Syntace F44 User manual

Congratulations on the purchase of your new Syntace stem. Please carefully read all
instructions as we have included some important information and helpful tips. We rec-
ommend that our stems always be used with approved Syntace handlebars. Your Syntace
stem was carefully designed and constructed.
However, it is necessary that you follow all the instructions provided in this manual.
Please note, that the responsibility of checking the product regularly to determine if it
needs repair or replacement, lies with the end consumer. Please be aware that all the
components of your bicycle related to your safety have a “memory like an elephant,” they
remember any damage (crashes, overloading, etc.) which can add up to a shorter lifespan
of the component. We at Syntace have built in a proper amount of “Overload Safety” into
all our components.
A regular replacement schedule (ie: Every two years), of Syntace parts is, at this writing,
not necessary. However, after any crash or impact, especially to your stem or handlebars,
check for signs of fatigue (ie, discoloration, cracks, dents.) to determine if the stem or
handlebars have bent. At the slightest sign of damage replace your components!
Damaged components should under no circumstance be straightened or repaired, but
immediately replaced. Otherwise the component may fail and a crash with serious injury
could result.
Note: due the complex nature of the 3-D
forging process, it is possible for small folds
to form in this area. However, these do not
impair the fatigue strength in any way.
Proper use of components
The stems are available in model 254 (for use with 25.4 mm diameter handlebars) for
mountain bikes, model 260 (for use with 26.0 mm diameter handlebars) for road bikes.
The model 31.8 is suitable for the Oversize (OS) standard with 31.8 mm bar clamp and
suitable for MTB and road use.
Syntace Force 99/119/139 and LiteForce stems are designed for use on bike paths, streets
and off-road riding, but NOT for use in Downhill racing, Dual Slalom, and for Drops.
Maximum Handlebar Width:
Force 99/109/119/139/149 ...........................................740 mm
LiteForce 50-90 mm ................................................740 mm
LiteForce 100 - 110 mm..............................................680 mm
LiteForce 120 - 135 mm ............................................. 480 mm
Megaforce2 / Superforce 31.8 ........................................800 mm
Flatforce 44/55/66/77 ...............................................800 mm
Flatforce 88/99/111 .................................................760 mm
F44/F55 Screw allocation
M6x20 M6x12
Attention: The M6 screw for the fixation atop the fork crown is to be greased thoroughly.
STEMS
Pic. 1
Minimum
Insert
Steerer
Check how far the forks steerer tube extends
above the upper headset cup and the spacers.
(Pic. 1). If to less of steerer tube are available, a
secure fit can not be guarantee
Minimum Insert Steerer:
Force 1.5 ..........................................................34 mm
Force 99/109/119/139/149 ...........................................32 mm
LiteForce ..........................................................29 mm
Megaforce2 .......................................................30 mm
Superforce (26.0 und 31.8) ...........................................28 mm
Flatforce 44/55.....................................................22 mm
Flatforce 66/77.....................................................24 mm
Flatforce 88/99.....................................................26 mm
In this case you can remove any available headset spacers or replace the fork with
one that has a longer steerer tube. To reduce twisting of the stem on the steerer tube,
remove any excess steer tube and clean the surface of the steerer tube with alcohol or a
similar cleaning agent. If necessary, debur the steerer tube. Please follow all instructions
provided with your fork, especially carbon forks!
Stem installation
• Before mounting the stem read through the owners manual for your bicycle.
• Syntace stems have narrow tolerances. For easy mounting remove one screw and put it
back in from the opposite side. With a small washer between the clamping gap you can
widen the stem for easy assembling on the steering tube (Pic. 2)
Pic. 2
• Slide the stem onto the steerer tube, mount the Syntace Litecap with Ahead screw and
adjust any play of your headset.
Pic. 3
Tip: The Ahead screw (pic. 3) is for adjustment only and not
for fastening the stem! With the stems clamp bolts loose,
tighten the Ahead screw only until no noticeable play is felt
in the headset. Check this by pushing back and forth on the
handlebar while applying the front brake. The fork should
still freely turn in the headset.
For further information of headset adjustment refer to the instruction manual provided
with your headset or bicycle.

Syntace GmbH, Dammweg1, 83342 Tacherting, Germany. Tel. [phone], Fax: 6365. [email protected] , www.syntace.de
Tip: With regards to disc brakes and/or suspension forks: Worn bushings in a suspension
fork, “floating” rotors, and play in the disc brakes are commonly mistaken for a loose
headset.
• Using a torque wrench, tighten the clamp bolts in steps alternately, to 2/3 the amount
indicated on the stem.
• Keep doing the “Twist Test:” Clamp the front wheel between your legs and gauge
whether the stem is securely mounted to the steer tube. (It should resist a torque of at
least 60 Nm).
• If necessary, raise the torque gradually by 0.5 Nm until you reach the maximum torque.
Never exceed the maximum allowed torque rating!
With carbon steerer tubes: Please check with the manufacturer of the fork to assure it
is capable of withstanding these torque loads. If not, please start by tightening the clamp
bolts very carefully to 4 Nm. Use Syntace Friction Paste especially on the carbon/alumin-
ium clamping surfaces.
Handlebar installation
Pic. 4 Snap-Fit
For increased safety
and increased product lifespan,
all Syntace stems (Megaforce,
F99, Superforce) are equipped
with a “Snap-Fit” which pro-
vides more than 180-degrees
of clamping surface on the
handlebars. Press firmly
against the handlebars until
you feel them snap into place.
• Leave your handlebars full width until you have
had a chance to go for a ride with them. A wider
handlebar will provide you with a more controlled
ride, better handling, and will increase your ability
to control the bike especially in rough terrain. If
after a ride you still feel that you wish to have a
narrower handlebar, don’t start cutting away just
yet, instead slide your controls (including grips)
inboard and take another ride.
• Start by sliding the shifters and brake levers onto
the handlebars. Position your Syntace handlebars
to your liking.
• Press your handlebars into the “Snap-Fit” (Pic 4)
• Start by tightening the stems face plate bolts in steps alternately to 2/3 the maximum
torque rating until the indicated torque requirement is reached. Note that carbon
handlebars may have lower torque ratings.
Pic. 5
When using
barends, you MUST
use Syntace Bar Plugs
(available separately).
• If you use barends, mount those now, but never without
Syntace Bar Plugs (Pic. 5).
• We recommend the use of Syntace Friction Paste on the
handlebar clamping surfaces.
• After approximately one hour of riding time, double-check
all the stem bolts with a torque wrench. Regularly check
the torque of the bolts on all your components.
Tip: Brake lever mounting: Here’s an old Motocross trick for mountain bikers, only tighten
your shift and brake levers to the point where they will still move during a crash. This can
help prevent broken levers, aggravation, and added cost!
Care, maintenance and safety
Proper maintenance and care will ensure a long life and reliable function of your Syntace
products. Please follow these simple steps to maintain your system:
• Check the inside of your Syntace stem regularly for moisture and remove if found.
• Check screws for proper torque regularly.
• Check bar regularly for signs of fatigue (discoloration, cracks and dents, for example).
• Warning: Upon longer exposure, brake fluid may attack epoxies and resins as well as
other coatings used in carbon components (Brake fluid is highly deliquescent). There-
fore, if brought into contact with any carbon component such as handle bars please
ensure that the affected area is thoroughly cleaned with water to avoid any damage.
• Warning aluminium bars: Using porous (penetrable) bar tape or grips, can lead to per-
manent accumulation of especially sweat or gritty moisture, between grip/tape and bar.
As sweat (but also acidic cleaning chemicals) attacks anodized surfaces, the bar is to be
checked regularly and exchanged upon any signs of corrosion, otherwise the bar will be
increasingly prone to failure upon further use.
• Should the Syntace bar be bent due to a crash: Never attempt to straighten it! Contact
your dealer or Syntace to arrange for replacement.
Warranty
Instead of the legally required 2 year warranty, Syntace gives 10 years warranty from
date of purchase on all material and manufacturing defects.
Only condition: All components are to be installed and used as outlined in the owner’s
manual. For more details see: www.syntace.com/warranty_handling
Please take note: relevant for your Syntace component is always the most recent owners
manual corresponding to your product model found on www.syntace.com/support
Your Syntace Team
Jo Klieber
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Register your product online: www.syntace.com/warranty
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02.06.2017