Jamis DAKAR XCR User manual

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$POUFOUT
General Warning 2
A special note to parents 3
What kind of bike is it? 4
What it’s called? 6
1. First
A. Bike fit 8
B. Safety first 8
C. Mechanical Safety Check 9
D. First ride 10
2. Safety
A. The Basics 10
B. Riding Safety 11
C. Off Road Safety 12
D. Wet Weather Riding 13
E. Night Riding 13
F. Extreme stunt or competition riding 14
G. Changing Components or Adding Accessories 15
3.Fit
A. Standover height 16
B. Saddle position 16
C. Handlebar height and angle 18
D. Control Position Adjustments 19
E. Brake reach 19
NOTE: This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair or maintenance manual. Please see your dealer for all service, repairs or mainte-
nance. Your dealer may also be able to refer you to classes, clinics or books on bicycle use, service, repair or maintenance.
4. Tech
A. Wheels 19
1. Wheel Quick Release 19
2. Removing and Installing Quick Release Wheels 21
3. Removing and Installing Bolt-On Wheels 23
B. Seatpost Quick Release 25
C. Brakes 26
D. Shifting gears 27
E. Pedals 30
F. Bicycle Suspension 31
1. Dakar series 32
2. Dakar XC Series 34
3. Dakar XLT Series 36
G. Tires and Tubes 38
5. Service
A. Service Intervals 35
B. If your bicycle sustains an impact 38
6. Jamis Dual Suspension Pivot/Replacement Parts 43
7. Jamis Replacement Derailleur Hangers 46
8. Warranty 47
1

(&/&3"-8"3/*/(
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.
2

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“As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety of your minor child, and that includes making sure
that the bicycle is properly fitted to the child; that it is in good repair and safe operating condition; that you and your child have
learned and understand the safe operation of the bicycle; and that you and your child have learned, understand and obey not only
the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle and traffic laws, but also the common sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling. As a
parent, you should read this manual, as well as review its warnings and the bicycle’s functions and operating procedures with your
child, before letting your child ride the bicycle.”
!
WARNING: Make sure that your child always wears an approved bicycle helmet when riding; but also make sure that your child under-
stands 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.
3

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Adult bicycles can be broadly categorized into four types, according to the intended use for
which the bike was designed: Road Bikes, Mountain Bikes, Cross Bikes and City or Cruiser
Bikes. While there is a lot of use overlap in bike design, each type of bike is designed to
provide optimum performance, comfort and safety under specific use conditions. Which type
is your new bike?
The Road Bike, sometimes called a racing bike because it is derived from the bikes used by
bicycle road racers and triathletes, is for fast travel, hard training and competition on paved
surfaces. It is the lightest, most aerodynamic and “fastest” type of bike. Because it is generally
ridden on relatively smooth paved roads, its frame is made as stiff and light as possible, and
its frame geometry is designed to give it quick, very precise response to rider input. Its components, especially wheels, tend to be lighter than
those for other categories, again because they are not designed to get banged around as much. Its dropped handlebars, sometimes equipped with
aero bar extensions, are designed to give the rider good leverage for climbing and sprinting, and to position the rider in an aerodynamic “tuck” for
speed. Its high-pressure, narrow tires reduce rolling resistance to a minimum.
But: The ride tends to be too stiff for comfort on rougher surfaces. The frame and components are too light to take the pounding of off-road
excursions. The handlebars position the rider in a way that many find uncomfortable for more casual riding. The narrow tires are not recommended
for use on loose surfaces.
The Mountain Bike is designed to give the rider maximum control and durability on a
wide variety of harsh terrain. Everything about the Mountain Bike is more rugged. Its frame
geometry provides maximum ground clearance and allows you to quickly and easily shift your
weight to change the balance of the bike as terrain conditions demand. Its wide, high-volume
tires absorb shock and provide a bigger, more stable footprint on loose or slippery surfaces.
Its wide-range gearing, usually with 18 or more speeds, provides the right choice for almost
any condition. Many Mountain Bikes come equipped with suspension systems which help
absorb the shocks and vibrations of rough trails.
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
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)/,.+ ,
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
4

But: A Mountain Bike is heavier than a road bike. Its wide tires have greater rolling resistance than road bike tires. While more comfortable for
many people, the rider’s more upright riding position is aerodynamically inefficient. A Mountain Bike is not the best choice for long, fast rides on
paved surfaces.
NOTE: While the rugged appearance of Mountain bikes might suggest that they’re
indestructible, they are not. They are tough and sturdy; but as with any machine, abuse
will soon take a toll on their ability to perform.
The Cross Bike, also often called a Hybrid, Street Performance or Street Comfort, is like a
Swiss Army Knife: it’s a versatile tool that does many things well. The Cross Bike is a good
choice for the rider who isn’t looking for the ultimate in performance either on or off the road,
but who wants a bike that will handle paved roads, bike paths, graded fire trails and dirt roads.
It’s not as fast on pavement as a Road Bike; nor is it designed for hard off-road use on “single
track” or rocky, rutted, rugged terrain like a Mountain Bike.
By changing tires, handlebars and shifting and braking controls, your dealer can alter a Cross Bike’s performance range to favor either paved road
performance or dirt road performance, to suit your intended use.
The City Bike, also often called a Cruiser or Comfort Bike, is designed for comfortable, low-
maintenance, casual riding. It is often equipped with three, five, seven or more gears which are
housed in the rear wheel hub. Its frame is designed for comfort rather than for high performance,
and its fat tires are designed for solid, rather than loose, surfaces. It is ideal for around town, for
gently rolling or flat rural roads, for a ride around the park, or for a quick trip to the store.
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)/,.+ ,
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
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NOTE: We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its entirety before your first ride; but 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.
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, make sure that you 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 for
details.
4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you? If not, see Section 3.C on what you can do about it.
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 for details.
6. Do you fully understand how to operate your new bicycle? If not, before your first ride, have your dealer explain any functions or features
which you do not understand.
B.Safety first
1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and care of your helmet.
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. 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. 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. See section 4.E.
8

C. Mechanical Safety Check
Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before every ride.
Nuts, bolts & straps: Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel off the ground by two or three inches, then let it bounce on the ground. Any-
thing sound, feel or look loose? Do a quick visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Any loose parts or accessories? If so, secure them. If you’re
not sure, ask someone with experience to check.
Tires & Wheels: Make sure tires are correctly inflated (see Section 4.G.1). Check by putting one hand on the saddle, one on the intersection of the
handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the bike while looking at tire deflection. Compare what you see with how it looks when you know
the tires are correctly inflated; and adjust if necessary.
Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tires before riding the bike.
Wheels true? Spin each wheel and check for brake clearance and side-to-side wobble. If a wheel wobbles side to side even slightly, or rubs against
or hits the brake pads, take the bike to a qualified bike shop to have the wheel trued.
!
CAUTION: Wheels must be true for the brakes to work effectively. Wheel truing is a skill which requires special tools and experience. Do not
attempt to true a wheel unless you have the knowledge, experience and tools needed to do the job correctly.
Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure your rims are clean and undamaged along the braking surface, and check for excess rim wear.
Brakes: Check the brakes for proper operation (see Sections 4.C). Squeeze the brake levers. Are the brake quick-releases closed? All control cables
seated and securely engaged? Do the brake pads 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.
Quick Releases: Make sure the front wheel, rear wheel and seat post quick releases are properly adjusted and in the locked position. See Section 4.A
and 4.B.
Handlebar and saddle alignment: Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem are parallel to the bike’s center line and clamped tight enough so that
you can’t twist them out of alignment. See Sections 3.B and 3.C. If not, align and tighten them.
Handlebar ends: Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition. If not, 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. If not, tighten them.
!
WARNING: Loose or damaged handlebar grips or extensions can cause you to lose control and fall. Unplugged handlebars or extensions can
cut your body, and can cause serious injury in an otherwise minor accident.
9

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.
If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals, practice getting in and out of the pedals. See paragraph B.4 above.
If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how the suspension responds to brake application and rider weight shifts. See para-
graph B.5 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 after hav-
ing 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, take the bike back to your dealer for advice.
4BGFUZ
A. The Basics
1. Always wear a cycling helmet which meets the latest certification standards and 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 a helmet.
!
WARNING: Failure to wear a helmet while riding may result in serious injury or death. Observe ALL local bicycle laws
and regulations. Observe regulations about licensing of bicycles, riding on sidewalks, laws regulating bike path and trail use,
helmet laws, child carrier laws, special bicycle traffic laws, and so on. It’s your responsibility to know and obey the laws.
10

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 eyewear, to protect against airborne dirt, dust and bugs — tinted when the sun is bright, clear when it’s not.
6. Don’t jump with your bike. Jumping a bike, particularly a BMX or mountain bike, can be fun; but it can put huge and unpredictable stress on the bicycle and
its components. Riders who insist on jumping their bikes risk serious damage, to their bicycles as well as to themselves. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt
riding or race with your bike, read and understand Section 2.F.
7. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions. Increased speed means higher risk.
B. Riding Safety
1. You are sharing the road or the path with others — motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists. Respect their rights.
2. Ride defensively. Always assume that others do not see you.
3. Look ahead, and be ready to avoid:
• Vehicles slowing or turning, entering the road or your lane ahead of you, or coming up behind you.
• Parked car doors opening.
• Pedestrians stepping out.
• Children or pets playing near the road.
• Pot holes, sewer grating, railroad tracks, expansion joints, road or sidewalk construction, debris and other obstructions that could cause you to swerve into
traffic, catch your wheel or cause you to have an accident.
• The many other hazards and distractions which can occur on a bicycle ride.
4. Ride in designated bike lanes, on designated bike paths or as close to the edge of the road as possible, in the direction of traffic flow or as directed by local
governing laws.
5. Stop at stop signs and traffic lights; slow down and look both ways at street intersections. Remember that a bicycle always loses in a collision with a motor
vehicle, so be prepared to yield even if you have the right of way.
6. Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping.
11

7. Never ride with headphones. They mask traffic sounds and emergency vehicle sirens, distract you from concentrating on what’s going on around you, and
their wires can tangle in the moving parts of the bicycle, causing you to lose control.
8. Never carry a passenger, unless it is a small child wearing an approved helmet and secured in a correctly mounted child carrier or a child-carrying trailer.
9. Never carry anything which obstructs your vision or your complete control of the bicycle, or which could become entangled in the moving parts of the bicycle.
10. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another vehicle.
11. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you intend to do stunts, wheelies, jumps or go racing with your bike despite our advice not to, read Section 2.F, Down-
hill, Stunt or Competition Biking, now. Think carefully about your skills before deciding to take the large risks that go with this kind of riding.
12. Don’t weave through traffic or make any moves that may surprise people with whom you are sharing the road.
13. Observe and yield the right of way.
14. Never ride your bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. If possible, avoid riding in bad weather, when visibility is obscured, at dawn, dusk or in the dark, or when extremely tired. Each of these conditions increases
the risk of accident.
C. Off Road Safety
We recommend that children not ride on rough terrain unless they are accompanied by an adult.
1. The variable conditions and hazards of off-road riding require close attention and specific skills. Start slowly on easier terrain and build up your skills. If your
bike has suspension, the increased speed you may develop also increases your risk of losing control and falling. Get to know how to handle your bike safely
before trying increased speed or more difficult terrain.
2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan to do.
3. Don’t ride alone in remote areas. Even when riding with others, make sure that someone knows where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
4. Always take along some kind of identification, so that people know who you are in case of an accident; and take along a couple of dollars in cash for a candy
bar, a cool drink or an emergency phone call.
5. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride in a way that does not frighten or endanger them, and give them enough room so that their unexpected
moves don’t endanger you.
6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong while you’re riding off-road, help may not be close.
7. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with your bike, read and understand Section 2.F.
12

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, equestri-
ans, 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.
D. Wet Weather Riding
!
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.
Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your brakes (as well as the brakes of other vehicles sharing the road) is dramatically reduced and your tires don’t
grip nearly as well. This makes it harder to control speed and easier to lose control. To make sure that you can slow down and stop safely in wet conditions, ride
more slowly and apply your brakes earlier and more gradually than you would under normal, dry conditions. See also Section 4.C.
E. Night Riding
Riding a bicycle at night is many times more dangerous than riding during the day. A bicyclist 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 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.
13

14
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, flash-
ing 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.
If riding in traffic:
• Be predictable. Ride so that drivers can see you and predict your movements.
• Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.
• If you plan to ride in traffic often, ask your dealer about traffic safety classes or a good book on bicycle traffic safety.
F. Extreme, stunt or competition riding
Whether you call it Aggro, Hucking, Freeride, North Shore, Downhill, Jumping, Stunt Riding, Racing or something else: by engaging in this sort of extreme, aggres-
sive riding you voluntarily assume an increased risk of injury or death. Not all bicycles are designed for these types of riding, and those that are may not be suitable
for all types of aggressive riding. Check with your dealer or the bicycle’s manufacturer about the suitability of your bicycle before engaging in extreme riding.

15
When riding fast down hill, you can reach speeds seen on motorcycles, and therefore face similar hazards and risks. Have your bicycle and equipment carefully
inspected by a qualified mechanic and be sure it is in perfect condition. Consult with expert riders and race officials on conditions and equipment advisable at
the site where you plan to ride. Wear appropriate safety gear, including an approved full face helmet, full finger gloves, and body armor. Ultimately, it is your
responsibility to have proper equipment and to be familiar with course conditions.
!
WARNING: Although many catalogs, advertisements and articles about bicycling depict riders engaged in extreme riding, this activity is
extremely dangerous, increases your risk of injury or death, and increases the severity of any injury. Remember that the action depicted is being
performed by professionals with many years of training and experience. Know your limits and always wear a helmet and other appropriate safety
gear. Even with state-of-the-art protective safety gear, you could be seriously injured or killed when jumping, stunt riding, riding downhill at speed or
in competition.
!
CAUTION: Bicycles and bicycle parts have limitations with regard to strength and integrity, and this type of riding can exceed those limitations.
We recommend against this type of riding because of the increased risks; but if you choose to take the risk, at least:
• Take lessons from a competent instructor first.
• Start with easy learning exercises and slowly develop your skills before trying more difficult or dangerous riding.
• Do stunts, jumping, racing or fast downhill riding only in areas designated for this type of riding.
• Wear a full face helmet, safety pads and other safety gear.
• Understand and recognize that the stresses imposed on your bike by this kind of activity may break or damage parts of the bicycle and void the warranty.
• Take your bicycle to your dealer if anything breaks or bends. Do not ride your bicycle when any part is damaged.
If you ride downhill at speed, do stunt riding or ride in competition, know the limits of your skill and experience. Ultimately, avoiding injury is your responsibility.
G. Changing Components or Adding Accessories
There are many components and accessories available to enhance the comfort, performance and appearance of your bicycle. However, if you change
components or add accessories, you do so at your own risk. The bicycle’s manufacturer may not have tested that component or accessory for compatibility,
reliability or safety on your bicycle. Before installing any component or accessory, including a different size tire, make sure that it is compatible with your bicycle
by checking with your dealer. Be sure to read, understand and follow the instructions that accompany the products you purchase for your bicycle.
!
WARNING: Failure to confirm compatibility, properly install, operate and maintain any component or accessory can result in serious injury or death.
!
CAUTION: Changing the components on your bike may void the warranty. Refer to your warranty, and check with your dealer before changing the components on
your bike.

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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 experi-
ence, skill and tools, have your dealer check your work before riding.
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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.
A. Standover height
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 block. A bike which you ride only on paved surfaces and never take off-
road should give you a minimum standover 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 standover height clearance. And a bike that you’ll use off road should
give you four inches (10 cm) or more of clearance.
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WARNING: If you plan to use your bike for jumping or stunt riding, read Section 2.F again.
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.
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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” or
“Maximum Extension” 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).
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WARNING: If your seat post projects from the frame beyond the Minimum Insertion or Maximum Extension 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.
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.
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.
Note: If your bicycle is equipped with a suspension seat post, periodically ask your 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.
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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.
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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 dealer can help you select a saddle which, when correctly adjusted for your body
and riding style, will be comfortable.
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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 different saddle.
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,
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 different 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, 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.
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WARNING: On some bicycles, changing the stem or stem height can affect the tension of the front brake cable, locking the front brake or creat-
ing 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.
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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 dealer can also change the
angle of the handlebar or bar end extensions.
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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 insufficiently tightened.
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