MONTAGUE DIRECT CONNECT User manual

1
Even if you have ridden a bike for years, it is important for you and every
rider to read this manual before riding this bicycle.
IMPORTANT: KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Bicycle Owner’s Manual
®

2
HELMETS
SAVE
LIVES!
Always wear a properly tted
helmet that complies with CPSC or
CE safety standards when you ride
your bicycle.
Great care should be taken when
locking the quick release levers on the
bicycle. If you do not fully understand
how to operate the quick release
levers, ask a bicycle dealer for
assistance, or call Montague’s
Customer Support Team at
[phone].
DO NOT RIDE YOUR BICYCLE
WITHOUT ALL QUICK RELEASES
SECURELY LOCKED.
WARNING
In this manual, the WARNING sign
shows a hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, could cause death or
serious injury.
WARNING
In this manual, the CAUTION sign
shows a hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, could cause minor or
moderate injury.
CAUTION
As with all mechanical components, the bicycle is subjected to wear and high
stresses. Di󰀨erent materials and components may react to wear or fatigue in
di󰀨erent ways. If the design life of a component has been exceeded, it may
suddenly fail possibly causing injuries to the rider. Any form of crack, scratch or
change of colouring in highly stressed areas indicate that the life of the component
has been reached and it should be replaced. Do not ride in an abusive manner.
WARNING
Correct Fitting - Make sure
your helmet covers your
forehead.
Incorrect Fitting - Forehead
is exposed and vulnerable to
serious injury.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warnings 2
Table of Contents 3
Introduction 4
Record Your Serial Number 4
Register Your Bicycle 4
Owner’s Responsibility 5
Bicycle Type and Use Conditions 6
Parts of your Bicycle 7
Before your First Ride 8
Make Sure your Bicycle is
the Correct Size 8
Know How your Bike Operates 8
Check your Brakes, Steering,
and Quick Releases 8
Prevent Toe Overlap 8
Hot Spots, Moving Parts, Sharp
Areas, and Pinch Points 9
Frame or Fork Problem 9
Life Span of a Bicycle 9
Before Every Ride 10
Before Each Ride Checklist 10
Carbon Fiber Composite 10
Examine the Frame and Fork 11
Examine the Wheels 11
Examine Tire Ination 12
Examine the Brakes 12
Examine the Steering 13
Saddle and Seatpost 13
Suspension 14
Quick Release 14
Lights and Reectors 14
General 14
Riding Safely 15
Caution: Wet Weather Riding 16
Be Seen (Especially at Night) 16
Think Safety 17
Riding Instructions 18
Using your Brakes 18
Changing Gears Correctly 18
Descending 19
Obstacles and Impacts 20
Assembling your Bicycle 21
Packing List 21
Assembly 21
Installing the Seatpost 21
Installing the Pedals 22
Installing the handlebars 23
Installing the Front Fender 24
Operating RackStand 25
Unfolding your Bicycle 26
To Unfold your Bike 26
Adjusting the Frame
Quick Release 27
Front Fender 28
Attaching the Front Wheel 28
Adjusting your CLIX Front Wheel
Quick Release 29
Securing the Front Brake 30
Folding your Bicycle 32
Installing RackStand 33
Proper Maintenance
and Adjustment 35
Torque Specications 35
Handlebars 35
Stems 36
Octagon 37
Seat (Saddle) Adjustments 38
Pedals 39
Single Speed Chain Adjustment 39
Control Cables 40
Rear Derailleur Adjustment 40
Front Derailleur Adjustment 41
Internal Gear Systems / Belt Drive 42
Brakes 42
Wheels 43
Fitted Accessories 45
Bearing Adjustments 46
Lubrication 46
Maintenance Schedule 47
Warranty 48
Registration Card Insert
Section One
Section Two
Section Three

4
IMPORTANT: KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
This manual is designed to give you
the information you need for the safe
operation and maintenance of your new
bicycle. Please read it thoroughly before
riding your bicycle.
Section One of this manual involves
safety and bicycle care. Understanding
and following this information will help
you and your Montague bicycle avoid
injury or damage.
Section Two of this manual covers
specic operating instructions for your
Montague bicycle. Even if you’re an
experienced rider, you should review this
section before your rst ride.
Section Three of this manual gives
basic instructions for making small
adjustments to your bicycle and
performing regular maintenance.
Record Your Serial Number
Your bicycle’s serial number is stamped
on the underside of the bottom bracket
shell (Fig. 1). Record the serial number
in this manual below in the event that
your bicycle is lost or stolen. You may
also want to register your serial number
with your local police department.
Register Your Bicycle
Bicycle
registration is
the only record
we have of who
owns this bicycle.
Registration and
proof of purchase
are necessary to
make a warranty
claim. There
are two easy
procedures to complete the registration
(mail or email):
• Fill in the registration form in the
back of this manual and mail it to us.
• Go to www.montaguebikes.com/
register and submit the registration
form to us via the internet.
Model Name:
Color:
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Place of Purchase:
INTRODUCTION
Serial Number Location
Fig. 1: The serial number
is located on the underside
of your bike on the bottom
bracket.
WARNING
Make sure to read this complete manual
before riding your bike. Failure to do
so, or failure to follow its guidelines,
could lead to serious injury or death.

5
The frequently updated website also
gives you a link to new instructions. If
you make a decision not to complete
the registration, make sure you visit the
website frequently.
Since the components on your
Montague are industry standard, repairs
or replacements can be performed at
virtually any retail bicycle dealer.
If you have any questions about your
Montague after reading this manual, or
encounter any problems when folding
or unfolding your bike, please visit the
support section of our website at
www.montaguebikes.com/support or call
Montague’s Customer Support Team
at [phone]. A knowledgeable
representative will be happy to answer
any questions and help you to fully enjoy
your new Montague.
Owner’s Responsibility
Before riding your Montague, carefully
follow all assembly instructions.
Ensure your bike is the correct size for
your comfort and safety. When standing
over the frame (straddle frame) you
should have a minimum of 1.0” clearance
between the boom tube and your body
(Fig. 3, page 8).
Note: Montague does not make
bicycles intended for children. Please
make sure all riders are adults.
Bicycle riding can be a hazardous
activity even under the best of
circumstances. Proper maintenance of
your bicycle is your responsibility as it
helps reduce the risk of injury.
All quick releases must be securely
fastened before riding any Montague
bicycle. The quick releases are pictured
on page 7 in Fig. 2. They are: the Clix
front wheel quick release (#25), the seat
post quick release (#8), the frame quick
release (#9), the rear wheel quick release
(#32, on select models), and the Octagon
stem quick release (Fig. 47 page 37,
on select models). Caliper brakes also
have a small brake release lever (Fig. 33
page 31) For instructions on operating
the quick release levers read Assembling
Your Montague Bicycle and Unfolding
Your Montague Bicycle on pages 21-31.
Double check to ensure all bolts and
screws are tightened to the correct
torque specications.
Make sure anyone to whom you loan
your Montague understands how to work
the quick release levers and how to fold
and unfold your Montague bike properly.
The owner is responsible for required
normal maintenance services, such
as those listed in the “Maintenance
Schedule” section of this booklet (page
47) in order to keep the bicycle in good
operating condition.
INTRODUCTION CONTINUED
Make sure to read this complete manual
before riding your bike. Failure to do
so, or failure to follow its guidelines
could lead to serious injury or death.
WARNING

6
Damage or injury resulting from
negligence, improper operation, improper
or unauthorized repair or maintenance,
environmental inuences, or improper
use are not warranted by Montague
Corporation. Montague Corporation
excludes incidental and consequential
damages.
Bicycle Type and Use
Conditions
There are many types of bicycles. Each
bicycle type is made for a specied use
or use condition. If your use of a bicycle
applies more stress than its condition
limit species, this could cause a failure
of the bicycle (or a part of the bicycle).
This section shows the use condition for
di󰀨erent types of bicycles. If you are not
sure of what condition(s) apply to your
bike, consult your Montague dealer or
call Montague for more information.
Condition 1
These bicycles are made to ride on a
paved surface where the tires are always
on the ground.
Condition 1 bicycles typically feature
at or drop style handlebars and 700c
wheels and smooth tires. These bicycles
may have accessories such as a rack,
fenders, or kickstand attached.
Condition 2
Condition 2 bicycles are made to cover
all the riding conditions expressed by
condition 1 with the addition of gravel
roads and groomed o󰀨-pavement trails.
Condition 2 bicycles typically feature
at handlebars and 700c or 26” wheels.
These bicycles have “semi slick” tires
with light knobs on them and direct pull
brakes.
Condition 3
Condition 3 bicycles are made to cover
all the riding conditions expressed by
conditions 1 and 2 with the addition of
rough trails, small obstacles, smooth
technical areas, and areas where tires
are momentarily not on the ground;
NOT FOR JUMPS. These bicycles are
typically referred to as Mountain Bicycles
or Cross Country Mountain Bicycles.
Condition 3 bicycles typically feature
at handlebars and 26” or 27.5” wheels.
These bicycles have wider tires with
large knobs on them and direct pull or
disc brakes.
If your use of a bicycle applies more
stress than the specied use condition
of the bicycle, the bicycle or its parts
can be broken or damaged. Riding
a bicycle that is damaged could
decrease your control and cause you
to fall. Do not ride in use conditions
that apply more stress than the limits
of the bicycle. If you are not sure of
the limits of the bicycle, consult your
dealer.
WARNING
INTRODUCTION CONTINUED

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PARTS OF YOUR BICYCLE
1. shift levers 2. handlebar 3. brake lever 4. stem 5. saddle 6. head set 7. seat post 8. seat post quick release 9. DirectConnect™ frame quick release 10. reectors (front & rear) 11. boom tube (also comes with 2 tubes) 12. spoke reectors (front & rear) 13. tire (front & rear) 14. water bottle mounts 15. seat tube 16. rear V-brake or caliper brake (select models) 17. front V-brake or caliper brake (select models) 18. rear disc brake (select models) 19. front disc brake (select models) 20. down tube 21. crank arm 22. seat stay 23. cassette 24. front derailleur 25. CLIX® front wheel quick release 26. frame Direct Connect™ 27. chainstay 28. chain wheel 29. rear derailleur 30. pedal 31. rim (front & rear) 32. rear wheel quick release or nut 33. wheel spokes
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
10
11
12 12
13 13
14
15
17
16
19
18
20
21
22
23
24 25
26
27
28
29 30
31
31
32
33
Fig 2. Parts of your bicycle and location of quick releases

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Make Sure your Bicycle is the
Correct Size
You should ask
your dealer or
Montague to help
nd a bicycle that
has the correct
dimensions for
your body. You
should be at least
1” of clearance
above the boom
tube (2-3” clearance for mountain bikes)
when you stand over the bicycle (Fig. 3).
You can adjust the saddle (pages 21 and
38) and handlebar (on select models)
(pages 36-37) to o󰀨er the best comfort
and performance.
Before you make these adjustments,
refer to the Proper Maintenance and
Adjustments section beginning on page
35. Montague bicycles are designed
for a maximum total weight of rider plus
luggage of 250lbs or a maximum total
weight of rider plus luggage plus bicycle
of 280lbs.
Know How your Bike Operates
The elements of your bicycle, if not
used correctly, can decrease your
control of the bicycle. Before you ride
fast or outside a controlled environment,
learn the operation and performance
of all the mechanisms of your bicycle.
Practice using the various features of
your bicycle at slower speeds in a at,
open area before taking the bike on
public roads. If your bicycle does not
operate as necessary, or if di󰀨erent parts
are necessary for the safe operation of
your bicycle, speak to your dealer or call
Montague Corporation [phone].
Check your Brakes, Steering,
and Quick Releases
Press each hand lever to ensure the
brakes are moving freely and stop the
bike. Braking performance changes with
riding conditions. Practice braking at low
speeds before taking your bike out into
high tra󰀩c areas or trails. If your brakes
are not working properly, DO NOT ride
your bicycle. Take the bike to your local
dealer for service.
Check that all quick releases (front
wheel, frame, seatpost, and on some
models rear wheel, caliper brake and
Octagon) are fastened. Nothing should
rattle or be loose.
Review Riding Safely on page 15 and
Riding Instructions on page 18 before
attempting to ride your Montague bicycle.
Check the steering as shown in Fig. 7,
page 13.
Prevent Toe Overlap
Some frame sizes, especially smaller
sizes, use a short-wheelbase design
with the front wheel close to the pedals.
Increasing the distance between the
front wheel and the pedals could place
the handlebar too far away or make the
BEFORE YOUR FIRST RIDE
1” - 3”
Fig. 3: Bicycle stand over.
A bicycle that does not work properly
can cause you to lose control and fall.
Inspect the entire bicycle thoroughly
before every ride, and do not ride it
until any problem has been corrected.
WARNING

9
steering unwieldy. On bicycles where this
distance is short, when the handlebar
is turned during very slow speeds your
foot or toe-clip could overlap or touch the
front wheel or fender (Fig. 4).
This overlap is a󰀨ected by the size of
your feet, the length of the crankarms,
and the pedals
you choose. At
usual speeds, the
handlebar does not
turn su󰀩ently for
overlap to occur.
When you ride
slowly, do not pedal
when the handelbar
is turned.
Hot Spots, Moving Parts, Sharp
Areas, and Pinch Points
Some parts of your bicycle can injure
you if mishandled. Sharp areas include
chainring teeth, pedals, and brake discs.
Brakes and their parts get hot. Moving
parts can cut skin and even break bones.
Clamps and pivoting parts such as brake
levers can pinch, as can the chain where
it runs over sprocket teeth.
Frame or Fork Problem
Frame problems are uncommon, but an
early warning sign can be the presence
of a shake or shimmy while riding at
some speeds. If you experience this,
or any other problem, decrease speed
Fig. 4. Toe overlap.
immediately and do not ride the bicycle.
If your bicycle behaves in an unusual
manner or makes excessive noise, take
the bicycle to your dealer for service.
Life Span of a Bicycle
Bikes and the components that
comprise them are not indestructible.
Depending on the riding forces,
conditions, and mileage endured, you
should replace your bike or its parts at an
appropriate frequency.
The safe life of a part is determined
by its construction, materials, and wide
range of operating conditions, so it is not
possible to provide a precise schedule
for replacement. Any cracks, scratches,
or signicant color changes indicate that
a component’s life has been reached and
should be replaced. Consult your dealer
if you have any areas of concern.
Good maintenance practices and
frequent inspections will ensure that you
get the most out of your investment.
BEFORE YOUR FIRST RIDE CONTINUED
If your foot or toe-clip touches the front
wheel or fender, this could decrease
your control and cause a fall. Do not
pedal when you turn at slow speed.
WARNING
A frame or fork problem can decrease
control and cause a fall. If your bicycle
gets a shimmy or any other issue,
decrease speed immediately and take
it to your dealer for service.
WARNING
Bikes are subjected to wear and
high stresses. Di󰀨erent components
react to these stresses di󰀨erently.
If the design life of a component is
exceeded, it may suddenly fail and
cause injury to the rider.
WARNING

10
Ensure that your bicycle is in proper
working condition each and every time
you ride. If a part of the bicycle does not
function correctly, consult this manual
and bring the bicycle to your local dealer
for repair.
Before Each Ride Checklist
• Frame and Fork
• Wheels
• Tire Ination
• Brakes
• Handlebar and Stem
• Saddle and Seatpost
• Suspension
• Quick Releases
• Lights & Reectors
• General
Carbon Fiber Composite
Some models have carbon ber
components. Pound for pound,
carbon ber is stronger than steel or
aluminum. But it behaves di󰀨erently
when it is overloaded in an accident
or impact. An overloaded metal part
will bend or deform before it breaks,
showing evidence of the load (Fig. 5).
An overloaded carbon ber part will not
bend or deform, so a damaged carbon
part (with reduced strength due to the
damage) may look normal - even after
the same load that bent the metal part.
But when the sum of the forces nally
exceeds the strength limit of the carbon
ber, the carbon ber part breaks, it does
not deform (Fig. 5).
In an accident or impact that does not
break the carbon ber, the carbon ber
could have internal or hidden damage
but appear normal. If that occurs, please
carefully read these instructions and
examine the carbon ber. These tests
are not conclusive: If you are not sure a
part is safe, replace it.
BEFORE EVERY RIDE
This is not a comprehensive maintenance program. Montague recommends that
you have your bicycle tuned and safety checked by a bicycle technician on a regular
basis but no less than annually. If you notice any irregularities in your bike and/or
its performance take it to a bicycle dealer before attempting to ride. Overuse of any
brake system may cause loss of control resulting in personal injury.
WARNING
A bicycle that does not work properly
can cause you to lose control and fall.
Do not ride a bicycle with a part that
is damaged; replace the part before
riding.
WARNING
Fig. 5.
Overloaded forks:
• The metal fork
on the left bent
when overloaded
• The carbon ber
fork on the right
failed at a much
higher load, but
separated.

11
Carbon Fiber Test
To examine for surface problems
1. Clean the part fully with a moist cloth.
2. Look carefully for problems. These
include scratches, gouges, cracks,
discoloration, loose bers, or other
surface imperfections.
To examine for a change of the rigidity
(ex test):
Do not ride, but use the part in the
usual manner while someone carefully
examines the part for movement or
unusual noise.
To examine for delamination (tap test):
1. Clean the part fully with a moist cloth
2. With a coin, tap near the area you
suspect damage.
3. Listen carefully for variations in
sound. Tap on the part where it is
in good condition (or use a part that
is almost the same). Compare the
sound. Anything unusual, especially
a hollow sound, indicates a problem.
Protect from Extreme
Temperatures
Protect carbon composite components
from extreme temperatures when storing
or transporting your bike.
Allow carbon composite components to
cool o󰀨 or warm up before you ride. Do not
store a bike with carbon components in
places where the temperature will exceed
66.5°C (150°F). For example, do not
leave your bike lying at in a black pickup
truck bed in the desert sun or under the
glass of a hatchback auto.
Excessive heat, such as that used in
powder coating, or any open ame, may
damage the adhesive which joins carbon
composite parts. Do not exceed 180°F
(82°C) exposure to your frame.
Examine the Frame and Fork
Before and after each ride, examine
your bicycle for signs of fatigue and
stress. Such signs may manifest
themselves in the form of:
• Dents
• Cracks
• Scratches
• Deformation
• Discoloration
• Unusual Noises
If your bicycle receives a high force
load or impact, fully examine all the
parts of your bicycle. High force loads
include crashes and strong impacts that
do not cause you to crash. If you are
BEFORE EVERY RIDE CONTINUED
A carbon ber part that has damage
can break suddenly, causing serious
injury or death.
Carbon ber can conceal damage
from an impact or crash. If you
suspect your bicycle has had an
impact or crash, immediately stop
riding the bicycle. Replace the part
before riding, or take to your dealer for
service.
WARNING

12
unsure whether or not to replace a part,
speak to your local dealer.
Examine the Wheels
Check the attachment of both wheels.
With the quick release lever in the
“close” position, pick the front wheel o󰀨
the ground and apply force to the wheel
in a downward motion (Fig.30 page 29).
The wheel should remain securely in
place. Grab your wheel and try to move
it from side to side. Check the rims for
cracks, discoloration, and trueness. If
there is any movement or irregularity in
the wheel do not ride your bike. Take it to
your local dealer for service.
When the quick release lever is
properly adjusted and in closed position
you should not be able to rotate the lever
in a circular motion (parallel to wheel).
This is di󰀨erent from the “ipping”
motion, used to open and close the quick
release lever (Fig. 57 page 44). Repeat
the same steps to check the rear wheel.
Note that di󰀨erent systems attach
bicycle wheels to the frame: threaded
axle nuts, and multiple styles of a lever
actuated quick-release system.
Make sure the wheels are straight. Turn
each wheel and look at the rim when
it goes through the brake pads or the
frame. If the rim wobbles up and down or
from side to side, repair the wheel.
Examine Tire Ination
Inate the tires to the air pressure
recommended on the sidewall of the
tire. Improper tire pressure will cause
excessive wear, causing premature
replacement. Pressurized, unregulated
pumps should not be used for this task.
The tire should be properly seated in
the rim and the tting of the tire bead and
rim bead should be checked. If the tube
is pinched between the tire and the rim,
it can explode when inated. Ensure that
the tire is not cracked or unevenly worn.
Check for bulges. Check that the valve is
straight in the rim. Irregular tires should
be replaced immediately.
Examine the Brakes
BEFORE EVERY RIDE CONTINUED
Excess air pressure can cause the tire
to explode o󰀨 the rim, causing hearing
loss or, if riding, a loss of control. Use
a hand pump with a reliable pressure
gauge and do not overinate.
WARNING
A wheel quick release that is not
properly adjusted or closed can cause
the wheel to loosen or come o󰀨,
suddenly stop its rotation, or decrease
your control, causing you to fall. Make
sure the wheels are correctly attached
before riding your bicycle.
WARNING
A brake system that has damage or is
not adjusted properly could decrease
your control and cause you to fall.
Inspect brakes fully before each ride,
and do not ride if brakes are not
operating correctly. Make adjustments
as needed or take to your local dealer
for service.
WARNING

13
to the handlebar, the brake is too loose.
When brakes are not applied, the brake
pads should be .25-.75mm away from
the disc. If the pads are too near to the
disc, the brake is not in line or it is too
tight and the brake should be adjusted.
Examine the Steering
Make sure the stem is in line with the
front wheel and correctly attached to the
fork and handlebar.
To examine the connection to the fork,
try to turn the handlebar from side to side
while you hold the front wheel between
your knees (Fig. 7).
To examine the connection of the
handlebar, try to twist it in the stem. The
handlebar should not move or be loose.
Follow the inspection instructions for the
type of brake equipped on your bicycle:
• Hand-rim brake: a cable connects
a hand lever to the brake. The lever
causes brake pads to apply pressure
to the rim. Pull the lever to make sure
the brake moves freely and stops the
bicycle. If the lever can be pulled to the
handlebar, the brake is too loose. When
brakes are not applied, brake pads
should be 1 to 2mm from rim. If brake
pads are too near the rim, brake is too
tight. The brake pads should be in line
with the rim surface (Fig. 6, page 13)
• Disc brake: a cable or hydraulic hose
connects a hand lever to the brake. The
lever causes the brake to apply
pressure to a disc attached to the hub.
Pull the brake lever to make sure
the brake moves freely and stops the
bicycle. If the brake lever can be pulled
Never ride a bike with an improperly
adjusted handlebar or stem as this
can cause you to lose control of the
bike, leading to serious injury or death.
Also, handlebar ends that are not
plugged or covered can cut in a crash.
WARNING
Fig. 7:
Try to turn the
handlebars while
holding the front
wheel between
your knees.
Disc brakes and discs get very hot
during use and could burn skin. Also,
the disc edges can be sharp and could
cut skin. Do not touch the disc or disc
brake when it turns or when hot.
CAUTION
A
B
C
D
Rim
Pad
Fig. 6: Pad alignment. A: Brake pad lined up with
rim surface. B: Brake pad and rim should be paral-
lel. C: Rim direction. D: Toe-in of .5-1.0mm.
BEFORE EVERY RIDE CONTINUED

14
Make sure that no cables are pulled or
caught on the bicycle when you turn the
handlebar. If the handlebar or stem is
loose to turn, bring the bike to a local
dealer for inspection.
Saddle and Seatpost
Make sure the saddle is correctly
attached and the minimum insertion
line on the seatpost is not showing.
Try to turn the saddle and seatpost in
the frame, and try to move the front of
the saddle up and down. The saddle
should not move or be loose. If the
saddle is loose try adjusting it using the
instructions on pages 21 & 38.
Suspension
On select models, adjust your
suspension for your use, and make
sure that no suspension component can
“bottom-out”, or be fully compressed
while riding.
Quick Releases
Check that all quick releases (front
wheel, frame, seatpost, and on some
models rear wheel,caliper brake,
Octagon® stem, and RackStand latch)
are fastened. Nothing should rattle or be
loose.
Lights & Reectors
Make sure lights operate correctly and
that batteries are charged. Make sure all
reectors are clean and in their correct
position.
BEFORE EVERY RIDE CONTINUED
Without correct lights and reectors,
it will not be easy for you to see or for
other people to see you. If you cannot
see, or other people cannot see you,
you could have an accident. Use a
front light, a rear light, and reectors
when you ride in low visibility
conditions.
WARNING
General
Check to make sure nothing seems
loose or rattles. Check that both pedals
are properly threaded into the crank
arms.

15
The rst rule in safe bicycle riding is
to use common sense. A bicycle is
vulnerable; it cannot protect you in a
crash, impact, or loss of control the
way a car can. A bicycle can tip over
sideways or pitch you over the front
wheel. It does not have bumpers or
airbags as a car does. This section is
a guide of safe riding practices for on-
and o󰀨-road operation. Make sure you
are using your bicycle for proper use
condition (page 6) as it relates to o󰀨-road
riding.
Di󰀨erent localities and countries have
di󰀨erent laws governing bicycle riding
on public roads, and you should check
with local o󰀩cials to make sure you are
complying with these laws.
• For your safety, always wear a
helmet that meets CPSE or CE
safety standards. In the event of
an accident a helmet can protect
you from serious injury and even
death. A bicycle dealer will be happy
to assist you in the selection of a
helmet and other useful accessories.
• Obey all local tra󰀩c laws. Obey red
and green lights, one-way streets,
stop signs, etc.
• Ride with the tra󰀩c, not against it.
Ride single le in a straight line.
• Have a satisfactory signaling
device (bell, horn, etc.), to warn of
approach. Ride Defensively (expect
the unexpected).
• Give pedestrians the right of way.
Do not ride too close to pedestrians
and alert them if you intend to pass
from behind.
• Slow down at all street intersections
and look to the left and right before
crossing.
• Always use proper hand signals for
turning and stopping. Give signals
100 ft. before stopping or turning
and always return both hands to
the handlebars before stopping or
turning.
• Watch for cars pulling out into tra󰀩c
and for the sudden opening of car
doors.
•Avoid potholes, drainage grates or
other road surface hazards. Cross
railroad tracks at a right angle. Be
careful when riding on soft road
edges, gravel, sand and uneven
surfaces. Ride slowly and avoid quick
turns when riding on these surfaces.
RIDING SAFELY
Proper use of your front brake is vital
to ensure safe, e󰀩cient stopping. To
avoid misuse and potential injury, do
not apply sudden or excessive force to
your front brake. Doing so may cause
your rear wheel to lift o󰀨 the ground
and/or your front wheel to slip from
under you. Apply both brakes at the
same time and shift your weight back-
ward on the bicycle while braking.
WARNING

16
Ride slower than normal and apply your
brakes sooner than regular conditions
would require.
When wet surfaces freeze, traction is
further decreased. Brake power could
decrease. Adjust your speed.
Be Seen (Especially at Night)
Your bicycle has a full set of reectors.
Make sure the reectors are clean and
in the correct position. As useful as
these reectors are, they do not help
your vision. They do not make you easy
to see unless light is pointed at them.
You should see and be seen. If you
ride at dusk, at night, or in low-visibility
conditions, speak to your dealer to nd
equipment or materials to help your
vision and make you easier to see.
• Never hitch on to other vehicles, do
not “stunt” ride or race in tra󰀩c. Do
not weave in and out of the tra󰀩c or
swerve from side to side.
• We do not recommend tting a
child-seat to any Montague bicycle.
However, if one is tted, care should
be taken to t suitable coverings to
prevent trapping of children’s ngers.
• A crash can put extraordinary
stress on bicycle components,
causing them to fatigue prematurely.
Components su󰀨ering from stress
fatigue can fail suddenly, causing
loss of control, or serious injury. For
more information and a guide for
safe on-road and o󰀨-road riding, see
www.montaguebikes.com/support.
Caution: Wet Weather Riding
Brakes do not work as well under
wet conditions as they do when dry. In
wet weather, special precautions must
be taken to ensure safety in stopping.
Proper adjustment and cable lubrication
will help, but the major precaution rests
with you, the rider. Increased brake
pressure is needed in wet or rainy
weather and care must be taken to
maintain safety in these conditions.
RIDING SAFELY CONTINUED
When you ride in low-visibility condi-
tions such as fog, dusk, or night, you
might be di󰀩cult to see, which could
lead to a collision. Your bicycle is
equipped with reectors. In addition
to keeping your reectors clean, and
properly a󰀩xed to your bicycle, use a
front light and rear light when you ride
in conditions with low light or low vis-
ibility. Wear bright, reective clothing
when riding in poor lighting conditions.
Consult your local bike shop to nd
accessories and clothing appropriate
for your riding needs.
WARNING
Wet or inclement weather can make
a bicycle di󰀩cult to control. Decrease
your speed and use extra caution, or
use other types of transportation.
WARNING

17
Think Safety
Think about safety when you ride. You
can prevent many bicycle accidents if
you think about safety. For example:
• Check your bike before every ride,
making sure that your brakes are
operating e󰀨ectively and everything
is in perfect working condition.
• Do not ride ‘no hands.’
• Do not ‘ride double.’
• Avoid riding in large groups, as this
can force you to ride too close to
other riders, making it di󰀩cult to see
other vehicles and road hazards.
When another rider is close, a sud-
den change in direction or speed can
cause you to lose control.
• Do not ride above your skill level.
• Do not ride too fast - with increased
speed comes increased risk. Higher
speed causes small bumps to create
large impact forces on your forks and
frame, and results in higher forces
and risk of injury if a crash occurs.
• Do not ride with loose objects
attached to the handlebar or other
parts of the bicycle, for example with
a pet or its leash.
• Never carry other riders or packages,
as they may obstruct vision or proper
control of the bicycle.
• Do not ride while intoxicated or while
taking medications which can make
RIDING SAFELY CONTINUED
you drowsy.
• Ride carefully when o󰀨-road, staying
on trails, and not riding over rocks,
branches, or depressions.
• When approachng a descent,
decrease speed, move your weight
to the rear, and use the rear brake
more than the front.
• Do not ride abusively, ride within the
Use Conditions specied for your
bicycle type.
You add to your risk of injury when
you use your bicycle incorrectly, for
example when you:
• Jump your bicycle
• Ride over sticks, debris, or other
obstacles
• Do bicycle stunts
• Ride in severe, o󰀨-road terrain
• Ride fast, in competition, or
“downhill”
• Ride in an unusual manner
Such examples add to the stress on
each part of your bicycle. High stress
can cause the frame or a part to break
and increase your risk of injury. To
decrease your risk of injury, use your
bicycle correctly.
WARNING

18
RIDING INSTRUCTIONS
Using Your Brakes
Always ride with a safe distance
between you and other vehicles or
objects. Use your brakes. Adjust speed,
braking distances, and braking force
based on the conditions you ride in.
Apply pressure to both brakes at the
same time. Overuse or incorrect use of a
front brake could cause the rear wheel to
lift from the ground which can cause an
accident (Fig. 8).
Many models of modern brakes are very
powerful; they are made to stop a bicycle
in wet or muddy conditions. If you think
your brakes are too powerful, transport
your bicycle to your dealer for adjustment
or replacement of the brake system.
Note: In most countries around the
world, including the U.S.A., the left
brake lever operates the front brake,
and the right brake lever operates the
rear brake (note: bicycles manufactured
for the United Kingdom and some other
countries switch these and the left brake
lever operates the rear brake and the
right brake lever operates the front
brake).
Changing Gears Correctly
The multi-gear system provides a
means of maintaining a constant pedaling
rate, regardless of road level conditions.
The gears are activated by cables
connecting the shift levers located on the
handlebar to the derailleurs.
If your bicycle is equipped with twist
shifters, rotating the twist shifters towards
you moves the chain from one chainring
(or sprocket) to the next larger chainring
(or sprocket). Rotating the twist shifters
away from you moves the chain from one
chainring (or sprocket) to the next smaller
chainring (or sprocket).
If your bicycle is equipped with shift
levers, pushing the thumb shift lever
away from you moves the chain from one
chainring (or sprocket) to the next larger
chainring. Pulling the index nger shift
lever towards you moves the chain to the
next smaller chainring (or sprocket).
The left shifter controls the front
derailleur and the right shifter lever
controls the rear derailleur. To shift,
continue pedaling at a steady pace while
operating the shifters and engage the
gear you nd most comfortable.
WARNING
Fig. 8. Do not over-use the front-wheel brake; the
rear wheel can lift and cause you to lose control.

19
For easiest pedaling (while going
uphill), position the chain over the
smallest chainring in front and the largest
sprocket in back. For hardest pedaling
(while going downhill or quickly), position
the chain over the largest chainring in
front and the smallest sprocket in back.
For models with an external derailleur,
pedals and wheels must be turning
forward while shifting gears. Never pedal
backward while shifting gears and never
force the twist shifters or shift levers.
To change gears on models with
internal gear hubs, move the pedals to
the rear or do not move them. If you must
change gears while you pedal, decrease
your pressure on the pedals. Too much
tension on the chain prevents the correct
operation of the gear change mechanism
and could damage the mechanism.
If your bicycle is shifting incorrectly,
please review Derailleur Adjustment on
pages 40-42 or take the bike to your
local dealer.
Descending
The keys to safely and e󰀨ectively
descending a hill are speed control,
weight distribution, and steering control.
Speed control
Your speed is controlled through
experience and good braking, (covered
earlier).
Weight distribution
Keep your weight correctly in balance
between the wheels on a steep downhill
by moving your weight rearward on
the bicycle and as low as possible, just
like when braking. Keep your feet on
the pedals and keep the crankarms
horizontal and parallel to the ground
(unless you are cornering as you
descend; see the next section). Keep
your knees and elbows bent to allow your
body to absorb some of the bumps and
impacts during the descent. For extra
stability, squeeze the seat between your
thighs (some folks even like to squeeze
the top tube with their legs). Avoid a
“death grip” on your brakes, instead
use them as outlined in the Using Your
Brakes section.
Steering control
When cornering, do the majority of your
braking before you make your turn. Hard
braking during the turn can cause your
wheels to skid, which could cause you
to lose control. Make sure your speed is
reasonable, then ease o󰀨 the brakes when
you’re about halfway through the turn.
To avoid catching the inside pedal on the
ground, make sure that your outside pedal
is down and your weight is on the outside
pedal. Lean your bicycle in the direction
of the turn, but slightly angle your upper
body in the opposite direction, keeping
your body and head more upright.
RIDING INSTRUCTIONS CONTINUED

20
RIDING INSTRUCTIONS CONTINUED
Obstacles and Impacts
Always look well down the road to
help you anticipate upcoming obstacles.
This distance will vary according to your
speed, but remember that the closer you
get to an obstacle, the less time you have
to react to it.
Use caution when you encounter
obstacles in the road, whether it’s a
sewer grate, speed bump, gravel, or any
other hazard. If you are going fast, even
a small obstacle can create a signicant
impact to your bicycle. If you are unsure
of your ability to safely ride over an
object, it is best to either ride around it or
dismount and walk around it.
Your body and bicycle will have a
natural tendency to go where you are
looking. If you focus on an obstacle,
you may go through it when you really
wanted to avoid it. Focus on the part of
the road where you want to go, not on the
obstacles.