooved wooden blocks positioned in vice. Do

not over-tighten the vice.

4. Additionally, when cutting a carbon steerer

tube, use composites hacksaw blade (tungsten

carbide gritted) or a very ﬁne toothed (36

toothed) new blade. To minimize fraying of the

carbon ﬁbers, wrap the area of cut with masking

tape. Make only one clean complete cut. Do not

scratch, score, or mark the steerer tube surface

other than the complete cut. Scratching, scoring

or making other marks on the tube surfaces

other than the complete cut, or cutting the

steerer tube to an incorrect length for a speciﬁc

stem/headset can compromise the strength of

the steerer tube. After the steerer tube is cut,

round the cut edges smooth and remove any

burrs with ﬁne sand paper (220 is ideal).

WARNING

We urge you to consult closely with your local

Cannondale Dealer. This will help to make sure

that any aftermarket choices you make are

compatible with your bike’s OEM parts and will

not cause serious damage to your bike.

96 97

PART II

STEERER TUBE

HEADTUBE

STEM

2 - 3 mm

HEADSET TOP CAP

HEADSET SPACERS

48 mm

Do not grease.

MAXIMUM STACK HEIGHT

Measure from the top edge of the

headtube to the bottom edge

of the stem.

55mm

EXPANDER BOLT

TOP CAP

EXPANDER

EXPLODED VIEW

Top cap at

upper stem bolt

Expander at

lower stem bolt

INSTALLED CORRECTLY

KP017/

6Nm, 53InLbs

REV. 1

4Nm, 35InLbs

REV. 2

SI Compression Assembly KP017/ Instructions

The following procedure should only be completed by a professional bike mechanic.

1. Assemble the fork, headset, spacers, and stem without tightening the stem bolts onto the head tube.

When the system is assembled, the carbon steerer tube should be 2-3 mm below the top stem. All spacers

must be located below the stem and within the maximum stack height as shown. No spacers may be

used above the stem.

2. Set-up the compression assembly before inserting it. Adjust the length so that the expander is located at

lower stem bolt. The top cap and the expander end provides critical support to the carbon steerer when

tightening the stem bolts. Adjust the length by threading the top cap on the expander parts.

3. When the assembly is the correct length, insert it into the steerer tube. It is designed to ﬁt snugly inside

the steerer. Insert an Allen key through the access hole in the TOP CAP and into the EXPANDER BOLT.

Tighten the to the speciﬁed torque.

4. Now, to set bearing preload, insert a 6mm allen key into the hex shape in the TOP CAP itself. Turn the

entire top cap clockwise to increase preload. Turning it counter-clockwise will decrease the preload. When

the headset preload feels correct, turn the stem to align the handlebar and tighten the stem fork clamp

bolts to the torque speciﬁed for the stem. Consult the stem manufacturer’s instructions. The torque

values for components are often marked on the part.

98 99

PART II

BICYCLE RACKS

Bicycle automobile racks are available from many dierent manufacturers and many dierent rack designs

exist. They are convenient devices to transport your bike. However, any bicycle rack has the potential to

seriously damage your bicycle. Damage can occur immediately due to some aspect of an incompatible or poor

rack design. Damage can occur after repeated mounting, and dis-mounting. Damage can also happen while

the the bike is being transported in the rack. We can’t cover all the possible ways in which a rack can cause

damage to your bike.

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW THE RACK MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE MOUNTING TO YOUR BIKE.

Both carbon and aluminum frames and forks can be damaged (crushed, cracked, or dented) by the clamps

and support systems of a bike rack. Both carbon and aluminum can suer serious abrasion damage by the

movement of the bike in the rack during transport. yAll damage to your bike is very serious, that is why

you must take extra care when choosing a bike rack and when actually mounting your bike in the rack.

WHEN MOUNTING YOUR BIKE ON A RACK:

■ Remove all bags, panniers, water bottles etc. To minimize wind resistance, loading, and avoid chaﬁng

damage.

Ask your Cannondale Dealer for help choosing and using a bike rack.

See the table on the following page for more rack information.

CAUTION

WHEN USING A RACK WITH FORK DROPOUT CLAMPS:

■ Make sure that both fork dropouts are engaged in the rack before clamping.

■ Make sure both dropouts are clamped with equal force. If only one dropout is engaged and the bike

tips over, the leverage can exert great force that may damage the dropout.

■ If your bike tips over, have the dropouts examined by a retailer.

APPENDIX E.

98 99

PART II

TYPE OF RACK DESIGN RECOMMENDATION & CAUTIONS

CLAMPS ON TIRES / WHEELS ONLY

This type does not use clamps on any

other part of the frame or fork.

Suitable for both carbon and aluminum frames

This is the best system design because there is no potential

cracking or crushing damage to the frame or fork. Chaﬁng wear

is avoided.

FLOATING FORK MOUNT & REAR

WHEEL TRAY

This design functions exactly as a

quick release on your bike. The rear

wheel is clamped in a tray. No other

clamps are used on any other part of

the frame.

Suitable for both carbon and aluminum frames

Be sure quick release on rack is properly adjusted and tightly

closed.

The Thule Echelon with ETC Equalized Twin Cam is suitable as it

has an axle ﬂoating mechanism, like a standard quick release.

WHEEL CLAMPS & UPRIGHT ARM

CLAMP

In this design, wheels are clamped in

a wheel tray and the bicycle is held

upright by and arm clamping the

downtube.

Do not use on bikes with carbon ﬁber downtubes.

When clamp is tightened the carbon downtube can be broken.

When clamp is looser, chaﬁng can cause structural wear.

A loose clamp can allow movement and possible chaﬁng

damage. Clean the clamping area to eliminate abrasive particles,

pad the clamping area and properly tighten the clamp.

NON-FLOATING FORK MOUNT

& REAR WHEEL TRAY

With this type, a mechanism pulls the

two sides of the fork in at the same

time, and pulls both sides in the same

distance.

example: Thule Peloton.

Not recommended for either carbon or aluminum bikes.

If one dropout is slightly thicker than the other dropout, all

the clamping force is applied to the thicker dropout. The high

force on the one thicker dropout may crack a carbon dropout.

The thinner dropout may move in the rack causing wear and

abrasion, The fork blade attached to the thicker dropout takes

most of the loads caused by 70 mile per hour wind and bumps.

The result may be damage to your fork.

HANGER RACK

On this type the bicycle hangs on

two arms projecting aft from a trunk

mounted rack

Not recommended for either carbon or aluminum bikes.

Do not use on bikes with carbon ﬁber tubes.

The point loading where the arms contact the underside of the

tubes may crack the tubes. Additionally the lower part of the

bike is dicult to secure, and it may move, causing chaﬁng

and structural wear. Additionally when two bikes are mounted

on these racks the contact points between the bikes may be

cracked or chafed, causing structural damage.

100 101

PART II

USING BICYCLE TRAINERS

Potential Damage

CAUTION

Improperly mounting a bike in a trainer, or using

one that is not compatible with your particular

bike frame can cause serious damage.

This kind of damage is not covered by the

Cannondale Limited Warranty.

Ask you dealer for help with trainers, the right

one and the correct way to use it.

If you ride a trainer that requires removal of the front

wheel and clamps the fork dropouts: Be sure your

fork quick release is tight! Relative movement will

wear parts, weaken and damage your bike.

If you ride a trainer that holds the bike up by

clamping the rear quick release between two cones:

Take o the nice, lightweight quick release that came

with your bike. Substitute a heavy, classic all steel

quick release and clamp it tight! Relative movement

will wear parts, weaken and damage your bike. Note

that many modern quick releases will not ﬁt the

clamping cones in this kind of trainer because their

shapes are incompatible.

Be particularly cautious with a carbon frame or fork.

Carbon is relatively soft, not abrasion resistant. If

there is any relative movement, carbon will wear

quickly.

If you ride a trainer a lot, consider using an old bike:

Corrosion from sweat will take it’s toll. Weight is

irrelevant. Save wear on your expensive components.

Trainers: Risk To Children

WARNING

KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM BICYCLES

MOUNTED ON STATIONARY TRAINERS, EVEN

WHEN THE BICYCLE IS NOT IN USE.

Spinning wheels attract children’s attention and

present a serious risk to young ﬁngers.

Children have also been known to rotate

cranks by hand on bicycles left unattended on

stationary trainers, putting themselves at risk

of serious injury.

APPENDIX F.

100 101

PART II

APPENDIX G.

BIKE LIGHTS

WARNING

SOME URBAN, CITY, COMMUTER BICYCLE MODELS HAVE BUILT IN, INTEGRATED

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS OR “BE SEEN” LIGHTS.

INTENDED USE: These lights are intended to be daytime running lights. They are

intended to draw attention to you while riding and increase the chance of other cyclists,

pedestrians and motorists seeing you. They are “be seen” lights, not lights designed to

illuminate the road or hazards in the road.

NOT INTENDED: Because these lights are not as bright or intense, they are NOT a

replacement for higher intensity lights intended to illuminate the road or hazards in the

road.

WHILE RIDING: Stop before changing the operating mode.

HIGHER RISKS RIDING AT NIGHT: The risk of an accident, particularly being struck by

a motor vehicle, is much higher at night. If you choose to accept this risk, improve your

odds: Always use a proper lighting system made up of a headlight and tail light, and a

strobe light. Wear light colored reective clothing. Ride cautiously. Seek the advice of an

experienced bicycle commuter at your retailer. See Warnings in Part II, Section A, Riding at

Night, Dusk, Dawn.

ANY LIGHTING SYSTEM CAN FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.

Ride cautiously at night. Many experienced cyclists use two lighting systems, one helmet

mounted, one mounted on the bicycle.

DO NOT REMOVE THE REFLECTOR SYSTEM FROM YOUR BIKE.

YOU CAN BE SEVERELY INJURED, PARALYZED OR KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT IF YOU

IGNORE THESE WARNINGS.

102 PB

PART II

APPENDIX H.

FOREIGN OBJECTS ARE VERY HAZARDOUS

WARNING

DO NOT RIDE OVER STICKS OR DEBRIS FOREIGN OBJECTS.

We are aware of rare but very serious accidents where a foreign object was kicked up,

entered the spokes of the front wheel, was swept around and either broke the fork or

stopped the wheel. The forensic evidence was clear, even if the object itself could not later

be located.

See Part II, Section D for some information on how frame and fork materials can be broken.

AVOID RIDING OVER STICKS, DEBRIS:

The riders were taken by surprise and crashed hard. As many riders know, the road side

can be littered with a great variety of debris. Common items are sticks, branches, auto

parts and trash.

BE AWARE OF THE PATH AHEAD, TO AVOID:

Scan ahead and if you see debris ride around it. Before moving from your predictable path

of travel, look over your shoulder to be sure you can do so safely. If you are riding with a

group and at the front, point out debris.

RIDING OVER OR INTO DEBRIS COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT, WITH RISK OF

SERIOUS INJURY, PARALYSIS OR DEATH.

This manual meets: 16 CFR 1512 and

EN Standards 14764, 14766, and 14781.

Vélo certié conforme aux exigences

du décret N 95-937 du 24 août 1995

norme NFR030

Contacting Cannondale

CANNONDALE USA

Cycling Sports Group, Inc.

1 Cannondale Way,

Wilton CT, 06897, USA

1-800-726-BIKE (2453)

www.cannondale.com

CANNONDALE EUROPE

Cycling Sports Group Europe, B.V.

Hanzepoort 27, 7570 GC, Oldenzaal, Netherlands

+41 61 4879380

servicedeskeurope@cyclingsportsgroup.com

CANNONDALE UK

Cycling Sports Group

Vantage Way, The Fulcrum,

Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NU

+44 (0)1202732288

[email protected]

FRANCAISE - Si vous parlez Francais, veuillez contacter Cannondale

Europe a l’adresse indiquee ci joint pour recevoir une copie du manuel en

Francais. Vous pouvez egalement visiter le website www.cannondale.com

http://www.cannondale.com pour visualiser le manuel en francais.

ITALIANO - Se la sua lingua è l’italiano la preghiamo di contattare

Cannondale Europe al recapito che trovate qui sotto per per ottenere

una copia in italiano di questo manuale. Il manuale può anche essere

visualizzato sul sito Internet

www.cannondale.com/ manuals <http://www.cannondale.com/manuals> .

DEUTSCH - Wenn Deutsch Ihre Muttersprache ist nehmen Sie bitte

mit Cannondale Europe unter unten angebenen Adresse auf für eine

deutschsprachige Kopie der Anleitung. Sie können auch auf: www.

cannondale.com/manuals <http://www.cannondale.com/manuals> gehen

für eine Anleitung in Deutsch.

NEDERLANDS - Indien uw moedertaal Nederlands is, neemt u dan a.u.b.

contact op met Cannondale Europe op onderstaand adres om een gratis

copie van deze handleiding in het Nederlands aan te vragen. U kunt ook

onze website

www.cannondale.com/manuals <http://www.cannondale.com/manuals>

bezoeken om zo de Nederlandse versie te bekijken.

ESPANOL - Si su idioma es el español, por favor póngase en contacto

con Cannondale Europe en la dirección mencionada abajo para obtener

una copia gratuita del manual en español. Usted también puede visitar a

nuestra web www.cannondale.com/manuals <http://www.cannondale.

com/manuals> para ver el manual en español.

Bicycle

Owner‘s Manual

CANNONDALE BICYCLE OWNER’S MANUAL

131264 (07/18)

FOLLOW THIS CHECKLIST BEFORE EVERY RIDE. IF YOU HAVE ANY REASON TO SUSPECT

THAT YOUR BICYCLE IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, DO NOT RIDE IT. Have it inspected

by an Authorized Cannondale Retailer. To locate your nearest Authorized Cannondale Retailer

call the 1-800-BIKE-USA. Failure to follow this checklist and to have any potential problem

inspected could lead to an accident, with risk of serious injury, paralysis or death.

Are you wearing a helmet and other

appropriate equipment and clothing, such as

protective glasses and gloves? Do not wear

loose clothing that could become entangled in

the bicycle (See PART I, Section 2.A The Basics).

Are your seatpost and stem securely

fastened? Twist the handlebars rmly from side

to side while holding the front wheel between

your knees. The stem must not move in the

steering tube. Similarly, the seatpost must be

secure in the seat tube (See PART I, Section 3.

Fit).

Are you visible to motorists? If you are riding at

dusk, dawn or at night, you must make yourself

visible to motorists. Use front and rear lights

and a strobe or blinker. Reectors alone do

not provide adequate visibility. Wear reective

clothing (See PART I, Section 2.E Night Riding

and PART II, A. Important Safety Information).

Is it raining or wet? If so, be more cautious.

Your braking distances will increase, and

your tires’ grip on the road will decrease.

Remember that motorists’ visibility decreases

with bad weather (See PART I, Section 2.D Wet

Weather Riding and PART II, A. Important Safety

Information).

Are your tires properly inated? Tires must

inated to the recommended pressure. (See

PART I, Section 4.G Tires and Tubes).

Are your wheels true? Lift each end of the bike

and spin each wheel. Does the space between

the rim and the brake pads, or the tire and

the frame, remain nearly the same size as the

wheel turns? Are your spokes tight? (See PART I,

Section 1.C Mechanical Safety Check).

Are your wheels’ quick-releases properly

fastened? Be sure to read the section on proper

operation of quick-release skewers (See PART I,

Section 4.A Wheels).

Are your front and rear brakes functioning

properly? With V-brakes, the quick release

“noodle” must be properly installed. With

cantilever brakes, the quick release straddle

cable must be properly attached. With caliper

brakes the quick release lever must be closed.

With any rim brake, the brake pads must make

rm contact with the rim without the brake levers

hitting the handlebar grip (See PART I, Section

4.C Brakes).

With hydraulic disc brakes, check that the lever

feels rm, does not move too close to the

handlebar grip, and there is no evidence of

leaking brake uid. With cable actuated disc

brakes, check that the lever feels rm and does

not move too close to the handlebar grip. With

any disc brakes, the brake pads must make rm

contact with the rotor without the brake levers

hitting the handlebar grip (See PART I, Section

4.C Brakes).

How do your clipless pedals work today?

Clip in and out of your pedals before you begin.

Experienced cyclists do. The connection between

cleat and pedal is affected by dozens of factors

including dirt, mud, lubrication, spring tension

and wear. By clipping in and out you will check

the function and have a fresh memory of how

they feel (See PART I, Section 4.E Pedals).

How recently were your frame, fork and

components inspected? Never ride a frame,

fork or components with any crack or damage.

(See PART II, Section D. Inspect For Safety).

PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST

THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY,

PERFORMANCE AND SERVICE INFORMATION.

Read it before you take the rst ride on your new

bicycle, and keep it for reference.