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. 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” concerningtheconsequencesoffailuretomaintainorinspect your bicycle and of failure to follow safe cycling practices. • The combination of the ! safety alert symbol and the word WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. • The combination of the ! safety alert symbol and the word CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury, or is an alert against unsafe practices. • The word CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious damage to the bicycle or the voiding of your warranty. Many of the Warnings and Cautions say “you may lose control and fall”. Because any fall can result in serious injury or even death, we do not always repeat the warning of possible injury or death. Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition which can occur while riding, this Manual makes no representation about the safe use of the bicycle under all conditions. There are risks associated with the use of any bicycle which cannot be predicted or avoided, and which are the sole responsibility of the rider. 2 Contents GENERAL WARNING A special note to parents 1. First A. Bike Fit B. Safety First C. Mechanical Safety Check D. First ride 2. Safety A. The Basics B. Riding Safety C. Off Road Safety D. Wet Weather Riding E. Night Riding F. Extreme, Stunt, Or Competition Riding G. Changing Components Or Adding Accessories 3. Fit A. Standover Height B. Saddle Position C. Handlebar Height And Angle D. Control Position Adjustments E. Brake Reach p. 1 p. 4 p. 5 p. 5 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7 p. 8 p. 9 p. 9 p. 10 p. 11 p. 12 p. 12 p. 13 p. 14 p. 15 p. 15 4. Tech A. Wheels p. 16 1. Wheel Quick Release p. 16 2. Removing And Installing Quick Release Wheels p. 17 3. Removing And Installing Bolt-on Wheels p. 19 B. Seatpost Quick Release p. 20 C. Brakes p. 21 D. Shifting Gears p. 23 E. Pedals p. 25 F. Bicycle Suspension p. 26 G. Tires and Tubes p. 27 5. Service A. Service Intervals p. 29 B. If Your Bicycle Sustains An Impact p. 31 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. 3 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. 4 1. First NOTE: All operators must read and understand all sections of this owner’s manual before their initial operation of the bicycle. If after reading this manual in its entirety you have any questions, please contact your authorized dealer for clarification or an explanation of specific topics that you are unsure about. Please note that not all bicycles have all of the features described in this manual. Ask your dealer to point out t...