SilverBack SCALERA 1 User manual

WWW.SILVERBACKLAB.COM

SCALERA PRO
SPACE
STRELA
SCENTO
STARKE
PROFESSIONAL ENTHUSIAST RECREATIONAL
SPRADA
STORM
VIDA
SCALERA 1 SCALERA 2 SCALERA 3
SCENTO 1 SCENTO 2 SCENTO 3
STARKE SUB 1 STARKE SUB 2
SPRADA 1 SPRADA 2
STORM RACE STORM
VIDA 1 VIDA 2 VIDA 3 VIDA 4
TWO NINE
HIGH PERFORMANCE ROAD
CONDITION 1
CROSS-COUNTRY / MARATHON / HARDTAILS
REVO
SEVEN 100
CROSS-COUNTRY / MARATHON / DUAL SUSPENSION
CROSS-COUNTRY / MARATHON / HARDTAILS
CONDITION 2
CONDITION 3
CONDITION 3
CONDITION 3
CONDITION 2
HIGH PERFORMANCE ROAD
HIGH PERFORMANCE ROAD
LIFESTYLE / COMMUTING / FITNESS
LIFESTYLE / COMMUTING / FITNESS

3
SLIDER
SLIDER 275
SYNCRA
SLADE
STARKE
STRIDE
SENZA
SENZA 24
SPYKE 24
SYNCRA 1
SLADE 1 SLADE 2 SLADE 3
STARKE 1 STARKE 2
SPECTRA 1
STRIDE 10
SENZA 1
SENZA 24 SPYKE 24
SPECTRA
SYNCRA 2
SPECTRA 2
STRIDE 20
SENZA 3
SENZA 2
TWO SEVEN FIVE
TWO FOUR
PROFESSIONAL ENTHUSIAST RECREATIONAL
TWO SIX
CROSS-COUNTRY / MARATHON / HARDTAILS
ALL MOUNTAIN / TRAIL
GENERAL PURPOSE RIDING
CROSS-COUNTRY / GENERAL PURPOSE RIDING
GENERAL PURPOSE RIDING
REVO
CONDITION 2CONDITION 3CONDITION 3
CONDITION 2
CONDITION 2
CONDITION 3
CONDITION 2
CONDITION 3
CONDITION 2
CROSS-COUNTRY / MARATHON / HARDTAILS
LIFESTYLE / COMMUTING / FITNESS
CROSS-COUNTRY / MARATHON / HARDTAILS

4
The value of the company, the brand, SILVERBACK, was translated by its founder,
Who, with his guiding principles and creativity, embraced strong and distinctive ideals. The
specific details with which many of its products are created, and the capacity of every product to
evoke positive emotions are important elements in defining the desired lifestyle of people, today.
The aim is to elaborate, in a constantly original manner, a concept of simplistic product
designs with pleasing aesthetics and combined with unique elements.
Functionality does not rule out the search for perfection or a product so exact-it is almost a
collector’s piece.
Congratulations! You have taken ownership of one of the most advanced products in the
industry. The following pages will provide you with the information you need to properly use,
adjust, maintain and service your new bike, so you can get the most out of every ride.
It is essential that you read this owner’s manual thoroughly before riding your bicycle - we know
you’re anxious, but trust us, it will only take a few minutes, and then you can unleash the full
potential of your Silverback bicycle.
Please pay special attention to the safety information and cautions located throughout this
owner’s manual, as they are in place to help you avoid serious injury.
If you encounter any issues with your bicycle that aren’t covered in this manual, please contact
your nearest authorized Silverback dealer. As your number one resource, your Silverback dealer
can answer questions, perform required maintenance, recommend the best equipment and gear
to complement your ride and provide a completely customized bike fit.
Thank you for buying a Silverback! We’re proud to be your brand of choice.
Enjoy the Silverback brand experience!
AWARD WINNING BIKE, LEADING TECHNOLOGIES
Every great story has a beginning. A Dream to build the best bike. To develop the best riding
Dynamics. Perfecting the art of functional, beautiful products. To invent Shapes and forms that
people will never forget. We have responsibilty to make Innovation our business. We strive to
think differently. To have the courage to defy conventions.
Each model we create is a masterpiece.. the Scalera, the Slider, Storm, the much acclaimed
Starke and more to come. We have created a innovation portfolio, so focused, so precise
unlike any other. We are constantly looking and thinking ahead.

5
Discover our creations at www.silverbacklab.com
A SPECIAL NOTE TO 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 trac 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.
WARNING: Failure to wear a helmet when riding
may result in serious injury or death.
This manual meets EN Standards 14764, 14766 and 14781. 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.

6
GENERAL WARNING:
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.
This manual meets EN Standards 14764, 14766 and 14781. 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.

7
1. First
NOTE: We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its entirety before your first ride. At the
very least, read and make sure that you understand each point in this section, and refer to the
cited sections on any issue which you don’t completely understand. Please note that not all
Silverback bicycles have all of the features described in this Manual. Ask your dealer to point out
the features of your bicycle.
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 seat post 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.
3. Do you know how to correctly secure your front and rear wheels? Check Section 4.A.1 to
make sure. Riding with an improperly secured wheel 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.

8
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 diering by model and
component, the correct tightening force or torque cannot be generalized. To make sure that
the many fasteners on your bicycle are correctly tightened, refer to the Fastener Torque
Specifications in Appendix D of this manual or to the torque specifications in the
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the component in question. Correctly
tightening a fastener requires a calibrated torque wrench. 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 use a torque wrench and the correct tightening torque
specifications from the bicycle or component manufacturer or from your dealer. 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.
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.
• Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel o 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.
CAUTION: Wheels must be true for rim brakes to work effectively.
Wheel trueing 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.

9
• Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the rims are clean and undamaged at the tire
bead and, if you have rim brakes, along the braking surface. Check to make sure that any rim
wear indicator marking is not visible at any point on the wheel rim.
WARNING: Bicycle wheel rims are subject to wear. Ask your dealer
about wheel rim wear. Some wheel rims have a rim wear indicator which
becomes visible as the rim’s braking surface wears. A visible rim wear indicator
on the side of the wheel rim is an indication that the wheel rim has reached its
maximum usable life. Riding a wheel that is at the end of its usable life can result
in wheel failure, which can cause you to loose control and fall.
• 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? If you have rim brakes, do the brake pads contact the wheel rim squarely and
make full contact with the rim? Do the brakes begin to engage 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.
• Wheel retention system: Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured. See
Section 4.A
• Seat post: If your seat post has an over-center cam action fastener for easy height
adjustment, check that it is properly adjusted and in the locked position. See Section 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.
• 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.
WARNING: Loose or damaged handlebar grips or extensions can cause
you to lose control and fall. Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut you
and cause serious injury in an otherwise minor accident.
VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:
Please also read and become thoroughly familiar with the important information
on the lifespan of your bicycle and its components in Appendix B on Page 43.

10
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 you ride again.

11
2. Safety
A. The Basics
WARNING: The area in which you ride may require specific safety devices. It is
your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of the area 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.
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.
WARNING: Failure to wear a helmet when riding may result
in serious injury or death.
2. Always do the Mechanical Safety Check (Section 1.C) before you get on a bike.
3. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your bicycle: brakes (Section 4.C.); pedals
(Section 4.E.); shifting (Section 4.D.)
4. Be careful to keep body parts and other objects away from the sharp teeth of chainrings,
the moving chain, the turning pedals and cranks, and the spinning wheels of your bicycle.
5. Always wear:
• Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip the pedals. Make sure that shoe
laces cannot get into moving parts, and never ride barefoot or in sandals.
• Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that it can be tangled in the bicycle or
snagged by objects at the side of the road or trail.
• Protective eyewear, to protect against airborne dirt, dust and bugs — tinted when
the sun is bright, clear when it’s not.
6. Don’t jump with your bike. Jumping a bike, particularly a BMX or mountain bike, can be
fun; but it can put huge and unpredictable stress on the bicycle and its components.
Riders who insist on jumping their bikes risk serious damage, to their bicycles as well as to
themselves.Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with your bike, read and
understand Section 2.F.
7. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions. Higher speed means higher risk.

12
B. Riding Safety
1. Obey all Rules of the Road and all local trac laws.
2. You are sharing the road or the path with others — motorists, pedestrians and other
cyclists. Respect their rights.
3. Ride defensively. Always assume that others do not see you.
4. 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 trac,
catch your wheel or cause you to have an accident.
• The many other hazards and distractions which can occur on a bicycle ride.
5. Ride in designated bike lanes, on designated bike paths or as close to the edge of the road
as possible, in the direction of trac flow or as directed by local governing laws.
6. Stop at stop signs and trac 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.
7. Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping.
8. Never ride with headphones. They mask trac 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.
9. Never carry a passenger, unless it is a small child wearing an approved helmet and secured
in a correctly mounted child carrier or a childcarrying trailer.
10. 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.
11. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another vehicle.
12. 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.
13. Don’t weave through trac or make any moves that may surprise people with whom you
are sharing the road.
14. Observe and yield the right of way.
15. Never ride your bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
16. 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.

13
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 o-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 dicult
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 some cash for food, 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 o-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 o-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
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.

14
E. Night Riding
Riding a bicycle at night is much more dangerous than riding during the day. A bicyclist is very
dicult 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 specific 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 car lights and street 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.
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 sys-
tem. Removing the reflectors reduces 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 a 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 precau-
tions:
• 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 trac.

15
• 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 trac.
• Avoid road hazards.
• If possible, ride on familiar routes.If riding in trac:
• 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 trac often, ask your dealer about trac safety classes or a good
book on bicycle trac safety.
F. Extreme, stunt or competition riding
Whether you call it Aggro, Hucking, Freeride, North Shore, Downhill, Jumping, Stunt Riding,
Racing or something else: if you engage in this sort of extreme, aggressive riding you will get
hurt, and you voluntarily assume a greatly 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 achieved by 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, area site personnel
and race ocials 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.
WARNING: Bicycles and bicycle parts have limitations with regard to
strength and integrity, and this type of riding can exceed those limitations.

16
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
dicult or dangerous riding
• Use only designated areas for stunts, jumping, racing or fast downhill 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 dierent 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. 35 and B, p. 41.
WARNING: Failure to confirm compatibility, properly install, operate and maintain
any component or accessory can result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: Changing the components on your bike with other than
genuine replacement parts may compromise the safety of your bicycle and may
void the warranty. Check with your dealer before changing the components on
your bike.
3. Fit
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.
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.

17
A. Standover height
1. Diamond frame bicycles
Standover height is the basic element of bike fit (see ). 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 o-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 o
road should give you four inches (10 cm) or more of
clearance.
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.
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.
2. Step-through frame bicycles
Standover height does not apply to bicycles with step-through frames. Instead, the limiting
dimension is determined by saddle height range. You must be able to adjust your saddle
position as described in B without exceeding the limits set by the height of the top of the seat
tube and the ”Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum Extension” mark on the seat post.
g.3

18
Ask your dealer to set the saddle for your optimal riding position and to show you how to
make this adjustment. If you choose to make your own saddle height adjustment:
• loosen the seat post clamp
• raise or lower the seat post in the seat tube
• make sure the saddle is straight fore and aft
• re-tighten the seat post clamp to the recommended torque (Appendix D or the
manufacturer’s instructions).
Once the saddle is at the correct height, make sure that
the seat post does not project from the frame beyond its
“Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum Extension” mark (fig. 4).
NOTE: Some bicycles have a sight hole in the seat tube, the
purpose of which is to make it easy to see whether the seat
post is inserted in the seat tube far enough to be safe. If your
bicycle has such a sight hole, use it instead of the “Minimum
Insertion” or “Maximum Extension” mark to make sure the
seat post is inserted in the seat tube far enough to be visible
through the sight hole.
WARNING: If your seat post is not
inserted in the seat tube as described in B.1 above,
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. If you choose to make your own front and back
adjustment, make sure that the clamp mechanism is clamping on the straight part of the saddle
rails and is not touching the curved part of the rails, and that you are using the recommended
torque on the clamping fastener(s) (Appendix D or the manufacturer’s instructions).
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. If you choose to make your own saddle angle adjustment and you have a single
bolt saddle clamp on your seat post, it is critical that you loosen the clamp bolt suciently to
allow any serrations on the mechanism to disengage before changing the saddle’s angle, and
then that the serrations fully re-engage before you tighten the clamp bolt to the recommended
torque (Appendix D or the manufacturer’s instructions).

19
WARNING: When making saddle angle adjustments with a single bolt
saddle clamp, always check to make sure that the serrations on the mating
surfaces of the clamp are not worn. Worn serrations on the clamp can allow the
saddle to move, causing you to lose control and fall.
Always tighten fasteners to the correct torque. Bolts that are too tight can
stretch and deform. Bolts that are too loose can move and fatigue. Either
mistake can lead to a sudden failure of the bolt, causing you to lose control and
fall.
Note: If your bicycle is equipped with a suspension seat post, the suspension
mechanism may require periodic service or maintenance. Ask your dealer for
recommended service intervals for your suspension seat post.
Small changes in saddle position can have a substantial eect on performance and comfort. To
find your best saddle position, make only one adjustment at a time.
WARNING: After any saddle adjustment, be sure that the saddle
adjusting mechanism is properly seated and tightened before riding. A loose
saddle clamp or seat post clamp can cause damage to the seat post, or can
cause you to lose control and fall. A correctly tightened saddle adjusting
mechanism will allow no saddle movement in any direction. Periodically check
to make sure that the saddle adjusting mechanism is properly tightened.
If, in spite of carefully adjusting the saddle height, tilt and fore-and-aft position, your saddle is
still uncomfortable, you may need a dierent saddle design. Saddles, like people, come in many
dierent 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.
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

20
WARNING: A quill 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.
WARNING: On some bicycles, changing the stem or stem height can
affect the tension of the front brake cable, locking the front brake or creating
excess cable slack which can make the front brake inoperable. If the front brake
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.
Some bicycles are equipped with an adjustable angle stem. If your bicycle has an
adjustable angle stem, ask your dealer to show you how to adjust if. Do not attempt to make the
adjustment yourself, as changing stem angle may also require adjustments to the
bicycle’s controls.
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 (fig. 5) 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
dierent 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 (fig. 6) 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.