Cannondale Alloy Road Disc User manual

Alloy Road Disc
Quick Start Guide
Applies to: Topstone Al, Synapse Al, CAAD X

Welcome to the Cannondale family.
WARNING
SET-UP STEP 2STEP 1 STEP 3 STEP 4 PRE-RIDE CHECK
This is a Quick Start Guide, not an
Owner’s manual.
Bicycling is an active sport with
inherent risk. A wide range of injuries
are possible. Due to the nature of
bicycle riding, the situations you
encounter while riding, you will be
exposed to the risk of serious injury,
paralysis or death. This risk cannot
be eliminated. You can minimize the
risk in many ways. Begin by reading
the complete Cannondale Bicycle
Owner’s manual accompanying
this bike and available online at
www.cannondale.com, particularly
section “IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION”.
First up, thank you for buying a new Cannondale bike – we’re excited to
have you on board and to get you out riding as soon as possible. Our new
assembly process is easy-to-follow – using methods outlined in this guide
to assemble your new Cannondale at home, plus it’s even easier to do so
with a friend. Our guide will take you through the simple steps from start
to nish – you can also follow along with a how-to video, as you build your
bike, just visit: [email protected]
If you still have any questions, then our Cannondale rider support sta are
ready to help you. Feel free to give us a call at
Also, when your new bike is all assembled and ready to ride, we’d love to
check it out – please don’t forget to tag #ridecannondale in your social
media. Enjoy the ride!

SET-UP STEP 2STEP 1 STEP 3 STEP 4 PRE-RIDE CHECK

1.
Install your
handlebars

Install your
seat post

Install your
front wheel

Install your
pedals



This video applies to one Cannondale Platform:
• Topstone Al, Synapse Al, CAAD X
Tools Needed:
• Flat-Head Screwdriver
• Phillips-Head Screwdriver
• Box Cutter
• Scissors
Tools Included:
• Torque Wrench
• Allen Keys
• Pedal Wrench
Gently lift your bike out of the box and set
it on top of the box. Make sure the attached
wheel is facing upwards
SET-UP STEP 2STEP 1 STEP 3 STEP 4 PRE-RIDE CHECK
Inside the box, you’ll nd a smaller box of parts, necessary tools,
documentation and manuals. Once the bike is assembled, but
before you ride, please read the owner’s manual.
First, locate the staples on the top of the box and carefully remove
them with a screwdriver. Use caution: the staples are sharp.
Push the hand aps from the inside to the outside of the box. This
will make removing the bike easier.
Carefully lift the bike out of the box and set it onto the top of the box.
Next, remove the front wheel from the bike and set it aside. Remove
all additional packaging from the bike, letting the handlebar gently
hang from the frame.
Carefully lift and rotate the bike, lowering it gently back into the box
with the fork overhanging the box side.
A.

C.
D.
C

SET-UP STEP 2STEP 1 STEP 3 STEP 4 PRE-RIDE CHECK
 A
B
C
D
Using the included Allen wrench, loosen and remove the bolts and
faceplate from the stem. The stem connects the handlebar to the
fork. Set the bolts and faceplate aside together, so you don’t lose
anything.
Insert the handlebar into the stem and verify the brake hoses and
shift cables wrap around the frame cleanly, without kinks to any of
the lines.
Loosely reattach the faceplate to the stem. Take care to not tighten
one bolt more than another. Your goal is a consistent gap between
the stem and faceplate.
Center the handlebar in the stem using the markings on the bar, then
roll it back into a comfortable position. Lightly hand-tighten the stem
bolts using the Allen key, ensuring there’s an even gap between the
stem and faceplate. We’ll fully tighten these later.
A.

C.
D.

SET-UP STEP 2STEP 1 STEP 3 STEP 4 PRE-RIDE CHECK

Loosen the seatpost clamp with the Allen key.
On the seatpost, locate the minimum insertion line.
Insert the seatpost into the frame beyond the minimum insertion line.
Hand tighten the clamp using the Allen key, enough so the seatpost
can’t be pulled from the frame.
A.

C.
D.
A
B
C
D


Unthread and remove the thru-axle from the fork and place it on a
clean surface.
Remove the brake pad spacer. Take care to not pull the front brake
lever without either the pad spacer or disc brake rotor is not installed.
Carefully lift the bike from the box and gently place the fork ends on
the ground.
Locate the disc brake rotor on the front wheel. Orient the wheel so
the rotor is on the left side – the same side as the front brake pads.
A.

C.
D.
SET-UP STEP 2STEP 1 STEP 3 STEP 4 PRE-RIDE CHECK
A
B
C
D

SET-UP STEP 2STEP 1 STEP 3 STEP 4 PRE-RIDE CHECK

Line the brake rotor up with the disc brake pads, then lift the front of
the bike and roll the wheel into the fork.
Carefully align and lower the fork onto the wheel axle. Ensure the
brake pads are in-line with the disc and the wheel axle is fully seated
in the fork dropouts.
Insert the thru-axle from the right (drivetrain) side of the bike and
tighten. When properly tightened, the lever should leave a mark on
your hand.
Ensure the thru-axle head is is aligned behind the fork leg. Holding
the end of the thru axle with your thumb, pull the thru-axle head out
to make angle adjustments without aecting the tightness of the
axle.
At this point you can remove any additional packaging from the bike.
  
F.
G.
H.
I.
E
F
G
H


Your bike may not come with pedals. Regardless, here is how to
install.
Insert the right pedal (marked with R on the spindle) into the crank
and tighten with your ngers.
Install your chosen pedals byturning the pedal spindle in the direction
of the front wheel.
Repeat with the left pedal (with an L on it).
Tighten both pedals down very rmly with the appropriate Allen or
15mm pedal wrench.
A.

C.
D.
SET-UP STEP 2STEP 1 STEP 3 STEP 4 PRE-RIDE CHECK
A
B
C
D


Conrm the handlebar is centered in the stem, and at the correct
height and angle. Adjust as necessary, taking care to keep the gap
between the stem and faceplate even from top to bottom.
 Select the correct bit for the stem faceplate bolts and
install it into the torque wrench. Tighten the stem bolts in an “X”
pattern, ensuring the gap between the faceplate and stem remains
even.
Look for torque specication markings on the front and back of
the stem, as well as the head of the seatpost. If these markings are
absent, torque all stem and seatpost bolts to 7 Nm.
  Adjust seat height by loosening the seatpost collar.
Standing next to the bike, position the saddle so it’s the same height
as your hip.
A.

C.
D.
SET-UP STEP 2STEP 1 STEP 3 STEP 4 PRE-RIDE CHECK
A
B
C
D


Align the saddle with the frame and tighten the seatpost clamp.
When riding, you should have a slight bend in your knee when the
pedal is at the bottom of its rotation.
Tighten the seatpost collar to the torque value indicated on the collar
– typically 5 Nm.
 Ensure the rear reector is pointing straight back, and
the front reector points straight ahead, perpendicular to the ground.
Gently pull the wheel reectors toward the rim to ensure they are
snug.
 Secure the front wheel between your legs and turn
the handlebar. If the handlebar and wheel move independently, the
stem bolts are not tight enough. Use the torque wrench and correct
bit to properly torque the bolts.

F.
G.
H.
SET-UP STEP 2STEP 1 STEP 3 STEP 4 PRE-RIDE CHECK
E
F
G
H


Attempt to rotate the handlebar forward and backward in the stem. If
it moves,the stemfaceplate bolts are nottight enough. Use thetorque
wrench and correct bit to torque the faceplate bolts to specication,
using the same “X” pattern as before.
Conrm the front and rear brakes engage when the
levers are squeezed. The brake lever and handlebar should not come
into contact with the brakes fully engaged.
 Verify both thru-axles are tightened securely.
The lever should leave a mark in your hand.
Tire Pressure. Inate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended
tire pressure, which is marked on the tire sidewall.
I.
J.

L.
SET-UP STEP 2STEP 1 STEP 3 STEP 4 PRE-RIDE CHECK
I
J
K
L

Welcome to the family.
@ridecannondale