Halfords 13 2014 User manual

F O L L O W Y O U R
I N S T I N C T S
USER MANUAL
2014
Revision 1

Contents
GENERAL WARNING p. 3
A special note for parents p. 3
1. First
A. Bike Fit p. 4
B. Safety First p. 4
C. Mechanical Safety Check p. 5
D. First Ride p. 7
2. Safety
A. The Basics p. 8
B. Riding Safety p. 9
C. Off Road Safety p. 10
D. Wet Weather Riding p. 10
E. Night Riding p. 11
F. Extreme, Stunt Or Competition Riding p. 12
G. Changing Components Or Adding Accessories p. 13
3. Fit
A. Standover Height p. 14
B. Saddle Position p. 15
C. Handlebar Height And Angle p. 17
D. Control Position Adjustments p. 18
E. Brake Reach p. 18
4. Technical
A. Wheels p. 19
1. Wheel Quick Release p. 19
2. Removing And Installing Quick Release Wheels p. 20
3. Removing And Installing Bolt-On Wheels p. 23
B. Seatpost Quick Release p. 24
C. Brakes p. 25
D. Shifting Gears p. 27
E. Pedals p. 29
F. Bicycle Suspension p. 30
G. Tyres and Tubes p. 31
5. Servicing
A. Service Intervals p. 33
B. If Your Bicycle Sustains An Impact p. 34
A. Special Instructions
Appendix A:
Life Expectancy Of Your Bike And Its Components p. 35
NOTE:
This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair or maintenance
manual. Please see your local 13 dealer for all service, repairs or maintenance.
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13 Guarantee
Your 13 cycle is guaranteed against manufacturing
defects arising from faulty workmanship or materials
from the original date of sale for the following periods:
Rigid steel frames 15 years
Full suspension frames and all
other materials 2 years
All other components 1 year
Providing that the cycle:
• Has been properly cared for, regularly
serviced and maintained.
•
Has only been fitted with parts
recommended by Savvy Bikes Ltd.
• Has not been modified or altered in any way.
• Has not been damaged by accident or misuse.
Any failure caused by normal wear and tear or a lack of
servicing and maintenance is excluded.
Under the terms of this guarantee Savvy Bikes Ltd will
bear the cost of the replacement parts and labour to
carry out the repair.
Important: This guarantee applies only to cycles used
under normal riding conditions.
The components specified on all terrain cycles are
guaranteed for normal off road use. However, no cycles
sold by Savvy Bikes Ltd are guaranteed to withstand
stunt riding, jumping, trials riding, misuse, accidents,
lack of maintenance, abuse, use in competition or
commercial use (e.g. hire).
This guarantee does not affect your statutory rights.
In the event of a guarantee claim, please return the
cycle to your local 13 dealer. You will need to provide
proof of purchase.
Suitable terrain
City and Trekking bikes are designed only for use on
roads, cycle paths and smooth trail paths.
All Terrain (ATB) and Jump style bikes are designed for
on road and moderate off road use only. They are not
intended for extreme off road conditions, severe
downhill riding or for jumping and stunt riding.
Racing bikes are designed for use on roads and other
smooth tarmac surfaces only.
Hazard of misuse
The misuse of any bike will subject both the frame and
components to excessive loading; this will greatly
accelerate wear and ultimately cause failure. Any such
failure of the frame or components could result in
serious injury. (see section 2F and Appendix A).
Maximum weights
Unless otherwise stated, adult bicycles are designed to
carry a rider of up to 120 Kg and up to 20 Kg of
luggage. All luggage carried must be securely mounted
on the frame, uniformly distributed and fitted as low as
possible, to minimize any adverse effect upon stability.
The maximum total weight of the cycle, rider and
luggage should never exceed 160 Kg.
Unless otherwise stated, children’s bicycles are
designed to carry a rider of up to 45 Kg and no luggage.
The maximum total weight of the cycle and rider should
never exceed 60 Kg.
IMPORTANT:
This manual contains important safety, performance and service
information. Read it before you take the first ride on your new
bicycle, and keep it for reference.
Additional safety, performance and service information for specific
components such as suspension or pedals on your bicycle, or for
accessories such as helmets or lights that you purchase, may also
be available. Make sure that your local 13 dealer has given you all
the manufacturers’ literature that was included with your bicycle or
accessories.
If you have any questions or do not understand something, take
responsibility for your own safety and consult with your local 13
dealer.
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Like any sport, cycling 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:
As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety of your child, and that
includes making sure that the bicycle is the right size and is properly fitted to the child; that it is in
good repair and safe operating condition; that you and your child have learned and understand the
safe operation of the bicycle; and that you and your child have learned, understand and obey not
only the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle and traffic laws, but also the common sense rules
of safe and responsible bicycling. As a parent, you should read this manual, as well as review its
warnings and the bicycle’s functions and operating procedures with your child, before letting your
child ride the bicycle. Children must be under adult supervision, whilst learning to ride. Once they
can ride and are familiar with the bike, the appropriate level of supervision can only be the
judgement of the parent. In making this judgement; you should consider the riding skills of the
child, the risks associated with the riding conditions (e.g. traffic, wet, poor light, muddy, rough
surfaces, etc.) and their experience in riding in those conditions.
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.
GENERAL WARNING:
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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 local 13 dealer to point out the features
of your bicycle.
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
(SPD type) pedals, make sure you know how
they work (see Section 4.E). These pedals
require special techniques and skills. Follow
the pedal manufacturer’s instructions for use,
adjustment and care.
5 Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed
bicycles your toe or toeclip may be able to
contact the front wheel when a pedal is all the
way forward and the wheel is turned. Read
Section 4.E. to check whether you have
toe 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.
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 for you, do
not ride it. Ask your local 13 dealer to
exchange it before you ride it.
2 Is the saddle at the right height? To check, see
Section 3.B. If you adjust your saddle height,
follow the Minimum Insertion instructions in
Section 3.B.
3 Are saddle and seatpost securely clamped? A
correctly tightened saddle will allow no saddle
movement in any direction. See Section 3.B.
4 Are the stem and handlebars at the right height
for you? If not, see Section 3.C.
5 Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If
not, you may be able to adjust their angle and
reach. See Section 3.D and 3.E.
6 Do you fully understand how to operate your
new bicycle? If not, before your first
ride, have your local 13 dealer explain
any functions or features which you do
not understand.
B. Safety First
A. Bike Fit
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C. Mechanical
Safety Check
Routinely check the condition of
your bicycle before every ride.
Nuts, bolts screws & other fasteners:
Because manufacturers use a wide variety of
fastener sizes and shapes made in a variety of
materials, often differing by model and
component, it is not possible for this Manual to
specify the correct torque (tightening force) for all
of the fasteners on your bicycle. Unless a
component is specifically marked, the tightening
torques for the key safety parts are listed below:
Fastener Tightening Torque Nm
Front and rear wheel nuts 25 +/- 0.5
Handlebar to stem clamp bolts 15 +/- 0.5
Stem to fork steerer clamp bolts 17 +/- 0.5
Quill expander bolt 18 +/- 0.5
Saddle clamp to seat post (allen bolt clamp) 15 +/- 0.5
Saddle clamp to seat post (conventional bolt clamp) 20 +/- 0.5
Seat post to frame clamp (allen bolt clamp) 11 +/- 0.5
Seat post to frame clamp (conventional bolt clamp) 16 +/- 0.5
Any aerodynamic extensions (accessories) As specified by the mfr.
If you choose to carry out further work on your
own bicycle you must get the correct tightening
torque specifications from the bicycle or
component manufacturer or from your local 13
dealer. If you need to make an adjustment at
home or on a ride, we urge you to exercise care,
and to have the fasteners you worked on
checked by your local 13 dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING: Correct tightening force
on fasteners – nuts, bolts, screws – on
your bicycle is important. Too little force, and
the fastener may not hold securely. Too much
force, and the fastener can strip threads,
stretch, deform or break. Either way,
incorrect tightening force can result in
component failure, which can cause you to
lose control and fall.
1 Everything Secure?
Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel
off the ground by 50 to 75 mm (2 to 3”), 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.
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2 Tyres And Wheels
Make sure tyres 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 tyre deflection.
Compare what you see with how it looks when
you know the tyres are correctly inflated; and
adjust if necessary.
Tyres in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly
and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall.
Replace damaged tyres 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 blocks, take the bike to
your local 13 dealer to have the wheel trued.
CAUTION: Wheels must be true for
the brakes to work effectively. Wheel
truing is a skill, which requires special tools
and experience. Do not attempt to true a
wheel unless you have the knowledge,
experience and tools needed to do the job
correctly.
Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure
the rims are clean and undamaged along the
braking surface, and check for excess rim wear
(see Section 4.C).
3 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
blocks contact the wheel rim squarely and make
full contact with the rim? Do the brake blocks
touch the wheel rim within 25 mm (1”) 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.
Minor adjustments can be made using the
threaded cable adjusters at the brake levers. If
this is insufficient, the cable clamp at the brake
lever may need to be moved or there could be
some other fault.
Do not ride the bike until the brakes are properly
adjusted by a professional bicycle mechanic.
4 Quick Releases
Make sure the front wheel, rear wheel and seat
post quick releases are properly adjusted and in
the locked position. See Section 4.A and 4.B.
5 Handlebar And
Saddle Alignment
Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem are
parallel to the bike’s centre line and clamped
tight enough so that you can’t twist them out of
alignment. See Sections 3.B and 3.C.
6 Handlebar Ends
Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and
in good condition. If not, have your local 13
dealer replace them. Make sure the handlebar
ends and extensions are plugged. If not, have
your local 13 dealer plug them before you ride. If
the handlebars have bar end extensions, make
sure they are clamped tight enough so you can’t
twist them.
WARNING: Loose or damaged
handlebar grips or extensions can
cause you to lose control and fall. Unplugged
handlebars or extensions can cut you and
cause serious injury in an otherwise minor
accident.
VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:
Please also read and become thoroughly
familiar with the important information on the
lifespan of your bicycle and its components
in Appendix A on Page 35.
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D. First Ride
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your
first familiarisation 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.
Familiarise yourself with the braking action of the
bike (see Section 4.C). The right hand brake
lever operates the front brake and the left, the
rear. 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, familiarise 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 never move the shifter whilst
stationary, whilst pedalling backwards, or 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 local 13 dealer before your next
ride.
7
Head tube
Seat post
Freewheel/
cassette
sprocket
cluster
Seat stay
Down
tube
Top tube
Seat
tube
Chain
rings
Crank
Front gear
mechanism
Rear gear
mechanism
Chain stay
Stem
Headset
Fig. 1
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2. Safety
WARNING: Observe all local bicycle
laws and regulations. Observe
regulations about bicycle lighting, riding on
pavements, laws regulating bike path and
trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws,
special bicycle traffic laws. It’s your
responsibility to know and obey the laws.
1 Always wear a cycling helmet which meets
the latest certification standards and is
appropriate for the type of riding you do.
Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s
instructions for fit, use and care of your
helmet. Most serious bicycle injuries involve
head injuries, which might have been avoided
if the rider had worn an appropriate helmet. A
cycle ridden on public roads during daylight
hours should be fitted with reflectors (front,
rear, pedals and wheels) and have a bell.
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.), gear shifting (Section 4.D.).
4 Be careful to keep body parts and other
objects away from the sharp teeth of
chainrings, the moving chain, the turning
pedals and cranks, and the spinning wheels
of your bicycle.
5 Always wear:
• Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip
the pedals. Make sure that shoe laces cannot
get into moving parts, and never ride
barefoot or in sandals.
• Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose
that it can be tangled in the bicycle or
snagged by objects at the side of the road
or trail.
• Protective eyewear, to protect against
airborne dirt, dust and bugs – tinted when the
sun is bright, clear when it’s not.
6 Don’t jump with your bike. Jumping a bike,
particularly a BMX or mountain bike, can be
fun; but it can put huge and unpredictable
stress on the bicycle and its components.
Riders who insist on jumping their bikes risk
serious damage, to their bicycles as well as to
themselves. Before you attempt to jump, do
stunt riding or race with your bike, read and
understand Section 2.F.
7 Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions.
Increased speed means higher risk.
A. The Basics
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1 You are sharing the road or the path with
others – motorists, pedestrians and other
cyclists. Respect their rights.
2 Ride defensively. Always assume that others
do not see you.
3 Look ahead, and be ready to avoid:
• Vehicles slowing or turning, entering the
road or your lane ahead of you, or coming
up behind you.
• Parked car doors opening.
• Pedestrians stepping out.
• Children or pets playing near the road.
• Pot holes, drain gratings, tram tracks,
expansion joints, road or pavement
construction, debris and other obstructions
that could cause you to swerve into traffic,
catch your wheel or cause you to have
an accident.
• The many other hazards and distractions
which can occur on a bicycle ride.
4 Ride in designated bike lanes, on designated
bike paths or as close to the edge of the road
as possible, in the direction of traffic flow or
as directed by local laws.
5 Stop at stop signs and traffic lights; slow
down and look both ways at road junctions.
Remember that a bicycle always loses in a
collision with a motor vehicle; so be prepared
to yield even if you have the right of way.
6 Use approved hand signals for turning
and stopping.
7 Never ride with headphones. They mask
traffic sounds and emergency vehicle sirens,
distract you from concentrating on what’s
going on around you, and their wires can
tangle in the moving parts of the bicycle,
causing you to lose control.
8 Never carry a passenger, unless it is a small
child wearing an approved helmet and
secured in a correctly mounted child carrier or
a child-carrying trailer. When carrying a child
in a child seat, ensure that any saddle coil
springs are covered to eliminate the possibility
of the child’s fingers becoming trapped.
9 Never carry anything which obstructs your
vision or your complete control of the bicycle,
or which could become entangled in the
moving parts of the bicycle.
10 Never hitch a ride by holding on to
another vehicle.
11Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you
intend to do stunts, wheelies, jumps or go
racing with your bike read Section 2.F,
Downhill, Stunt or Competition Riding, now.
Think carefully about your skills before
deciding to take the significant risks that go
with this kind of riding.
12 Don’t weave through traffic or make any
moves that may surprise the people with
whom you are sharing the road.
13 Observe and yield the right of way.
14 Never ride your bicycle while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
15 If possible, avoid riding in bad weather, when
visibility is obscured, at dawn, dusk or in the
dark, or when extremely tired. Each of these
conditions increases the risk of accident.
B. Riding Safety
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C. Off Road Safety
D. Wet Weather Riding
We recommend that children do not ride on
rough terrain unless they are accompanied
by an adult.
1 The variable conditions and hazards of off-
road riding require close attention and specific
skills. Start slowly on easier terrain and build
up your skills. If your bike has suspension, the
increased speed you may develop also
increases your risk of losing control and
falling. Get to know how to handle your bike
safely before trying increased speed or more
difficult terrain.
2 Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of
riding you plan to do.
3 Don’t ride alone in remote areas. Even when
riding with others, make sure that someone
knows where you’re going and when you
expect to be back.
4 Always take along some kind of identification,
so that people know who you are in case of
an accident; and take along a some cash for a
snack, a cool drink or an emergency
phone call.
5 Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals.
Ride in a way that does not frighten or
endanger them, and give them enough room
so that their unexpected moves don’t
endanger you.
6 Be prepared. If something goes wrong while
you’re riding off-road, help may not be close.
7 Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or
race with your bike, read and understand
Section 2.F.
Off Road respect
Obey the local laws regulating where and how
you can ride off road, and respect private
property. You may be sharing the trail with others
– hikers, equestrians, other cyclists. Respect
their rights. Stay on the designated trail. Don’t
contribute to erosion by riding in mud or with
unnecessary sliding. Don’t disturb the ecosystem
by cutting your own trail or take a shortcut
through vegetation or streams. It is your
responsibility to minimise your impact on the
environment. Leave things as you found them;
and always take out everything you brought in.
WARNING: Wet weather impairs
traction, braking and visibility, both for
the cyclist and for other vehicles sharing the
road. The risk of an accident is dramatically
increased in wet conditions.
Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your
brakes (as well as the brakes of other vehicles
sharing the road) is dramatically reduced and
your tyres don’t grip nearly as well. This makes it
harder to control speed and easier to lose
control. To make sure that you can slow down
and stop safely in wet conditions, ride more
slowly and apply your brakes earlier and more
gradually than you would under normal, dry
conditions (see also Section 4.C).
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E. Night Riding
Riding a bicycle at night is many times more
dangerous than riding during the day. A cyclist is
very difficult for motorists and pedestrians to see.
Therefore, children should never ride at dawn, at
dusk or at night.
Adults who choose to accept the greatly
increased risk of riding at dawn, at dusk or at
night need to take extra care both riding and
choosing specialised equipment, which helps
reduce that risk. Consult your local 13 dealer
about night riding safety equipment.
WARNING: Reflectors are not a
substitute for required lights. Riding at
dawn, at dusk, at night or at other times of
poor visibility without an adequate bicycle
lighting system and without reflectors is
dangerous and may result in serious injury
or death.
Bicycle reflectors are designed to pick up and
reflect car lights and street lights in a way that
may help you to be seen and recognized as a
moving cyclist.
CAUTION: Check reflectors and their
mounting brackets regularly to make
sure that they are clean, straight, unbroken
and securely mounted. Have your local 13
dealer replace damaged reflectors and
straighten or tighten any that are bent or
loose.
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 tyre
in the event of brake cable failure. If a brake
straddle cable catches on the tyre, it can
cause the wheel to stop suddenly, causing
you to lose 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 powered front and
rear lights, which meet all regulatory
requirements and provide adequate visibility.
In the UK white front and red rear lights must
be fitted, which either comply with BS 6102 - 3
or are flashing LED lights with a light output of
more than 4 candela and a flashing rate of
between 1 and 4 times per second. It is
recommended that flashing LED lights are
used in conjunction with a steady light, when
riding on unlit roads.
In the Republic of Ireland you must show a
white or yellow front light and a red rear light.
The rear light should be visible from a
distance of at least 152m (500 ft).
• Wear light coloured, reflective clothing and
accessories, such as a reflective vest,
reflective arm and leg bands, flashing LED
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 traffic.
• Make sure your clothing or anything you may
be carrying on the bicycle does not obstruct a
reflector or light.
• Make sure that your bicycle is equipped with
correctly positioned and securely mounted
reflectors.
While riding at dawn, at dusk or at night:
• Ride slowly.
• Avoid dark areas and areas of heavy or fast-
moving traffic.
• Avoid road hazards.
• If possible, ride on familiar routes.
When riding in traffic:
• Be predictable. Ride so that drivers can see
you and predict your movements.
• Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the
unexpected.
•
If you plan to ride in traffic often, ask your local
13 dealer about traffic safety classes or a good
book on bicycle traffic safety.
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F. Extreme, Stunt Or
Competition Riding
Whether you call it Aggro, Freeride, North Shore,
Downhill, Jumping, Stunt Riding, Racing or
something else; by engaging in this sort of
extreme, aggressive riding you are accepting an
increased risk of injury or death. Not all bicycles
are designed for these types of riding, and those
that are may not be suitable for all types of
aggressive riding. Check with your local 13
dealer or the bicycle’s manufacturer about the
suitability of your bicycle before engaging in any
type of extreme riding.
When riding fast down hill, you can reach speeds
seen on motorcycles, and therefore face similar
hazards and risks. Have your bicycle and
equipment carefully inspected by a qualified
mechanic and be sure it is in perfect condition.
Consult with expert riders and race officials on
conditions and equipment advisable at the site
where you plan to ride.
Wear appropriate safety gear, including an
approved full face helmet, full finger gloves, and
body armour. Ultimately, it is your responsibility
to have proper equipment and to be familiar with
course conditions.
WARNING: Although many magazines,
advertisements and articles about
cycling depict riders engaged in extreme
riding, this activity is extremely dangerous,
increases your risk of injury or death, and
increases the severity of any injury.
Remember that the action depicted is being
performed by professionals with many years
of training and experience.
Know your limits and always wear a helmet
and other appropriate safety gear. Even with
state-of-the-art protective safety gear, you
could be seriously injured or killed when
jumping, stunt riding, riding downhill at speed
or in competition.
CAUTION: Bicycles and bicycle parts
have limitations with regard to
strength and integrity, and this type of riding
can exceed those limitations.
We strongly recommend against this type of
riding because of the increased risks; but if you
choose to take the risk, at least:
• Take lessons from a competent instructor first
• Start with easy learning exercises and slowly
develop your skills before trying more difficult or
dangerous riding
• Do stunts, jumping, racing or fast downhill
riding only in areas designated for this type
of riding
• Wear a full face helmet, safety pads and other
safety gear
• Understand and recognize that the stresses
imposed on your bike by this kind of activity
may break or damage parts of the bicycle and
void the warranty
•
Take your bicycle to your local 13 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.
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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. Almost every component used on a
cycle has safety related features; always only
use genuine replacement parts. This is
particularly important for the safety critical areas
of braking, steering, wheels and tyres. The
addition of any aerodynamic extensions may
adversely affect the cycle’s response to steering
and braking.
Before installing any component or accessory,
including a different size tyre, make sure that it is
compatible with your bicycle by checking with
your local 13 dealer. Be sure to read, understand
and follow the instructions that accompany the
products you purchase for your bicycle (See also
Appendix A p. 35).
WARNING: Failure to confirm
compatibility, properly install, operate
and maintain any component or accessory
can result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION: Changing the components
on your bike may void the warranty.
Refer to your warranty, and check with your
local 13 dealer before changing the
components on your bike.
G. Changing Components
Or Adding Accessories
13
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? Need assistance?
Ask your local 13 dealer
14
3. Fit
NOTE:"Correct fit is an essential element for 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 local 13
dealer make the adjustments on your bicycle; or, if you have the
experience, skill and tools, have your local 13 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 local 13 dealer to exchange it before you ride it.
Standover 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 standover 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 corner. A bike should give you a
minimum standover height clearance of two
inches (50 mm).
WARNING: If you plan to use your bike
for jumping or stunt riding, read
Section 2.F again.
A. Standover Height
Fig. 2
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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 local 13 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.
Once the saddle is at the correct height, make
sure that the seatpost does not project from the
frame beyond its “Minimum Insertion” mark
(fig. 4).
If your bike has an interrupted seat tube, as is
the case on some bikes with rear suspension,
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 (see fig. 5).
Ensure that any seat post projecting from the
interrupted seat tube does not interfere with the
free movement of the rear suspension.
WARNING: If your seat post projects
from the frame beyond the Minimum
Insertion mark (see fig. 4) or you cannot
touch the bottom of the seat post through the
bottom of the interrupted seat tube with the
tip of your finger without inserting your finger
beyond its first knuckle (see fig. 5), the seat
post may break, which could cause you to
lose control and fall.
15
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
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? Need assistance?
Ask your local 13 dealer
16
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 local 13
dealer to set the saddle for your optimal riding
position and to show you how to make this
adjustment.
3 Saddle angle adjustment. Most people prefer a
horizontal saddle; but some riders like the
saddle nose angled up or down very slightly.
Your local 13 dealer can adjust saddle angle
or teach you how to do it.
Note: If your bicycle is equipped with a
suspension seat post, periodically ask your
local 13 dealer to check it.
Small changes in saddle position can have a
substantial effect on performance and comfort.
To find your best saddle position, make only one
adjustment at a time.
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.
If, in spite of carefully adjusting the saddle
height, tilt and fore-and aft position, your saddle
is still uncomfortable, you may need a different
saddle design. Saddles, like people, come in
many different shapes, sizes and resilience. Your
local 13 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 local 13 dealer about
saddle adjustment or a different saddle.
13 owners manual GENERIC A5 aw 05/05/14 10:25 Page 18

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 local 13
dealer.
If your bike has a “threadless” stem (fig. 6), your
local 13 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 different length or rise. Consult your
local 13 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 local 13 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”. This mark must not be visible above
the headset.
WARNING: On some bicycles,
changing the stem or stem height can
affect 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 blocks 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.
WARNING: The 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.
Your local 13 dealer can also change the
angle of the handlebar or any bar end
extensions.
WARNING: An insufficiently tightened
stem binder bolt, handlebar binder
bolt or bar end extension clamping bolt may
compromise the 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 insufficiently tightened.
17
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
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? Need assistance?
Ask your local 13 dealere
18
D. Control Position
Adjustments
The angle of the brake and shift control levers
and their position on the handlebars can be
changed. Ask your local 13 dealer to make the
adjustments for you.
E. Brake Reach
Many bikes have brake levers, which can be
adjusted for reach. If you have small hands or
find it difficult to squeeze the brake levers, your
local 13 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 insufficient to
apply full braking power can result in loss of
control, which may result in serious injury
or death.
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4. Technical
It’s important to your safety, performance and enjoyment to
understand how things work on your bicycle. We urge you to ask
your local 13 dealer how to do the things described in this section
before you attempt them yourself, and that you have your local 13
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 local 13 dealer (See also
Appendix A p. 35).
A. Wheels
NOTE: If you have a bike equipped with quick
release axles on the front or rear wheels,
make sure that your local 13 dealer has given
you the manufacturer’s instructions, and
follow those when installing or removing a
quick release axle wheel. If you don’t know
what a quick release axle is, ask your local 13
dealer.
1 Wheel Quick
Release
WARNING: Riding with an improperly
adjusted wheel quick release can
allow the wheel to wobble or fall off the
bicycle, which can cause serious injury or
death. Therefore, it is essential that you:
1 Ask your local 13 dealer to help you
make sure you know how to install and
remove your wheels safely.
2 Understand and apply the correct
technique for clamping your wheel in place
with a quick release.
3 Each time, before you ride the bike, check
that the wheel is securely clamped
(see fig. 8).
A wheel quick release uses a cam action to
clamp the bike’s wheel in place (see fig. 8).
Because of its adjustable nature, it is critical
that you understand how it works, how to use it
properly, and how much force you need to apply
to secure the wheel.
WARNING: The full force of the cam
action is needed to clamp the wheel
securely. Holding the nut with one hand and
turning the lever like a wing nut with the
other hand until everything is as tight as you
can get it will not clamp the wheel safely in
the dropouts.
19
Fig. 8
closedclosed openopen
turn to adjust
clamping force
open position
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