Orbea Multi-speed bicycle User manual

Owner’s Manual
for multi-speed bicycles
8th Edition, 2006
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Owner’s Manual
i
02
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 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 safety and consult with your dealer
or the bicycle’s manufacturer.
Owner’s Manual
for multi-speed bicycles
8th Edition, 2006
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03
GENERAL WARNING.................................................................................. 04
A special note to parents...................................................................... 05
1. First .............................................................................................................06
A. Bike Fit .................................................................................................06
B. Safety First ..........................................................................................06
C. Mechanical Safety Check................................................................07
D. First ride ................................................................................................09
2. Safety............................................................................................................10
A. The Basics............................................................................................10
B. Riding Safety ......................................................................................11
C. Off Road Safety .................................................................................12
D. Wet Weather Riding .........................................................................13
E. Night Riding .........................................................................................14
F. Extreme, stunt or competition riding ..........................................16
G. Changing Components or Adding Accessories.......................17
3.Fit .................................................................................................................18
A. Standover height................................................................................18
B. Saddle position ..................................................................................19
C. Handlebar height and angle ...........................................................21
D. Control Position Adjustments .......................................................22
E. Brake reach ........................................................................................22
4. Tech.................................................................................................................23
A Wheels...................................................................................................23
1. Wheel Quick Release........................................................................23
2. Removing and Installing Quick Release Wheels ......................25
3. Removing and Installing Bolt-On Wheels...................................28
B. Seatpost Quick Release ..................................................................29
C. Brakes....................................................................................................32
D. Shifting gears.......................................................................................34
E. Pedals ...................................................................................................37
F. Bicycle Suspension ..........................................................................39
G. Tires and Tubes ..................................................................................40
5.Service ............................................................................................................44
A. Service Intervals..................................................................................44
B. If your bycicle sustains an impact.................................................45
Appendix A:......................................................................................................46
Lifespan of your bike and its components.........................................46
Contents
!
Note
This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair or maintenance manual. Please see your
dealer for all service, repairs or maintenance. Your dealer may also be able to refer you to classes, clinics or
books on bicycle use, service, repair or maintenance.
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General Warning
04
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.
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05
General Warning
A special note for parents
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 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.
!
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First
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06
A. Bike fit
1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see Section 3.A. If your bicycle is too large or too small for you, you may
lose control and fall.
If your new bike is not the right size, ask your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.
2. Is the saddle at the right height? To check, see Section 3.B. If you adjust your saddle height, follow the Minimum
Insertion instructions in Section 3.B.
3. Are saddle and 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 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.
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.
Note
We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its entirety before your First ride. At the very least, read and make
sure that you understand each point in this section, and refer to the cited sections on any issue which you don’t
completely understand. Please note that not all bicycles have all of the features described in this Manual. Ask
your dealer to point out the features of your bicycle.
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07
First
1
Warning
!
Correct tightening force on fasteners –nuts, bolts, screws– on your bicycle is important. Too little force, and the
fastener may not hold securely. Too much force, and the fastener can strip threads, stretch, deform or break.
Either way, incorrect tightening force can result in component failure, which can cause you to loose control and
fall.
3. Do you know how to correctly operate your wheel quick releases? Check Section 4.A.1 to make sure. Riding with
an improperly adjusted wheel quick release can cause the wheel to wobble or disengage from the bicycle, and
cause serious injury or death.
4. If your bike has toeclips and straps or clipless (“step-in”) pedals, make sure you know how they work (see Section
4. E). These pedals require special techniques and skills. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s instructions for use,
adjustment and care.
5. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles your toe or toeclip may be able to contact the front wheel
when a pedal is all the way forward and the wheel is turned. Read Section 4.E. to check whether you have
toeclip overlap.
6. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check Section 4.F. Suspension can change the way a bicycle performs.
Follow the suspension manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment and care.
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 correct torque
(tightening force) for the fasteners on your bicycle. We can tell you the importance of correct torque, but not the specific
torque required for each fastener on your bicycle. To correctly torque a fastener, a torque wrench must be used. A
professional bicycle mechanic with a torque wrench should torque the fasteners on you bicycle. If you choose to work
on your own bicycle you must get correct tightening torque specifications from the bicycle or component manufacturer
or from your dealer.
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08
First
If you need to make an adjustment at home or in the field, we urge you to exercise care, and to have the fasteners you
worked on checked by your dealer as soon as possible.
Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel off the ground by two or three inches, then let it bounce on the ground.
Anything sound, feel or look loose? Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Any loose parts or accessories?
If so, secure them. If you’re not sure, ask someone with experience to check.
Tires & Wheels: Make sure tires are correctly inflated (see Section 4.G.1). Check by putting one hand on the saddle, one
on the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the bike while looking at tire deflection.
Compare what you see with how it looks when you know the tires are correctly inflated; and adjust if necessary.
Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tires
before riding the bike.
Wheels true? Spin each wheel and check for brake clearance and side-to-side wobble. If a wheel wobbles side to
side even slightly, or rubs against or hits the brake pads, take the bike to a qualified bike shop to have the wheel trued.
Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the 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 contact the wheel rim squarely and
make full contact with the rim? Do the brake pads touch the wheel rim within an inch of brake lever movement? Can you
apply full braking force at the levers without having them touch the handlebar? If not, your brakes need adjustment. Do
not ride the bike until the brakes are properly adjusted by a professional bicycle mechanic.
Quick Releases: Make sure the front wheel, rear wheel and seatpost 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.
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.
!
1
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09
First
1
Handlebar ends: Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition. If not, have your dealer replace them.
Make sure the handlebar ends and extensions are plugged. If not, have your 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.
D. First ride
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your first familiarization ride on your new bicycle, be sure to pick a controlled
environment, away from cars, other cyclists, obstacles or other hazards. Ride to become familiar with the controls, features
and performance of your new bike.
Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the bike (see Section 4.C). Test the brakes at slow speed, putting your weight
toward the rear and gently applying the brakes, rear brake first. Sudden or excessive application of the front brake could
pitch you over the handlebars. Applying brakes too hard can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to lose control and
fall. Skidding is an example of what can happen when a wheel locks up.
If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals, practice getting in and out of the pedals. See paragraph B.4 above and Section 4.E.4.
If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how the suspension responds to brake application and rider weight
shifts. See paragraph B.6 above and Section 4.F.
Practice shifting the gears (see Section 4.D). Remember to never move the shifter while pedaling backward, nor pedal
backwards immediately after having moved the shifter. This could jam the chain and cause serious damage to the bicycle.
Check out the handling and response of the bike; and check the comfort.
If you have any questions, or if you feel anything about the bike is not as it should be, consult your dealer before your next ride.
Warning
!
Loose or damaged handlebar grips or extensions can cause you to lose control and fall. Unplugged han-
dlebars 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 46.
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Warning
!
Failure to wear a helmet when riding may result in serious injury or death.
Safety
10
2
A. The Basics
Warning
!
Many states require specific safety devices. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of the
state where you ride and to comply with all applicable laws, including properly equipping yourself and your bike
as the law requires.
Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations. Observe regulations about bicycle lighting, licensing of bicycles,
riding on sidewalks, laws regulating bike path and trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws, special bicycle
traffic laws. It’s your responsibility to know and obey the laws.
fig. 1
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.
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. Make sure that shoe laces can not 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.
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11
Safety
2
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
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
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.
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.
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Safety
2
12
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, Downhill, Stunt or Competition Biking, now. Think carefully about your skills
before deciding to take the large risks that go with this kind of riding.
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.
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13
Safety
2
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.
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 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
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.
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Safety
2
14
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 chose to accept
the greatly increased risk of riding at dawn, at dusk or at night need to take extra care both riding and choosing
specialized equipment which helps reduce that risk. Consult your dealer about night riding safety equipment.
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 bicyclist.
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
!
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.
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.
!
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15
Safety
2
Warning
!
Do not remove the front or rear reflectors or reflector brackets from your bicycle. They are an integral part of
the bicycle’s safety system.
Removing the reflectors may reduce your visibility to others using the roadway. Being struck by other vehicles
may result in serious injury or death.
The reflector brackets may protect you from the brake straddle cable catching on the tire in the event of brake
cable failure. If a brake straddle cable catches on the tire, it can cause the wheel to stop suddenly, causing
you to loose control and fall.
If you choose to ride under conditions of poor visibility, check and be sure you comply with all local laws about night
riding, and take the following strongly recommended additional precautions:
• Purchase and install battery or generator powered head and tail lights which meet all regulatory requirements and
provide adequate visibility.
• Wear light colored, reflective clothing and accessories, such as a reflective vest, reflective arm and leg bands, reflective
stripes on your helmet, flashing lights attached to your body and/or your bicycle ... any reflective device or light source
that moves will help you get the attention of approaching motorists, pedestrians and other 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.
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Safety
2
16
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, aggressive 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.
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.
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
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.
!
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17
Safety
2
• 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.
See also Appendix A p. 46.
Warning
!
Failure to confirm compatibility, properly install, operate and maintain any component or accessory can result
in serious injury or death.
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.
Caution
!
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Fit
3
18
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.
Note
Correct fit is an essential element of bicycling safety, performance and comfort. Making the adjustments to your
bicycle which result in correct fit for your body and riding conditions requires experience, skill and special tools.
Always have your dealer make the adjustments on your bicycle; or, if you have the experience, skill and tools,
have your dealer check your work before riding.
fig. 2
Warning
!
If you plan to use your bike for jumping or stunt riding, read Section 2.F again.
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 clearance.
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19
B. Saddle position
In getting the most performance and comfort from your bicycle. If the saddle position is not
comfortable for you, see your dealer.
The saddle can be adjusted in three directions:
1. Up and down adjustment. To check for correct saddle height (fig. 3):
• sit on the saddle;
• place one heel on a pedal;
• rotate the crank until the pedal with your heel on it is in the down position and the crank
arm is parallel to the seat tube.
If your leg is not completely straight, your saddle height needs to be adjusted. If your hips must
rock for the heel to reach the pedal, the saddle is too high. If your leg is bent at the knee with
your heel on the pedal, the saddle is too low.
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).
Fit
3
fig. 3
fig. 5
fig. 4
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.
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Fit
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.
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.
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
!
After any saddle adjustment, be sure that the saddle adjusting mechanism is properly tightened before riding.
A loose saddle clamp or seatpost binder can cause damage to the seatpost, 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.
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.
Note
If your bicycle is equipped with a suspension seatpost, periodically ask your dealer to check it.
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