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Novara Owners Manual

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1. 3 Coaster Brakes Figure 14 a How the coaster brake works The coaster brake is a sealed mechanism which is a part of the bicycle s rear wheel hub The brake is activated by reversing the rotation of the pedal cranks indicated by arrow in fig 14 above Start with the pedal cranks in a nearly horizontal position with the front pedal in about the 4 o clock position and apply downward foot pressure on the pedal that is to the rear About 1 8 turn rotation will activate the brake The more downward pressure you apply the more braking force up to the point where the rear wheel stops rotating and begins to skid Before riding make sure that the brake is working properly If it is not working properly have the bicycle checked by your local REI store before you ride it If your bike has only a coaster brake ride conservatively A single rear brake does not have the stopping power of front and rear brake systems b Adjusting your coaster brake Coaster brake service and adjustment requires special tools and special knowledge Do not attempt to disassemble or service your coaster brake Take the bicycle to your local REI store for coaster brake service 4 D SHIFTING GEARS Your multi speed bicycle will have a derailleur drivetrain see 1 below an internal gear hub drivetrain see 2 below or in some special cases a combination of the two 1 How a derailleur drivetrain works If your b
2. Bike Fit 1 B Safety First 1 C Mechanical Safety Check 1 D First Ride SECTION 2 8 14 2A TMGIBASIES 9 2 B Riding Safety 2 C Off Road Safety 2 D Wet Weather Riding 2E Night RIDIN Oizssissctstscndiieneasiateissimenecinaiens 2 F Extreme Stunt or Competition Riding 13 2 G Changing Components or Adding ACCOSSOTICS ssssscccsssssscessssesecssseeseesnseeeeenee 14 SECTION 3 FIT 3 A Stand Over Height 3 B Saddle Position Handlebar Height and Angle 3 D Control Position Adjustments 3 E Brake Reach SECTION 4 TECH 20 37 4 A Wheels 4 B Seatpost Quick Release Clamp 4 C Brakes 4 D Shifting Gears 4 E Pedals 4 F Bicycle Suspension 4 G Tires and Tubes SECTION 5 SERVICE 5 Service Intervals cscscssssscsssesssssecssneesssnecesneesssneeessseees 5 B If Your Bicycle Sustains 40 PART Il SECTION A IMPORTANT SAFETY 1 42 48 A 1 Bicycling Inherent Risk A 2 Warning Label Riding in Traffic Commuting 4 Riding at Night Dusk Dawn A 5 Refinishing A 6 Physical Modifications A 7 Bicycles Have Sharp Surfaces A 8 Installing Accessories A 9 Bicycle Racks A 10 Tire Size A 11 Toe Clip Overlap A 12
3. Shifting the front derailleur The front derailleur which is controlled by the left shifter shifts the chain between the larger and smaller chainrings Shifting the chain onto a smaller chainring makes pedaling easier a downshift Shifting to a larger chainring makes pedaling harder an upshift Which gear should be in The combination of largest rear and smallest front gears fig 15 is for the steepest hills The smallest rear and largest front combination is for the greatest speed It is not necessary to shift gears in sequence Instead find the starting gear that is right for your level of ability a gear that is hard enough for quick acceleration but easy enough to let you start from a stop without wobbling and experiment with upshifting and downshifting to get a feel for the different gear combinations At first practice shifting where there are no obstacles hazards or other traffic until you ve built up your confidence Learn to anticipate the need to shift and shift to a lower gear before the hill gets too steep If you have difficulties with shifting the problem could be mechanical adjustment See your local REI store for help 1 Figure 15 A Hills B Greatest Speed 1 Smallest front 4 Largest front 2 Chain 5 Smallest rear 3 Largest rear What if it won t shift gears If moving the shift control one click
4. A CAUTION Incompatible accessories or poorly or improperly mounted accessories can affect the performance of your bicycle and may be unsafe causing risk of injury Please use your best judgment when selecting installing and using accessories for your bicycle It is nearly impossible to predict all of the ways in which your accessory selections could affect your riding and operation of your bike potentially creating additional safety hazards Your local REI store and many other retailers can offer guidance as to the options that will be best to achieve your desired results Always be sure to practice riding with any new additions to your bike on hazard and traffic free roads Pay particular attention when requesting installing and or using any items that involve affect or change the primary functional systems of your bike Primary systems include the brake steering seating wheel and or drive systems We also ask that you use the same judgment that you would use for operating any vehicle when you decide to install and use any electronic navigational or communication devices on your bike Many municipalities have legal requirements that may apply to your use of these items as well 46 If you cannot have all accessories mounted by your local REI store or other professional bicycle mechanic please be sure to follow the instructions and seek assistance when appropriate Always be sure that any accessory installed to
5. Bikes designed for riding on a paved surface where the tires do not lose ground contact MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT RIDER LUGGAGE 165 kg Ibs kg 250 113 10 4 5 260 118 Seat bag handlebar bag only PART GENERAL PURPOSE RIDING To REDUCE the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH e WEAR YOUR HELMET Always INSPECT YOUR BIKE Before each ride and after any crash or impact Never ride a bike with any damage or cracks READ AND FOLLOW The owners manual and supplements INTENDED USE This bike has been designed and tested to be used as labeled See owners manual for additional information More information at 800 426 4840 www rei com Do not remove this label Suitable for road riding and smooth trails Weight Limit 250 pounds CONDITION 1 Bikes designed for riding Condition 1 plus smooth gravel roads and improved trails with moderate grades where the tires do not lose ground contact B 4 CROSS COUNTRY RIDING To REDUCE the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH WEAR YOUR HELMET Always INSPECT YOUR BIKE Before each ride and after any crash or impact Never ride a bike with any damage or cracks READ AND FOLLOW The owners manual and supplements INTENDED USE This bike has been designed and tested to be used as labeled See owners manual for additional information More information at 800 426 4840 www rei com Do not remov
6. 2 5 5 5 BAR eor E gt ROTATING DIRECTION my a ee 57 559 26x2 125 ee Figure 16 The best and safest way to inflate a bicycle tire to the correct pressure is with a bicycle pump that has a built in pressure gauge Gas station air hoses and other air compressors are not made for bicycle tires They move a large volume of air very rapidly and will raise the pressure in your tire very rapidly which could cause the tube to explode and increase the risk of injury A CAUTION There is a safety risk in using gas station air hoses or other air compressors Tire pressure is given either as maximum pressure or as a pressure range How a tire performs under different terrain or weather conditions depends largely on tire pressure Inflating the tire to near its maximum recommended pressure gives the lowest rolling resistance but also produces the harshest ride High pressures work best on smooth dry pavement Very low pressures atthe bottom of the recommended pressure range give the best performance on smooth slick terrain such as hard packed clay and on deep loose surfaces such as deep dry sand Tire pressure that is too low for your weight and the riding conditions can cause a puncture of the tube by allowing the tire to deform sufficiently to pinch the inner tube between the rim and the riding surface Pencil type automotive tire gauges can be ina
7. 57 One can design a part that is so strong that fatigue life is nearly infinite This requires a lot of material and a lot of weight Any structure that must be light and strong will have a finite fatigue life Aircraft race cars and motorcycles all have parts with finite fatigue lives If you wanted a bicycle with an infinite fatigue life it would weigh far more than any bicycle sold today So we all make a trade off the wonderful lightweight performance we want requires that we inspect the structure In most cases a fatigue crack is not a defect It is a sign that the part has been worn out a sign the part has reached the end of its useful life When your car tires wear down to the point that the tread bars are contacting the road those tires are not defective Those tires are worn out and the tread bar says time for replacement When a metal part shows a fatigue crack it is worn out The crack says time for replacement PART Il DO NOT RIDE A FRAME OR FORK WITH ANY CRACK EVEN A SMALL ONE RIDING A CRACKED FRAME OR FORK COULD LEAD TO YOUR FRAME FORK BREAKING WHICH MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CORROSION IS DAMAGE Many parts of a bicycle are susceptible to corrosive damage Please understand that human sweat is highly corrosive SIMPLE RULE 1 Keep your bike clean store it carefully lubricate the moving parts and remove anything corrosive as soon as you can STAINS AND DI
8. even wheel building any job or question about your bike can be handled by REI Master Technicians REI Master Techs know bikes inside and out An intensive certification program at the renowned Barnett Bicycle Institute in Colorado ensures it Every REI bike shop staff member is trained and certified by the REI Master Tech in each store so you can count on getting consistent knowledgeable service every time OUR 100 SATISFACTION GUARANTEE Our 100 satisfaction guarantee ensures that every item you purchase at REI meets your high standards or you can return it for a replacement or refund DISTRIBUTED BY RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT INC SUMNER WA 98390 Novara bikes are sold exclusively at REI visit us at novarabike com
9. 9 Your bicycle may be equipped with a different securing method for the front wheel than for the rear wheel Discuss the wheel securing method for your bicycle with your local REI store It is very important that you understand the type of wheel securing method on your bicycle that you know how to secure the wheels correctly and that you know how to apply the correct clamping force that safely secures the wheel Ask your local REI store to instruct you in correct wheel removal and installation and ask for the manufacturer s instructions 21 1 Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices Most bicycles have front forks that utilize a secondary wheel retention device to reduce the risk of the wheel disengaging from the fork if the wheel is incorrectly secured Secondary retention devices are not a substitute for correctly securing your front wheel Secondary retention devices fall into two basic categories a The clip on type is a part the manufacturer adds to the front wheel hub or front fork The integral type is molded cast or machined into the outer faces of the front fork dropouts Ask your local REI store to explain the particular secondary retention device on your bike A CAUTION Do not remove or disable the secondary retention device As its name implies it serves as a back up fora critical adjustment If the wheel is not secured correctly the secondary retention device can reduce the ris
10. Aftermarket Brake Systems A 13 Aftermarket Power Systems SECTION INTENDED USE ccccssscssssssscsseseeseees 50 53 This section also includes weight limit information B 1 Children s Sidewalk B 2 Sport and Performance Road General Purpose Riding 52 B 4 Cross Country Riding B 5 Advanced Cross Country B 6 All Mountain SECTION C OFF ROAD 54 55 C 1 Inspection and Maintenance Routines 54 C 2 Suspension 3 Jumping C 4 Downhill and Lift Serviced Riding 5 Fixed Gear Riding and 55 SECTION D MATERIALS AND INSPECTION 56 64 D 1 Understanding Metal as a 56 D 2 Understanding Carbon Fiber D 3 Understanding Components D 4 Riding Through Water D5 Bicycle Likes pain SECTION MAINTENANCE Warranty TUNG ssssssssscsssssssacicsseicisaisarsoissintarssiastsninsniaied E 2 Cleaning E 3 Preventing Corrosion E 4 Lubrication E 5 Tightening Torques E 6 Bicycle Repair Work Stands E 7 Serial Number SECTION F BICYCLE TRAINERS 67 SECTION PRE RIDE 68 GENERAL WARNING Like any sport bicycling involves risk of injury and damage By choosing to ride a bicycle you assume the responsibility f
11. WHICH MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH PART Il SECTION D MATERIALS AND INSPECTION In this section we outline some material science basics and explain how they relate to your bicycle some of the trade offs made in designing your bicycle and what you can expect from your bicycle We will also provide important basic guidelines on how to maintain and inspect it FREQUENT INSPECTION OF YOUR BIKE IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR SAFETY USE THE PRE RIDE CHECKLIST BEFORE AND AFTER EVERY RIDE RIDING A BICYCLE WITH EXISTING DAMAGE CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS THAT MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH A detailed inspection of your bicycle is important How often this is needed depends upon you the bicycle your riding style environmental conditions frequency of use and many other factors You the rider owner have control and knowledge of how often you use your bike how hard you use it and where you use it Because we as the designer and manufacturer cannot track your use you are responsible for inspection and maintenance If you are not interested the hands on aspects of your bicycle and do not wish to perform inspection or maintenance on your own bike then you must make your local REI store or local bicycle retailer a partner in maintaining and inspecting your bicycle Work with your bicycle shop to determine a maintenance and inspection schedule appropriate for your riding For your saf
12. choose to accept this higher risk improve your odds with a proper lighting system strobe light light colored reflective clothing and careful riding Seek the advice of an experienced bicycle commuter in your community 44 Mountain Biking at Night Mountain biking at night is risky Take the challenges outlined in Part Il Section C and add another level of difficulty and risk Seeing the terrain is much more difficult at night Mountain biking at night is only for skilled mountain bikers on familiar terrain with excellent lighting systems riding with other skilled mountain bikers and riding cautiously Adding Lighting REFLECTORS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROPER LIGHTS IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO EQUIP YOUR BICYCLE WITH ALL NATIONAL STATE AND LOCALLY MANDATED LIGHTS Riding at dawn at dusk at night or at other times of poor visibility without a bicycle lighting system that meets local and state laws and without reflectors is dangerous and may result in serious injury or death A 5 REFINISHING A 6 PHYSICAL MODIFICATION REPAINTING AND OR REFINISHING YOUR BIKE IS A MAJOR MODIFICATION THAT CAN CAUSE AND OR CONCEAL DAMAGE LEADING TO FAILURE AND ACCIDENTS WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH We understand that you may have an interest in repainting or refinishing your bike Please do not as the potential risks are great Each type of material method of construction and surface coating type requires specia
13. clamp on your seatpost it is critical that you loosen the clamp bolt sufficiently 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 See manufacturer s instructions 17 NOTE If your bicycle is equipped with a suspension seatpost periodically ask your local REI store to check 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 A correctly tightened saddle adjusting mechanism will not allow saddle movement in any direction Periodically check to make sure that the saddle adjusting mechanism is properly tightened 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 WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH PART 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 local REI store can help you select a saddle which when correctly adjusted for your body and riding style will be comfortable If your sad
14. could cause damage leading to a risk of injury Incorrect Figure 19 66 E 7 SERIAL NUMBER The serial number for your bike is located on a barcoded label that is attached permanently to the underside of the bottom bracket See fig 20 t FLIP THE BIKE OVER AND LOOK ON THE BOTTOM OF THE BOTTOM BRACKET SHELL FOR SERIAL NUMBER gt lt x gt lt x gt lt 25 BOTTOM VIEW THE SERIAL NUMBER WILL BE STAMPED IN THE FRAME HERE BUT MAY BE PLACED ON THE BOTTOM BRACKET IN A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT FORMAT DEPENDING ON BIKE MODEL AND YEAR Figure 20 Underside of Bottom Bracket Where Else Can Find the Serial Number The serial number should also appear on your original purchase documents 67 SECTION F BICYCLE TRAINERS Potential Damage A CAUTION Improperly mounting a bike in a trainer or using one that is not compatible with your particular bike frame can cause damage with risk of injury Ask your local REI store for help selecting the right trainer and using it correctly If you ride a trainer that requires removal of the front wheel and clamps the fork dropouts be sure your fork quick release is tight Relative movement will wear parts and weaken and damage your bike If you ride a trainer that holds the bike up by clamping the rear quick release between two cones take off the lightweight quick release that came with your bike Substitute a heavy cl
15. essential to your safety and part of the learning process Riding within your own unique capabilities and considering the conditions where you are riding A 2 WARNING LABEL We urge you to locate the warning label on your bike It contains important information that you and anyone else who rides your bike should read and follow Do not remove it If yours is damaged or missing contact REI for a no charge replacement To REDUCE the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH e WEAR YOUR HELMET Always INSPECT YOUR BIKE Before each ride and after any crash or impact Never ride a bike with any damage or cracks e READ AND FOLLOW The owners manual and supplements INTENDED USE This bike has been designed and tested to be used as labeled See owners manual for additional information More information at 800 426 4840 www rei com Do not remove this label Suitable for road riding only Weight Limit 250 pounds Your Warning label may look different depending on bike styles 43 RIDING IN TRAFFIC COMMUTING RIDING IN TRAFFIC IS HAZARDOUS AND CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH As noted elsewhere in this manual you must learn and obey local traffic laws Riding in traffic is hazardous We cannot teach you about all of these hazards Here are just several important topics you must consider Traffic laws accidents intersections commuting and utility cycling where
16. like the one on a wheel Section 4 2 RIDING WITH AN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED SEATPOST CAN ALLOW THE SADDLE TO TURN OR MOVE AND CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL AND FALL WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH THEREFORE 1 ASK YOUR LOCAL REI STORE TO HELP YOU MAKE SURE YOU KNOW HOWTO CORRECTLY CLAMP YOUR SEATPOST 2 UNDERSTAND AND APPLY THE CORRECT TECHNIQUE CLAMPING YOUR SEATPOST 3 BEFORE YOU RIDE THE BIKE FIRST CHECK THAT THE SEATPOST IS SECURELY CLAMPED 26 Adjusting the Quick Release Mechanism Seatpost The action of the quick release squeezes the seat collar around the seatpost to hold the seatpost securely in place The amount of clamping force is controlled by the tension adjusting nut Turning the tension adjusting nut clockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating increases clamping force turning it counterclockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating reduces clamping force Less than half a turn of the tension adjusting nut can make the difference between safe and unsafe clamping force If you can fully close the cam lever without wrapping your fingers around the seatpost or a frame tube for leverage and the lever does not leave a clear imprint in the palm of your hand the tension is insufficient Open the lever turn the tension adjusting nut clockwise a quarter turn then try again 4 C BRAKES There are three general types of bicycle brakes rim brakes which operate by squ
17. of carbon fiber See D 2 Understanding Carbon Fiber below The relative ductility of metals and the lack of ductility of carbon fiber means that in a crash scenario you can expect some bending or buckling in the metal but none in the carbon Below a certain load the carbon fork may stay intact even though the frame is damaged Above a certain load the carbon fork will be completely broken b Metal Fatigue 101 Common sense tells us that nothing that is used lasts forever The more you use something the harder you use it and the worse the conditions you use it in the shorter its life Fatigue is the term used to describe accumulated damage to a part caused by repeated loading To cause fatigue damage the load the part receives must be great enough A crude often used example is bending a paper clip back and forth repeated loading until it breaks This simple definition will help you understand that fatigue has nothing to do with time or age A bicycle in a garage does not fatigue Fatigue happens only through use So what kind of damage are we talking about On a microscopic level a crack forms highly stressed area As the load is repeatedly applied the crack grows At some point the crack becomes visible to the naked eye Eventually it becomes so large that the part is too weak to carry the same load that without the crack it could carry At that point there can be a complete and immediate failure of the part
18. repeatedly fails to result in a smooth shift to the next gear chances are that the mechanism is out of adjustment Take the bike to your local REI store to have it adjusted 2 How an internal gear hub drivetrain works If your bicycle has an internal gear hub drivetrain the gear changing mechanism will consist of a 3 5 7 8 12 speed or possibly an infinitely variable internal gear hub one or sometimes two shifters one or two control cables one front sprocket called a chainring adrive chain a Shifting internal gear hub gears Shifting with an internal gear hub drivetrain is simply a matter of moving the shifter to the indicated position for the desired gear After you have moved the shifter to the gear position of your choice ease the pressure on the pedals for an instant to allow the hub to complete the shift b Which gear should be in The numerically lowest gear 1 is for the steepest hills The numerically largest gear is for the greatest speed Shifting from an easier slower gear like 1 to a harder faster gear like 2 or 3 is called an upshift Shifting from a harder faster gear to an easier slower gear is called a downshift It is not necessary to shift gears in sequence Instead find the starting gear for the conditions a gear that is hard enough for quick acceleration but easy enough to let you start from a stop without wobbling and experiment wi
19. the bicycle with your own capabilities as a rider Increasing your skill will take time and practice Proceed carefully until you have learned to handle the full capabilities of your bike A CAUTION Not all bicycles can be safely retrofitted with some types of suspension systems Before retrofitting a bicycle with any suspension check with the bicycle s manufacturer to make sure that what you want to do is compatible with the bicycle s design Failing to do so can result in catastrophic frame failure with risk of injury 4 G TIRES AND TUBES 1 Tires Bicycle tires are available in many designs and specifications ranging from general purpose designs to tires designed to perform best under very specific weather or terrain conditions If once you ve gained experience with your new bike you feel that a different tire might better suit your riding needs your local REI store can help you select the most appropriate design The size pressure rating and on some high performance tires the specific recommended use are marked on the sidewall of the tire see fig 16 The part of this information that is most important to you is tire pressure Exceeding the recommended maximum pressure may blow the tire off the rim which could cause damage to the bike and injury to the rider and bystanders A CAUTION Never inflate a tire beyond the maximum pressure marked on the tire s sidewall 35 45 80 PSI
20. to ride on roadway changing lanes in traffic riding at night improving your odds with safety lighting and weather equipment Many bike clubs conduct training programs and workshops that focus on these and other safe cycling topics Contact REI or your local bicycle retailer Seek the advice of an experienced bicycle commuter in your community PART Il A 4 RIDING AT NIGHT DUSK DAWN RIDING AT NIGHT DUSK OR AT DAWN IS VERY HAZARDOUS AND CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Avoid riding at night If you choose to ride at night Install front and rear lights Install a blinker or strobe light Check your local state or federal laws as lights may be required for riding at dusk night or dawn Wear reflective clothing Stay alert others may not see you Make sure your bicycle is equipped with all required reflectors lights strobes or blinkers Required Reflectors The location and type of each reflector on your bike is required by the U S Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC Your Novara bike must be delivered with 1 A front mounted forward facing reflector 2 A rear mounted rear facing reflector 3 A spoke mounted reflector on each wheel 4 Front and rear facing reflectors on the left and right pedals DO NOT REMOVE BLOCK OR COVER REFLECTORS Much Higher Risks at Night The risk of an accident particularly being struck by a motor vehicle is much higher at night If you
21. your bike does not block or interfere with its required reflectors or lighting system A 9 BICYCLE RACKS Automobile bicycle racks are available from many manufacturers and many rack designs exist They are convenient devices for transporting your bike However any bicycle rack has potential to damage your bicycle Damage can occur immediately after repeated mounting and dismounting or while the bike is being transported We can t cover all the possible ways in which a rack might cause damage to your bike A CAUTION Read and follow the rack manufacturer s instructions before mounting your bike to avoid risk of injury All frames and forks can be damaged by the clamps and support systems of a bike rack Both carbon and aluminum can suffer serious abrasion damage by any uncontrolled movement during transport All damage to your bike can be serious which is why you must take extra care when selecting and using bike racks When mounting your bike on an external rack remove all bags panniers water bottles etc to minimize wind resistance and reduce the chances for loss and damage Contact your local REI store or your local bicycle retailer for help choosing and using a bike rack A 10 TIRE SIZE A 11 TOE CLIP OVERLAP MOUNTING THE WRONG SIZE TIRES CAN RESULT IN THE THEM HITTING THE FORK OR FRAME WHEN RIDING A MOVING TIRE CAN BE STOPPED WHEN IT TOUCHES THE FORK OR FRAME IF THIS HAPPENS YOU CAN L
22. CLE IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY DO NOT RIDE IT Have it inspected by an Authorized Novara Retailer To locate your nearest Authorized Novara Retailer call 1 800 426 4840 Failure to follow this checklist and to have any potential problem inspected could lead to an accident with risk of serious injury paralysis or death USE THIS CHECKLIST TO KEEP YOUR BIKE IN PEAK CONDITION Saddle seatpost DrivetraiiN 5 Bottom bracket ACCESSORIES Proper inflation Good condition no signs of cuts or wear Quick release levers secured Wheels true and centered in frame fork Pads secure and aligned properly Brakes centered Brake levers symmetrical and secure Cables and housings free of kinks frays Lever has at least 1 before bottoming against handlebar Aligned and properly secured Aligned and properly secured No play turns freely Aligned and properly secured Check for over under shifts Chain clean and lubed Properly secured Properly secured No side to side play spins freely Racks bottle cages fenders etc secured No cracks or breaks Questions about any of these parts or adjustments Our knowledgeable bike staff is happy to answer your questions REI MASTER TECHNICIANS ENSURE YOU GET EXPERT SERVICE From basic maintenance to complete overhaul
23. Center is open Monday through Sunday novarabike com 4am to 11pm Pacific Time From the U S and Canada 1 800 426 4840 MAIL International 1 253 891 2500 English language only REI Sumner WA Fax 1 253 891 2523 98390 RETAIL STORES To learn which REI retail location will best serve your needs please visit REI com stores or call the Contact Center USE OF THIS MANUAL Novara Bicycle Owner s Manual This manual contains important information affecting your safety and the proper use of bicycles It is an important document for every bicycle owner It is organized into two parts PART This is a generic guide to the proper function and use of bicycles This information is licensed to us and is used by many bike companies Many aspects of bicycles and their operation are common or generic and this section covers many of them PART II This portion of the manual contains information specific to Novara bicycles and topics we feel you need to be informed about A manual cannot teach you how to ride and a manual the size of an encyclopedia could not cover every combination of bicycle rider and conditions The Novara manuals and supplements focus mainly on the bicycle and do not teach you to ride REI and other companies offer great varieties of online printed and person to person learning opportunities Please take the time to appropriately inform yourself if you have a curiosity question or concern
24. EN S SIDEWALK To REDUCE the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH WEAR YOUR HELMET Always INSPECT YOUR BIKE Before each ride and after any crash or impact Never ride a bike with any damage or cracks READ AND FOLLOW The owners manual and supplements INTENDED USE This bike has been designed and tested to be used as labeled See owners manual for additional information More information at 800 426 4840 www rei com Do not remove this label Adult supervision required No traffic Weight Limit 80 pounds CONDITION 0 Bikes designed for riding by children over the age of three under appropriate parental supervision in a manner consistent with the child s bicycling skills Bicycles intended for this use are sidewalk bicycles MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT RIDER LUGGAGE TOTAL Ibs kg 165 kg Ibs kg 80 36 0 0 80 36 B 2 SPORT AND PERFORMANCE ROAD To REDUCE the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH WEAR YOUR HELMET Always INSPECT YOUR BIKE Before each ride and after any crash or impact Never ride a bike with any damage or cracks READ AND FOLLOW The owners manual and supplements INTENDED USE This bike has been designed and tested to be used as labeled See owners manual for additional information More information at 800 426 4840 www rei com Do not remove this label Suitable for road riding only Weight Limit 250 pounds CONDITION 1
25. G TORQUES Correct tightening torque for the fasteners bolts screws nuts on your bicycle is important for the durability and performance of your bicycle We urge you to buy and use a torque wrench for all of your repair work Find Tightening Torque Information The wide range of bicycle models and components used means that a listing of tightening torque would be out of date by the time it was published Many fasteners should be installed with a thread locking adhesive such as Loctite To determine correct tightening torque and any adhesive application for a fastener we ask you to check Markings on the component Torque specs in the component manufacturer s instructions Torque specs listed on the websites of component manufacturers E 6 BICYCLE REPAIR WORK STANDS The clamping jaws of a bike stand can generate a crushing force strong enough to seriously damage your frame See figure 19 Place your bike in a stand by extending the seatpost and positioning the stand clamp on the extended seatpost Don t extend beyond the MINIMUM INSERT line marked on the seatpost Since your carbon fiber seatpost can also be damaged by clamping force adjust the stand clamp for the minimum clamping force needed to secure the bike Also before clamping clean the post and protect the seatpost finish with a rag A CAUTION Never place your bike in a bike stand by clamping it onto the bike frame Improper clamping
26. H Always do the Mechanical Safety Check Section 1 C before you get on a bike Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your bicycle brakes Section 4 C pedals Section 4 E shifting Section 4 D 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 Always wear Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip the pedals Never ride barefoot or in sandals Bright visible clothing that is not so loose that it can become tangled in the bicycle or snagged by objects at the side of the road or trail Protective eye wear to protect against airborne dirt dust and bugs tinted when the sun is bright clear when it s not Don t jump with your bike Jumping 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 Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions Increased speed means higher risk PART 2 RIDING SAFETY Obey all rules of the road and all local traffic laws 1 You are sharing the road or path with others motorists pedestrians and other cyclists Respect their rights 2 Ride def
27. ICAL TO YOUR SAFETY AND THE LONGEVITY OF YOUR BICYCLE A POORLY MAINTAINED BIKE IS MORE LIKELY TO BREAK OR MALFUNCTION LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT WHERE YOU CAN BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED E 1 WARRANTY TUNE REI tries to minimize the break in effect of a new bicycle by precisely adjusting it with this initial period in mind However the bicycle will need mechanical attention during the first ten 10 to fifteen 15 hours of use to return it to an optimum performance level In essence a Warranty Tune brings a recently purchased bicycle back to the state it was in when it left the store for the first time This Warranty Tune is a free service that REI provides to our customers ensuring a positive ongoing experience As a general rule of thumb two months of moderate riding in good conditions 2 3 times weekly will be sufficient to break in a bicycle If you experience any problems sooner you should bring the bicycle in for service immediately E 2 CLEANING Use only water and dishwashing liquid On suspension forks and shocks cover adjustment knobs and air filter if equipped with a clean plastic bag secured temporarily with a rubber band or masking tape Before wiping away dirt use an ordinary water hose to gently spray off heavy soils and dirt A CAUTION DO NOT power wash or use water under high pressure to clean your bike Power washing can force contaminants into parts where they c
28. OSE CONTROL OF YOUR BIKE AND BE THROWN OFF RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Take care that the tires you select are compatible with your bike s fork or frame design Also be sure to follow the manufacturer s recommendations for your suspension systems When you are considering tires for your bike take into account The actual measured size of a tire may be different than its sidewall marking Each time you mount a new tire take the time to inspect the actual clearance between the rotating tire and all parts of the frame The CPSC requires at least 1 16 1 6 mm tire clearance from any part of the bike Allowing for lateral rim flex and a wheel or rim that is out of true will likely mean choosing a rear tire that provides even more clearance than the CPSC recommends Ask your local REI store or bicycle retailer for the right tires for your bike and its particular components 47 TOE CLIP OVERLAP COULD CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL OF YOUR BIKE LEADING TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH What is It Toe clip overlap or toe overlap describes the toe of your shoe or toe clip contacting the front tire or front fender as in fig 18 This may occur when the pedal with your shoe with or without a toe clip is all the way forward and the front wheel is turned sharply to a position where the toe or toe clip can contact the tire or fender If you ride with clipless pedals attach your riding shoes to the ped
29. RIDING AT DAWN AT DUSK OR AT NIGHT Ride slowly Avoid dark areas 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 local REI store about traffic safety classes or a good book on bicycle traffic safety 2 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 local REI store or the bicycle s manufacturer about the suitability of your bicycle before engaging in extreme riding When riding fast downhill 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 and race officials on conditions and equipment advisable at the site where you plan to ride Wear appropriate safety gear including an approved ful
30. 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 A CAUTION On many bicycles the wheels must be true for the brakes to work properly Wheel trueing is a skill that 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 Improper wheel trueing could result in injury 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 BICYCLE WHEEL RIMS ARE SUBJECT TO WEAR ASK YOUR LOCAL REI STORE ABOUT WHEEL RIM WEAR SOME WHEEL RIMS HAVE A RIM WEAR INDICATOR THAT BECOMES VISIBLE OR INVISIBLE AS THE RIM S BRAKING SURFACE WEARS EITHER INDICATOR WILL SHOW YOU THAT THE 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 LOSE CONTROL AND FALL WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Brakes Check the brakes for proper operation see Section 4 C Squeeze the brake levers Are the brake quick releases closed Are all control cables seated and securely engaged Do the brake pads contact the wheel rim squarely and mak
31. SCOLORATION CAN OCCUR NEAR A CRACK Such staining can also be an early warning that a part is fatigued or damaged SIMPLE RULE 2 Inspect and investigate any staining to see if it is associated with a crack or other damage SIGNIFICANT SCRATCHES GOUGES DENTS OR SCORING CREATE STARTING POINTS FOR CRACKS Think about the cut into the material surface as a focal point for stress in fact engineers call such areas stress risers areas where stress is concentrated Perhaps you have seen glass cut You ll recall how the glass was scored and then broke right along the scored line SIMPLE RULE 3 Avoid scratches gouges or scoring your bike When the inevitable occurs pay frequent attention to this area and consider replacement of the part 58 CRACKS AND OTHER DAMAGE MAY MAKE CREAKING NOISES AS YOU RIDE Think about any unusual noise as an opportunity to investigate its cause Remember that a well maintained and structurally sound bicycle should be very quiet and free of creaks and squeaks SIMPLE RULE 4 Investigate and find the source of any noise It may not a be a crack but whatever is causing the noise should be fixed before riding c Fatigue Is Not a Perfectly Predictable Science Fatigue is not a perfectly predictable science but we can give you some general factors to help you determine how often you need to inspect or have your retailer inspect your bicycle The more you fi
32. 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 MANUAL 1 Now is a great time to ride 2010 A CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PUR CHASE OF A NOVARA BICYCLE ABOUT US Novara is a registered trademark of Recreational Equipment Inc REI Novara bicycles are manufactured and distributed exclusively by REI THE REI GUARANTEE Our 100 satisfaction guarantee ensures that every item you purchase at REI meets your high standards or you can return it for a replacement or refund This policy covers most of what is referenced as a warranty in many bicycle related materials Please contact us for additional information USEFUL LIFE Nothing lasts forever including your bike When the useful life of your bike or its compo nents is over continued use is hazardous Every Novara bicycle frame and the compo nents attached to the frame have a finite limited useful life ALL NOVARA FRAMES AND COMPONENTS SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY CHECKED BY AN REI OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL BICYCLE MECHANIC for signs of wear damage stress and or other potential points of failure The frequency of these checks is affected by fre quency of use environmental considerations bicycle type riding style riding conditions and other factors Please contact us for additional information CONTACT US PHONE WEB REI com Our Contact
33. This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use service repair or maintenance manual It contains no thorough assembly instructions Nor is this manual a detailed service guide for any part of your bike Please contact your local REI store or a reputable bicycle dealer for all service repairs or maintenance REI or your other service provider should also be able to refer you to online materials classes or books on bicycle use and maintenance Other Manuals and Instructions Many of the components on your bike were not made by Novara When available from the manufacturer Novara packages these manuals and or instructions with our bikes for delivery to you We strongly recommend that you read and follow all the manufacturer s specific instructions included with your bike Service Locations REI would like to be your primary contact for service and adjustment of your bicycle instruction in its use and any other questions Please contact your local REI store In those locations where there is no store please contact your local bicycle shop If you choose another service location all Novara brand service parts will come from REI Please contact us with questions CONTENTS USE OF THIS 1 PARTI GENERAL WARNING ssssccssccsssssssssssscccceeeee 4 A SPECIAL NOTE FOR 4 SECTION 1 FIRST 5 8
34. UNTAIN To REDUCE the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH WEAR YOUR HELMET Always INSPECT YOUR BIKE Before each ride and after any crash or impact Never ride a bike with any damage or cracks READ AND FOLLOW The owners manual and supplements INTENDED USE This bike has been designed and tested to be used as labeled See owners manual for additional information More information at 800 426 4840 www rei com Do not remove this label For extreme off road riding Weight Limit 250 pounds CONDITION 4 Bikes designed for riding Conditions 1 2 and 3 plus rough technical areas moderately sized obstacles and small jumps Novara does not produce bicycles in this category PART Il SECTION C OFF ROAD RIDING Off road riding usually involves many variables such as constantly changing traction obstacles changes in line of sight up hill down hill soft surfaces dry surfaces and wet surfaces Off road riding requires managing a complex and constantly changing rider to bicycle feedback loop of traction weight distribution application of power application of brakes and steering driven by the conditions one encounters The complexity ever changing nature of off road riding requires focus concentration strength fitness and learning to read the trail The art of managing all of this while surrounded by nature makes it a challenging and wonderful sport A CAUTION Mountain bike riding
35. act with the pedals while in motion it can be very difficult to regain control until the bike is completely stopped For this reason clipless pedals are not recommended for fixed gear riding Novara does not produce bicycles that are designed for this type of use C 5 FIXED GEAR RIDING AND CONVERSION Some Novara bicycles can be converted into a fixed gear type of bicycle A fixed gear or fixie is a bicycle where the rear wheel and hub are connected directly to the crankset and cannot coast or freewheel As a result the pedals cannot move independently of the rear wheel As one of the simplest forms of a bicycle drivetrain fixed gear riding can be rewarding for those who use it However it is an advanced form of riding and should only be considered by those who are highly experienced and technically proficient 55 Conversion If your bicycle was not sold as a model intended to be used with a fixed gear drivetrain please consult your local REI store or local bicycle dealer about its suitability Chain tension and chainline are critical elements to a safe conversion and for this and other reasons not all bicycles are good candidates for fixed wheel use DO NOT REMOVE OR DISABLE THE PRIMARY BRAKING SYSTEMS ON ANY BICYCLE FOR USE AS A FIXED GEAR BICYCLE RIDING A BICYCLE WITHOUT THE BRAKING SYSTEMS IT WAS DESIGNED AND SOLD WITH GREATLY INCREASES THE POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF CONTROL LEADING TO ACCIDENTS
36. all parts carefully for cracks Pay particular attention to the bolt or bolts that clamp the saddle in place If the bolt looks stretched bent or in any way damaged replace it Note that these bolts have been known to be broken due to fatigue when not properly tightened They must be properly tightened with a torque wrench to specification The threads of the seatpost bolts must be greased before reassembly Be sure the clamp assembly is clamped only to the straight parallel part of the saddle rails f Seatpost Lubrication Clean and apply the following to a seatpost before inserting it into the frame FRAME MATERIAL SEAT POST SEAT TUBE SEAT POST LUBRICATION METAL METAL GREASE METAL CARBON FIBER CARBON GEL CARBON FIBER METAL CARBON GEL CARBON FIBER CARBON FIBER CARBON GEL GREASE A high quality bicycle bearing grease CARBON GEL A gel like lubricant formulated for use with carbon fiber components g Saddle While the saddle is off the seatpost clean and inspect the rails carefully for cracks Check the saddle rails to the saddle body make sure that the rails are firmly attached h Pedals Remove both from the crankset Clean and inspect carefully for cracks Pay particular attention to the pedal axle See clipless pedal manufacturer s instructions for information on cleat wear and replacement e Crankset Remove both sides from the bottom bracket Clean and inspect all p
37. als and check for front tire clearance FRONT TOE CLIP TIRE OVERLAP TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT PEDAL Toe clip overlap is more common on small frame size bicycles It can be simple to reduce contact with the front tire have the inside pedal up before beginning a turn As you turn to the left the inside left pedal should be positioned at twelve o clock As you turn to the right the inside right pedal should be positioned at twelve o clock Having the inside pedal up will prevent any toe clip to tire contact and maximize cornering ground clearance Whether or not you have overlap or how much overlap you have can be changed Be aware that toe clearance can be increased or decreased by changes in crank arm length size of pedals or toe clips used size of tires used addition of fenders and the size and or design of shoes worn PART Il A 12 AFTERMARKET BRAKE SYSTEMS A 13 AFTERMARKET POWER SYSTEMS DO NOT MODIFY YOUR FRAME FORK OR COMPONENTS IN ANY WAY TO MOUNT BRAKE SYSTEMS THESE MODIFICATIONS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE LEADING TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Choose only brakes that mount to the frame swingarm or fork using only the existing disc brake V brake or cantilever mounts Do not modify the existing mounts or clamp weld or in any other way add new or different mounts Any modification may weaken or damage the frame For maintenance instructions and other warnings read the literature provid
38. ameter and is only found on bicycle tubes To inflate a Presta valve tube using a Presta headed bicycle pump remove the valve cap unscrew counterclockwise the valve stem lock nut and push down on the valve stem to free it up Then push the pump head on to the valve head and inflate To inflate a Presta valve with a Schrader pump fitting you ll need a Presta adapter available at your local REI store which screws onto the valve stem once you ve freed up the valve The adapter fits into the Schrader pump fitting Close the valve after inflation To let air out of a Presta valve open up the valve stem lock nut and depress the valve stem We highly recommend that you be familiar with tire and tube repair and that you carry the items necessary for common roadside repairs This may include a spare inner tube patch kit flat fixing sealant wrenches a pump tire levers and other items Consult with your local REI store as to what you should be prepared for Schrader valve Presta valve Figure 17 37 PART SECTION 5 SERVICE Technological advances have made bicycles and bicycle components more complex and the pace of innovation is increasing It is impossible for this manual to provide all the information required to properly repair and or maintain your bicycle In order to help minimize the chances of an accident and possible injury it is critical that you have any repair or maintenance which is not
39. an promote corrosion and result in accelerated wear creating a risk of injury DO NOT use compressed air to dry DONOT use abrasive or harsh chemical cleaners solvents E 3 PREVENTING CORROSION After cleaning and drying it is a good idea to lightly coat the water bottle bosses with a water displacing lubricant to minimize corrosion This is particularly important on bicycles used in coastal salt air environments and those drenched in sweat on an indoor trainer 65 E 4 LUBRICATION After cleaning your bike you should lubricate the external moving parts Consult with your local REI store or your local retailer to choose among the many types of lubes best suited to your bicycle climate and riding conditions After the chain the pivot points on your derailleurs are the most common areas to lube Apply a small drop of oil to each pivot point and wipe off the excess Periodically depending upon how aggressively how often and where you ride and the design of the components on your bike other lubrication may be part of your ongoing maintenance If you are not an experienced bicycle mechanic take your bike to your local REI store or local bicycle retailer Other Lubrication Checklist Derailleur Cables Brake Cables Brake Pivots Headset Bearings e Bottom Bracket Bearings Hub Bearings Freehub Seatpost to Seat Tube PART E 5 TIGHTENIN
40. and carefully inspect them Most customers will use this component list as a checklist The intention here is to tell you which parts and which areas of those parts most need inspection Insist that your mechanic also do such inspections FAILURE TO DISASSEMBLE OR REASSEMBLE BICYCLE COMPONENTS PROPERLY COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH If disassembly is required remember that there can be special tools and techniques required Unless you are an experienced bicycle mechanic we urge you to have this work done at your local REI store As always if you see anything that you are unsure of do not ride the bike take it in for service Do not ride any component with a crack even a small one We recommend that you clearly mark or destroy any compromised component you replace so that it cannot be used again 62 a Aftermarket Superlight Components Think carefully about your rider profile as outlined above Discuss your needs and your profile very honestly with your retailer Take these choices seriously and understand that you are responsible for the changes b Original Equipment Components Novara tests the fatigue life of many of the components that are original equipment on your bike This means that the designs of many original equipment components have met our test criteria and have reasonable fatigue life It does not mean that the original equipment components will last forev
41. arrier or a child carrying trailer 9 Never carry anything that obstructs your vision or your complete control of the bicycle or which could become entangled in the moving parts of the bicycle 10 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 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 2 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 Wea
42. arts carefully for cracks Examine both inside and outside surfaces Pay particular attention to edges shapes and changes of shape that are a part of your particular crankset design Also check the area around the pedal mounting holes 63 f Wheels Clean the wheels Inspect the hub for cracks where the spokes are attached Inspect the rim where the spokes meet it g Brake Track of Wheel Rim The brake track is the surface of the rim where the brake pads make contact and this surface will wear with use We urge you to inspect for this Rims wear out more quickly on a bike used in wet conditions Many rims have brake track wear indicators please look for this feature If the wear indicator shows that the rim is worn out there is a danger that the rim could be broken due to tire pressure and or riding loads DO NOT RIDE ON A RIM THAT HAS BEEN WORN OUT IF THE RIM BREAKS WHILE YOU ARE RIDING YOU COULD HAVE AN ACCIDENT WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH D 4 RIDING THROUGH WATER A CAUTION Sealed components such as suspension forks headsets bottom brackets and hubs are effective at keeping mud and grit out of your bearings However any bike that is submerged or exposed to large amounts of water will require a complete bearing overhaul to prevent extensive and expensive damage DO NOT ride in the ocean Any bicycle substantially exposed or submerged in salt water will likely need a comple
43. assic all steel quick release and clamp it tight Relative movement will wear parts and weaken and damage your bike Note that many modern quick releases will not fit the clamping cones in this kind of trainer because their shapes are incompatible Be particularly cautious with a carbon frame or fork Carbon is relatively soft and not abrasion resistant If there is any relative movement carbon will wear quickly If you ride a trainer a lot consider using an old bike corrosion from sweat will take its toll Weight is irrelevant Save wear on your expensive components Risk to Children A CAUTION KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM BICYCLES MOUNTED ON STATIONARY TRAINERS EVEN WHEN THE BICYCLE IS NOT IN USE Spinning wheels attract children s attention and present a serious risk to young fingers Children have also been known to rotate cranks by hand on bicycles left unattended on stationary trainers putting themselves at risk of serious injury PART Il SECTION G PRE RIDE CHECKLIST FOLLOW THIS CHECKLIST BEFORE EVERY RIDE IF YOU HAVE ANY REASON TO SUSPECT THAT YOUR BICYCLE IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY DO NOT RIDE HAVE IT INSPECTED BY AN REI STORE OR YOUR PREFERRED LOCAL RETAILER TO LOCATE YOUR NEAREST REI STORE CALL 1 800 426 4840 FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS CHECKLIST AND HAVE ANY POTENTIAL PROBLEM INSPECTED COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Are you wearing a
44. ble above the headset FIGURE 6 THREADLESS p o AS s STEM Hh Figure 5 FIGURE 7 QUILL I io STEM i Figure 6 Some bicycles are equipped with an adjustable angle stem If your bicycle has an adjustable angle stem ask your local REI store to show you how to adjust it Do not attempt to make the adjustment yourself as changing stem angle may also require adjustments to the bicycle s controls AN INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED STEM BINDER BOLT HANDLEBAR BINDER BOLT OR BAR END EXTENSION CLAMPING BOLT MAY COMPROMISE STEERING ACTION WHICH COULD CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL AND FALL WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Place the front wheel of the bicycle between your legs and attempt to twist the handlebar stem assembly If you can twist the stem in relation to the front wheel turn the handlebars in relation to the stem or turn the bar end extensions in relation to the handlebar the bolts are insufficiently tightened Your local REI store can also change the angle of the handlebar or bar end extensions 19 3 D CONTROL POSITION ADJUSTMENTS The angle of the brake and shift control levers and their position on the handlebars can be changed Ask your local REI store to make the adjustments for you If you choose to make your own control lever angle adjustment be sure to re tighten the clamp fasteners to the recommended torque See manufacturer s instructi
45. ccurate and should not be relied upon for consistent accurate pressure readings Instead use a high quality dial gauge to avoid risk of injury Ask your local REI store to recommend the best tire pressure for the kind of riding you will most often do and have the local REI store inflate your tires to that pressure Then check inflation as described in Section 1 C so you ll know how correctly inflated tires should look and feel when you don t have access to a gauge It is important to check your tire pressures before every ride Some special high performance tires have unidirectional treads their tread pattern is designed to work better in one direction than in the other The sidewall marking of a unidirectional tire will have an arrow showing the correct rotation direction If your bike has unidirectional tires be sure that they are mounted to rotate in the correct direction 36 2 Tube Valves There are primarily two kinds of bicycle tube valves The Schrader valve and the Presta valve The bicycle pump you use must have the fitting appropriate to the valve stems on your bicycle The Schrader valve fig 17 is like the valve on a car tire To inflate a Schrader valve tube remove the valve cap and clamp the pump fitting onto the end of the valve stem To let air out of a Schrader valve depress the pin in the end of the valve stem with the end of a key or other appropriate object The Presta valve fig 17 has a narrower di
46. cycle or if you have the experience skill and tools have your local REI store check your work before riding If your new bike doesn t fit ask your local REI store to adjust or exchange it before you ride it A CAUTION A properly fitting bicycle is essential to a good cycling experience A poorly fitting bicycle will at best make your experience less enjoyable and at worst be difficult to operate and control safely 3 A STAND OVER HEIGHT Stand over height is a primary element of a proper 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 stand over 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 stand over height clearance of 2 inches 5cm A bike that you ll ride on unpaved surfaces should give you a minimum of 3 inches 7 5cm of stand over height clearance And a bike that you ll use off road should give you 4 inches 10 cm or more of clearance 15 Figure 2 Stand Over Height IF YOU PLAN TO USE YOUR BIKE FOR JUMPING OR STUNT RIDING READ SECTION 2 F AGAIN Standover height does not app
47. cycle Lifespan 7 Scratches cracks fraying and discoloration are signs of stress caused fatigue and indicate that a part is at the end of its useful life and needs to be A WARNING replaced While the materials and workmanship of your bicycle or of individual components may A CRASH OR OTHER IMPACT CAN PUT be covered by a warranty for a specified period EXTRAORDINARY STRESS ON BICYCLE of time by the manufacturer this is no guarantee COMPONENTS CAUSING THEM TO FATIGUE that the product will last forever PREMATURELY COMPONENTS SUFFERING FROM STRESS FATIGUE CAN FAIL SUDDENLY AND CATASTROPHICALLY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Check your bike for damage and take it to your local REI store for a thorough check Please be sure to read PART Il Section 0 3 Understanding Components and PART II Section D 5 Bicycle Lifespan LIKE ANY MECHANICAL DEVICE A BICYCLE AND ITS COMPONENTS ARE SUBJECT TO WEAR AND STRESS DIFFERENT MATERIALS AND MECHANISMS WEAR OR FATIGUE FROM STRESS AT DIFFERENT RATES AND HAVE DIFFERENT LIFE CYCLES IF A COMPONENT S LIFE CYCLE IS EXCEEDED THE COMPONENT CAN SUDDENLY AND CATASTROPHICALLY FAIL WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH 40 PART Il SECTION A IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION A Wide Range of Bicycling Injuries Are Possible Many hazards are described and we have attempted to explain how to avoid or minimize the dangers Because any fall can res
48. d be consult your local REI store before you ride SECTION 2 SAFETY 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 FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE LAWS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH 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 2 A THE BASICS 1 Always wear a cycling helmet that 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 that can be avoided if the rider wears an appropriate helmet Figure 1 Bicycle Helmet Your helmet should be U S Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC certified look for the label on the helmet Properly sized for you Properly fitted to you Properly attached to your head Undamaged ASK YOUR LOCAL REI STORE FOR HELP FAILURE TO WEAR A HELMET WHEN RIDING UNNECESSARILY EXPOSES YOU TO THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEAT
49. der ask if uncertain Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses Leave gates as you found them or as marked PLAN AHEAD Know your equipment your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly Be self sufficient at all times keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions Always wear a helmet and safety gear The above information is a synopsis of the Rules of the Trail information provided by the International Mountain Bicycling Association IMBA a group that is dedicated to promoting environmentally sound and socially responsible off road bicycling For the complete text more information on IMBA please visit imba com or call 303 545 9011 RIDE SAFE AND SMART Always wear a helmet when riding Use lights front and rear when cycling at night and in low visibility weather conditions reflectors aren t enough Have a clear sounding horn or bell to warn others of your approach Do not carry passengers or packages that interfere with your vision or control Always give pedestrians the right of way Reduce speed at all intersections look both ways then proceed with caution Watch for cars pulling out into traffic and car doors opening Know and obey all local and state traffic rules and regulations PRE RIDE CHECKLIST FOLLOW THIS CHECKLIST BEFORE EVERY RIDE IF YOU HAVE ANY REASON TO SUSPECT THAT YOUR BICY
50. dges and both rotor and caliper can get very hot during use and create a risk of injury A Removing a Disc Brake or Rim Brake Front Wheel 1 If your bike has rim brakes disengage the brake s quick release mechanism to increase the clearance between the tire and the brake pads See Section 4 C figs 10 13 23 2 If your bike has quick release retention move the lever from the locked or CLOSED position to the OPEN position fig 7a and fig 7b 3 If your front fork has an integral secondary retention device and a quick release system fig 7a loosen the tension adjusting nut enough to allow removing the wheel from the dropouts If your front wheel uses a cam and cup system fig 7b squeeze the cup and cam lever together while removing the wheel No rotation of any part is necessary with the cam and cup system You may need to tap the top of the wheel with the palm of your hand to release the wheel from the front fork B Installing a Disc Brake or Rim Brake Front Wheel A CAUTION If your bike is equipped with a front disc brake be careful not to damage the disc caliper or brake pads when re inserting the disc into the caliper Never activate a disc brake s control lever unless the disc is correctly inserted in the caliper Improper disc brake adjustment could result in injury See also Section 4 1 If your bike has quick release front wheel retention move the lever so tha
51. dividually in this manual If your bicycle has a suspension system of any kind be sure to read and follow the suspension manufacturer s setup and service instructions If you do not have the manufacturer s instructions see your local REI store or contact the manufacturer FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CHECK AND PROPERLY ADJUST THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION MALFUNCTION WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL AND FALL WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH If your bike has suspension the increased speed you may develop also increases your risk of injury For example when braking the front of a suspended bike dips You could lose control and fall if you do not have experience with this system Learn to handle your suspension system safely See also Section 4 C Never change suspension adjustment unless you are thoroughly familiar with the suspension system manufacturer s instructions and recommendations and always check for changes in the handling and braking characteristics of the bicycle after a suspension adjustment by taking a careful test ride in a hazard free area CHANGING SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT CAN CHANGE THE HANDLING AND BRAKING CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUR BICYCLE WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Suspension can increase control and comfort by allowing the wheels to better follow the terrain This enhanced capability may allow you to ride faster but you must not confuse the enhanced capabilities of
52. dle causes you pain numbness or other discomfort listen to your body and stop riding until you see your local REI store about saddle adjustment different saddle A CAUTION Some people have claimed that extended riding with a saddle that is incorrectly adjusted or that does not support your pelvic area correctly can cause short term or long term injury to nerves and blood vessels or even impotence with risk of injury 3 C HANDLEBAR HEIGHT AND ANGLE Your bike is equipped either with a threadless stem which clamps on to the outside of the steerer tube fig 5 or with a quill stem which clamps inside the steerer tube by way of an expanding binder bolt fig 6 If you aren t absolutely sure which type of stem your bike has ask your local REI store If your bike has a threadless stem your local store 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 different length or rise Consult your local REI store Do not attempt to do this yourself as it requires special knowledge If your bike has a quill stem you can ask your local REI store 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 visi
53. e 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 Wheel Retention System Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured See Section 4 A Seatpost If your seatpost has a quick release 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 Section 3 B and 3 C Handlebar Ends Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition Also be sure the handlebar ends and extensions are plugged If the handlebars have bar end extensions make sure they are clamped tight enough so you can t twist them 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 PART II Section D Materials and Inspectio
54. e this label wy For off road riding with obstacles less than 12 30cm Weight Limit 250 pounds CONDITION 2 Bikes designed for riding Condition 1 5 plus intermediate off road trails small obstacles and smooth technical areas including areas where momentary loss of tire contact with the ground may occur NO jumping MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT RIDER LUGGAGE RIDER LUGGAGE 165 kg Ibs kg Ibs kg 165 kg 250 113 30 14 280 127 250 125 55 25 305 138 Touring Trekking Full Suspension 250 113 55 25 305 138 250 125 5 23 255 116 52 B 5 ADVANCED CROSS COUNTRY To REDUCE the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH WEAR YOUR HELMET Always INSPECT YOUR BIKE Before each ride and after any crash or impact Never ride a bike with any damage or cracks READ AND FOLLOW The owners manual and supplements INTENDED USE This bike has been designed and tested to be used as labeled See owners manual for additional information More information at 800 426 4840 www rei com Do not remove this label For rough off road riding and jumps less than 24 61cm Weight Limit 250 pounds CONDITION 3 Bikes designed for riding Condition 2 plus rough trails obstacles and technical areas including areas where momentary loss of tire contact with the ground may occur NO jumping Novara does not produce bicycles in this category 53 B 6 ALL MO
55. ect tightening torque specifications from the bicycle or component manufacturer or from your local store 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 local REI store as soon as possible 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 LOSE CONTROL AND FALL WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH 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 and 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
56. ed by the brake manufacturer When choosing replacements please ask your local REI store or your local bicycle retailer 48 DO NOT INSTALL A POWER SYSTEM GAS OR ELECTRIC ONTO YOUR BIKE YOUR NOVARA BIKE WAS NOT DESIGNED OR INTENDED FOR USE WITH ANY TYPE OF AFTERMARKET POWER SYSTEM AND ITS INSTALLATION MAY ALTER THE PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS AND OR SHORTEN THE LIFESPAN OF THE FRAME FORK AND COMPONENTS THIS CAN RESULT IN REDUCED CONTROL AND ACCIDENTS THAT CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH There are many types of power systems from many different manufacturers We simply can t predict what can go wrong by installing one We can say that installing an aftermarket power system represents a MAJOR modification of your bike It will change the way your bike handles and fundamentally alter its operation When combined with your bike the power system can be become dangerous to operate For example the brakes may not be adequate for higher speeds nor may the tires be rated for the additional weight 49 PART SECTION B INTENDED USE IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR BICYCLE AND ITS INTENDED USE USING A BICYCLE IN A MANNER FOR WHICH IT WAS NOT INTENDED CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH No one type of bicycle is suited for all purposes Your local REI store can help you pick the right Novara bicycle for you and help you understand its limitations P
57. eezing the wheel rim between two brake pads disc brakes which operate by squeezing a hub mounted disc between two brake pads and internal hub brakes All three can be operated by way of a handlebar mounted lever On some models of bicycle the internal hub brake is operated by pedaling backwards This is called a Coaster Brake and is described below in Section 4 C 3 BRAKES ARE A CRITICAL SYSTEM FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF YOUR BICYCLE RIDING WITH IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED OR WORN BRAKES CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OR CRASHES THAT CAN CAUSE IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH 27 1 Brake Controls and Features It s very important to your safety that you learn and remember which brake lever controls which brake on your bike Make sure that your hands can reach and squeeze the brake levers comfortably If your hands are too small to operate the levers comfortably consult your local REI store before riding the bike The lever reach may be adjustable or you may need a different brake lever design Most rim brakes have some form of quick release mechanism to allow the brake pads to clear the tire when a wheel is removed or reinstalled When the brake quick release is in the open position the brakes are inoperative Ask your local REI store to make sure that you understand the way the brake quick release works on your bike see figs 10 13 and check each time to make sure both brakes work correctly before you get on the bike 2 H
58. ensively 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 e Pot holes sewer grating railroad tracks expansion joints road or sidewalk construction debris and other obstructions that could cause you to swerve into traffic catch your wheel or otherwise cause you to lose control and have an accident The many other hazards and distractions which can occur 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 c
59. er they will not c Stem Clean and inspect carefully for cracks Pay particular attention to the underside of the stem If the stem is of welded construction examine the edges of each weld See also the closely related handlebar section below d Handlebar Remove from stem With road bars you will need to remove the handlebar tape Remove any handlebar mounted components Clean and inspect carefully for cracks Pay particular attention to the area where the handlebar emerges from the stem This is the area where virtually all handlebars will eventually break Periodic replacement of all handlebars is strongly recommended How often they need to be replaced depends upon the many factors outlined above Be sure that you do not scratch or score the surface of the handlebar with either the stem or the brake or the shifter levers As noted above any such damage will reduce the life of the handlebar and could lead to breakage If you find that there is a sharp edge or burr on the inside of the stem right where the handlebar emerges it must be smoothed out with fine sandpaper 220 grit or finer before the new handlebar is installed Such a sharp edge or burr could cause a scratching or scoring of the handlebar As noted above any such damage will reduce the life of the handlebar and could lead to breakage e Seatpost Remove from seat tube and remove from saddle Disassemble the head saddle clamp assembly Clean and inspect
60. es a transfer of weight to the front wheel or under heavy braking around the front wheel hub which could send you flying over the handlebars A wheel with more weight on it will accept greater brake pressure before lockup a wheel with less weight will lock up with less brake pressure So as you apply brakes and your weight is transferred forward you need to shift your body toward the rear of the bike to transfer weight back on to the rear wheel and at the same time you need to both decrease rear braking and increase front braking force This is even more important on descents because descents shift weight forward 28 Two keys to effective speed control and safe stopping are controlling wheel lockup and weight transfer This weight transfer is even more pronounced if your bike has a front suspension fork Front suspension dips under braking increasing the weight transfer see also Section 4 F Practice braking and weight transfer techniques where there is no traffic or other hazards and distractions Everything changes when you ride on loose surfaces or in wet weather Tire adhesion is reduced so the wheels have less cornering and braking traction and can lock up with less brake force Moisture or dirt on the brake pads reduces their ability to grip The way to maintain control on loose or wet surfaces is to go more slowly Figure 12 Figure 11 29 Figure 13
61. ety understanding and communication with your local REI store we urge you to read this section The materials used to make your bike determine how to inspect it properly 56 D 1 UNDERSTANDING METAL AS A MATERIAL a Properties of Materials Please understand that there is no single truth that can be stated that accurately characterizes the nature of the different materials used in constructing bicycles How a chosen material is applied is much more important than the material alone One must look at the way the bike is designed tested and manufactured together with an understanding of the material Metals vary widely in their resistance to corrosion Steel must be protected or rust will attack it Aluminum and titanium quickly develop an oxide film that protects the metal from further corrosion Both are therefore quite resistant to corrosion Aluminum is not perfectly corrosion resistant and particular care must be used where it contacts other metals or galvanic corrosion can occur Metals as a class of materials are comparatively ductile Ductile means bending buckling and stretching before breaking Generally speaking of the common bicycle frame building materials steel is the most ductile followed by titanium and then aluminum When all metal bikes are crashed you will usually see some evidence of this ductility in bent buckled or folded metal It is now common for the main frame to be made of metal and the fork
62. eze each adjoining pair of spokes on either side of each wheel between your thumb and index finger Do they all feel about the same If any feel loose have the wheel checked for tension and trueness Check to make sure that all parts and accessories are still secure and tighten any that are not Check the frame particularly in the areas around all tube joints the handlebars the stem and the seatpost for any deep scratches cracks or discoloration These are signs of stress caused fatigue and indicate that a part is at the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced See also PART Section D Materials and Inspection PART 5 AS REQUIRED If either brake lever 5 B IF YOUR BICYCLE fails the Mechanical Safety Check SUSTAINS AN IMPACT Section 1 C don t ride the bike Have your local REI store or another qualified bike mechanic check the brakes If the chain won t shift smoothly and quietly from gear to gear the derailleur is out of adjustment See your local REI store or another Carbon composite components including frames qualified bike mechanic wheels handlebars stems cranksets brakes etc 6 EVERY 25 HARD OFF ROAD TO 50 ON ROAD that have sustained an impact must not be ridden HOURS OF RIDING Take your bike to your local Until they have been disassembled and thoroughly REI store or another qualified bike mechanic fora inspected by a qualified mechanic complete checkup See also PART Section 0 5 Bi
63. frame fork and components inspected Never ride a frame fork or components with any crack or damage see PART Il Section D Materials and Inspection RULES OF THE TRAIL MOUNTAIN BIKERS PLEASE DO YOUR PART TO MAINTAIN TRAIL ACCESS BY OBSERVING THE FOLLOWING RULES OF THE TRAIL RIDE ON OPEN TRAILS ONLY Respect trail and road closures ask if uncertain avoid trespassing on private land and obtain permits or other authorization as may be required Federal and state wilderness areas are closed to cycling LEAVE NO TRACE Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you practice low impact cycling Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage When the trailbed is soft consider other riding options Stay on existing trails and do not create new ones Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in CONTROL YOUR BICYCLE Inattention for even a second can cause problems Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations ALWAYS YIELD THE TRAIL Let your fellow trail users know you re coming A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well Show your respect when passing others by slowing to a walk or even stopping Anticipate that other trail users may be around corners or in blind spots NEVER SCARE ANIMALS All animals are startled by an unannounced approach sudden movement or loud noise Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you When passing horses use special care and follow the directions of the horseback ri
64. he seatpost the seat tube make sure the saddle is straight fore and aft re tighten the recommended instructions seatpost clamp to the torque See manufacturer s 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 SEATPOST IS NOT INSERTED IN THE SEAT TUBE AS DESCRIBED IN B 1 ABOVE THE SEATPOST MAY BREAK WHICH COULD CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL AND FALL WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Figure 4 Minimum Insertion Mark 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 local REI store 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 See 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 local REI store 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
65. helmet and other appropriate equipment and clothing such as protective glasses and gloves Do not wear loose clothing that could become entangled in the bicycle See PART Section 2 A The Basics Are your seatpost and stem securely fastened Twist the handlebars firmly from side to side while holding the front wheel between your knees The stem must not move in the steering tube Similarly the seatpost must be secure in the seat tube See PART I Section 3 Fit Are you visible to motorists If you are riding at dusk dawn or night you must make yourself visible to motorists Use front and rear lights and a strobe or blinker Reflectors alone do not provide adequate visibility Wear reflective clothing see PART I Section 2 E Night Riding and PART II Section A Important Safety Information Is it raining or wet If so be more cautious Your braking distances will increase and your tires grip on the road will decrease Remember that motorists visibility decreases with bad weather see PART Section 2 0 Wet Weather Riding and PART Il Section A Important Safety Information Are your tires properly inflated Tires must be inflated to the recommended pressure see PART Section 4 G Tires and Tubes 68 Are your wheels true Lift each end of the bike and spin each wheel Does the space between the rim and the brake pads or the tire and the frame remain nearly the same size as the wheel turns Are your spo
66. icycle has a derailleur drivetrain the gear changing mechanism will have arear cassette or freewheel arear derailleur usually a front derailleur one or two shifters one two or three front sprockets called chainrings a drive chain a Shifting gears There are several different types and styles of shifting controls levers twist grips triggers combination shift brake controls push buttons and so on Ask your local store to explain the type of shifting controls that are on your bike and to show you how they work The vocabulary of shifting can be pretty confusing A downshift is a shift to a lower or slower gear one which is easier to pedal An upshift is a shift to a higher or faster harder to pedal gear What s confusing is that what s happening at the front derailleur is the opposite of what s happening at the rear derailleur Please read the instructions on Shifting the Rear Derailleur and Shifting the Front Derailleur below For example you can select a gear which will make pedaling easier on a hill make a downshift in one of two ways shift the chain down the gear steps to a smaller gear at the front or up the gear steps to a larger gear at the rear So at the rear gear cluster what is called a downshift looks like an upshift The way to keep things straight is to remember that shifting the chain in towards the centerline of the bike is for accelera
67. iny or deep as if one was looking into a clear liquid Delaminated areas will look opaque and cloudy Bulging or deformed shape If delamination occurs the surface shape may change The surface may have a bump bulge or soft spot or not be smooth and fair difference in sound when tapping the surface If you gently tap the surface of an undamaged composite you will hear a consistent sound usually a hard sharp sound If you then tap a delaminated area you will hear a different sound usually a duller less sharp sound DO NOT RIDE A FRAME OR FORK WITH ANY DELAMINATION OR CRACK IF YOU RIDE A DELAMINATED OR CRACKED FRAME FORK COMPONENT IT MAY COMPLETELY BREAK APART WITH RISK OF ACCIDENT SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH 61 Unusual Noises Either a crack or delamination can cause creaking noises while riding Think about such a noise as a serious warning signal A well maintained bicycle will be very quiet and free of creaks and squeaks Investigate and find the source of any noise It may not be a crack or delamination but whatever is causing the noise must be fixed before riding CREAKS OR UNUSUAL NOISES COMING FROMYOUR BIKE NEEDTOBEINVESTIGATED UNUSUAL NOISES OFTEN OCCUR PRIOR TO A COMPONENT FAILURE WHICH CAN LEAD TO A COMPLETE FAILURE RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH PART Il D 3 UNDERSTANDING COMPONENTS It is often necessary to remove and disassemble components in order to properly
68. is very different from riding a bike on the road For starters it is almost certain you will fall off and be injured Join a club and find experienced people to teach you Practice and learn to stay in control Carefully progressively learn to expand your limits but always ride within them 54 C 1 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ROUTINES A CAUTION Mountain bike riding is very hard on bikes Mountain bikes need frequent cleaning maintenance and inspection to reduce the risk of injury Clean your bike after every ride and conduct a pre ride inspection see Pre Ride Checklist before you head back out riding Read the section on inspection in this manual and remember off road use can be hard on a bicycle and maintenance and repair is likely needed more often than for on road use Failure to keep up with maintenance and inspection increases the risk that you won t have a good time out on your bike C 2 SUSPENSION Suspension can increase the handling capabilities and comfort of your bicycle An enhanced capability may allow you to ride faster particularly on rough or bumpy surfaces As common sense tells you increased speed brings increased risk Do not confuse the built in capabilities of a suspensions bike with your own capabilities which must be learned Increasing your skill will take time and practice Stay in control and carefully gradually learn the feel and handling of your suspension bike Whe
69. k of the wheel disengaging from the fork 22 2 Wheels With Quick Release Systems The wheel hub is clamped in place by the force of the quick release against one dropout and pulling the tension adjusting nut by way of the skewer against the other dropout The amount of clamping force is controlled by the tension adjusting nut Turning the tension adjusting nut clockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating increases clamping force turning it counterclockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating reduces clamping force Less than half a turn of the tension adjusting nut can make the difference between safe clamping force and unsafe clamping force 3 Removing and Installing Wheels The removal and re installation of most hub brakes and internal gear hubs requires special knowledge Incorrect removal or assembly can result in brake or gear failure which can cause you to lose control and fall with risk of serious injury or death A CAUTION If your bike is equipped with a hub brake such as a rear coaster brake front or rear drum band or roller brake or if it has an internal gear rear hub do not attempt to remove the wheel unless you are confident that you can re install it properly Incorrect installation can affect the braking shifting and handling characteristics of the bicycle A CAUTION If your bike has a disc brake exercise care in touching the rotor or caliper Disc rotors have sharp e
70. ke 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 Do you have toe overlap On smaller framed bicycles your toe or toe clip may be able to contact the front wheel when a pedal is all the way forward and the wheel is turned Read Section 4 and Part Il Section A 11 if you have toe clip overlap Does your bike have suspension If so check Section 4 F Suspension can change the way bicycle performs Follow the suspension manufacturer s instructions for use adjustment and care PART MECHANICAL SAFETY CHECK Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before every ride Nuts Bolts Screws and 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 the correct tightening force or torque cannot be generalized To make sure that the many fasteners on your bicycle are correctly tightened See page PART Section Always refer to the torque specifications in the instructions provided by the manufacturer of a 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 your bicycle If you choose to work on your own bicycle you must use a torque wrench and the corr
71. kes tight See PART 1 Section 1 C Mechanical Safety Check Are your wheels quick releases properly fastened Be sure to read the section on proper operation of quick release skewers see PART Section 4 A Wheels Are your front and rear brakes functioning properly With any rim brake the brake pads must make firm contact with the rim without the brake levers hitting the handlebar grip With V brakes the quick release noodle must be properly installed With cantilever brakes the straddle cable must be properly attached With caliper brakes if there is a quick release function it must be closed With hydraulic disc brakes check that the lever feels firm and does not move too close to the handlebar grip and there is no evidence of leaking brake fluid With cable actuated disc brakes check that the lever feels firm and does not move too close to the handlebar grip With any disc brakes the brake pads must make firm contact with the rotor without the brake levers hitting the handlebar grip see PART Section 4 C Brakes How do your clipless pedals work today Clip in and out of your pedals before you begin Experienced cyclists do The connection between cleat and pedal is affected by dozens of factors including dirt mud lubrication spring tension and wear By clipping in and out you will check the function and have a fresh memory of how they feel see PART 1 Section 4 E Pedals How recently were your
72. kwise one quarter turn and try tightening the lever again 24 5 If you disengaged the brake quick release mechanism in Section 4 A 3 A 1 above re engage it to restore correct brake pad to rim clearance 6 Spin the wheel to make sure that it is centered in the frame and clears the brake pads then squeeze the brake lever and make sure that the brakes are operating correctly C Removing a Disc Brake or Rim Brake Rear Wheel 1 If you have a multi speed bike with a derailleur 2 gear system shift the rear derailleur to high gear the smallest outermost rear sprocket If you have an internal gear rear hub consult your local REI store or the hub manufacturer s instructions before attempting to remove the rear wheel If you have a single speed bike with rim or disc brake go to step 4 below If your bike has rim brakes disengage the quick release mechanism to increase the clearance between the wheel rim and the brake pads see Section 4 C figs 10 13 3 On a derailleur gear system pull the derailleur 4 5 D Installing a Disc Brake or Rim Brake body back with your right hand rear sprocket Lift the rear wheel off the ground a few inches and remove it from the rear dropouts Rear Wheel With a quick release mechanism move the quick release lever to the OPEN position fig 7b With a through bolt or bolt on mechanism loosen the fastener s with an appropriate
73. l face helmet full finger gloves and body armor Ultimately it is your responsibility to have proper equipment and to be familiar with course conditions 13 ALTHOUGH MANY CATALOGS ADVERTISE MENTS AND ARTICLES ABOUT BICYCLING DEPICT RIDERS ENGAGED IN EXTREME RIDING THIS ACTIVITY IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND INCREASES YOUR RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH 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 PART 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 difficult 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 Take your bicycle to your local REI store if anything breaks or bends Do not ride your bicycle when any part is damaged If you ride downhill at speed do s
74. ld 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 and its warnings and review the bicycle s functions and operating procedures with your child before letting your child ride the bicycle 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 Failure to follow this warning could result in serious injury or death SECTION 1 FIRST STEPS 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 that you don t completely understand Please note that not all bicycles have all of the features described in this manual Ask your local REI store to point out the features of your bicycle 1 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 y
75. lty knowledge and tools to safely complete a quality refinish Even if a detailed and professional inspection is performed before during and after you still run the risk of concealing potential problems No change in appearance is worth these risks Small chips or minor scratches may be touched up with automotive paint 45 DO NOT PHYSICALLY MODIFY YOUR BIKE FRAME OR COMPONENTS IN ANY WAY MODIFICATIONS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE LEADING TO FAILURE AND ACCIDENTS WITH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Don t sandblast shot blast or glass bead Don t use any coarse sandpaper e Dont grind wire brush file machine buff scrape or Don t weld braze or let anyone touch your bike with a torch Don t drill any holes Don t acid dip or etch Don t anodize or chrome plate Any of these procedures can seriously harm the structural integrity and or longevity of your frame fork or components PART Il A 7 BICYCLES HAVE SHARP SURFACES A CAUTION Blicycles have exposed sharp surfaces and can cause injury Exercise caution with chainrings and pointed aggressive platform pedals as they have sharp and potentially dangerous surfaces Use caution when working on your bike If you slip or fall you could be injured A 8 INSTALLING ACCESSORIES There are countless accessories that have been designed to fit on a bike or be used during your rides Many of them can add greatly to your enjoyment of the sport
76. ly 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 3 B Saddle Position 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 seatpost PART 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 local REI store 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 e 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 E he aos Ns if 1440 a mon lt gt Figure 3 Saddle Position Ask your local REI store 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 seatpost clamp raise or lower t
77. mpatible with the make and model pedal being used Many clipless pedals are designed to allow the rider to adjust the amount of force needed to engage or disengage the foot Follow the pedal manufacturer s instructions or ask your local REI store to show you how to make this adjustment Use the easiest setting until engaging and disengaging becomes a reflex action but always make sure that there is sufficient tension to prevent unintended release of your foot from the pedal A CAUTION Clipless pedals are intendend for use with shoes specifically made to fit them and are designed to firmly keep the foot engaged with the pedal Do not use shoes which do not engage the pedals correctly as you will increase the risk of injury Practice is required to learn to engage and disengage the foot safely Until engaging and disengaging the foot becomes a reflex action the technique requires concentration which can distract your attention and cause you to lose control and fall Practice engaging and disengaging clipless pedals in a place where there are no obstacles hazards or traffic and be sure to follow the pedal manufacturer s setup and service instructions If you do not have the manufacturer s instructions see your local REI store or contact the manufacturer 34 4 F BICYCLE SUSPENSION Many bicycles are equipped with suspension systems There are many different types of suspension systems too many to deal with in
78. n PART 1 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 toe clips or clipless pedals practice getting and out of the pedals See Section 1 B 4 above and Section 4 E If your bike has suspension familiarize yourself with how the suspension responds to brake application and rider weight shifts See Section 1 B 6 above and Section 4 F Practice shifting the gears see Section 4 D Remember never to 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 shoul
79. n you apply the front brakes on a suspension bike the front of the bike will fall or dip as weight shifts forward This is normal The front of your car dips when you apply the brakes You must learn to anticipate this weight shift and compensate by shifting your body weight back C 3 JUMPING JUMPING IS VERY RISKY YOU COULD FALL LEADING TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Novara does not produce bicycles that are designed for this type of use 4 DOWNHILL AND LIFT SERVICED RIDING DOWNHILL OFF ROAD RIDING WHETHER LIFT SERVED PEDALED SHUTTLED INVOLVES A VOLUNTARY ASSUMPTION OF A VERY LARGE SET OF RISKS IT REQUIRES A GREAT DEAL OF SKILL AND SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT FOR SAFE PARTICIPATION THE RISKS ARE LARGE AND CRASHES CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH A CAUTION CAUTION PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO PRACTICE AND GET FAMILIAR WITH YOUR FIXED GEAR Some items of important consideration are Pedal strike When cornering you can not stop pedaling You must manage the risk of contacting the ground with your pedals Derailment If the chain is not properly tensioned and aligned it could come loose and fall off This will greatly reduce your control and possibly become entangled in the rear wheel risking lock up Pinching Catching something in the drivetrain will result in one or both of the following events damage to the item or rear wheel lockup Pedal Contact If you lose control or cont
80. ocal REI store or another qualified bike mechanic before riding it again 2 BEFORE EVERY RIDE Mechanical Safety Check Section 1 C 3 AFTER EVERY LONG OR HARD RIDE Clean the bike and lightly oil the chain Wipe off excess oil Lubrication is a function of climate Talk to your local REI store or another qualified bike mechanic about the best lubricants and the recommended lubrication frequency for your area 39 AFTER EVERY LONG OR HARD RIDE OR AFTER EVERY 10 TO 20 HOURS OF RIDING Squeeze the front brake and rock the bike forward and back Everything feel solid If you feel a clunk with each forward or backward movement of the bike you probably have a loose headset Have your local REI store or another qualified bike mechanic check it Lift the front wheel off the ground and swing it from side to side Feel smooth If you feel any binding or roughness in the steering you may have a tight headset Have your local REI store or another qualified bike mechanic check it Grab one pedal and rock it toward and away from the center line of the bike then do the same with the other pedal Anything feel loose If so have your local REI store or another qualified bike mechanic check it Take a look at the brake pads Starting to look worn or not hitting the wheel rim squarely Time to have them adjusted or replaced Carefully check the control cables and cable housings Any rust Kinks Fraying If so have them replaced Sque
81. ons 3 E BRAKE REACH Many bikes have brake levers that can be adjusted for reach If you have small hands or find it difficult to squeeze the brake levers your local REI store can either adjust the reach or fit shorter reach brake levers THE SHORTER THE BRAKE LEVER REACH THE MORE CRITICAL IT IS TO HAVE CORRECTLY ADJUSTED BRAKES SO THAT FULL BRAKING POWER CAN BE APPLIED WITHIN AVAILABLE BRAKE LEVER TRAVEL BRAKE LEVER TRAVEL INSUFFICIENT TO APPLY FULL BRAKING POWER CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH PART SECTION 4 TECH It s important to your safety performance and enjoyment to understand how things work on your bicycle We urge you to ask your local REI store how to do the things described in this section before you attempt them yourself and that you have your local REI store check your work before you ride the bike If you have even the slightest doubt as to whether you understand something in this section of the Manual talk to your local REI store 4 A WHEELS Bicycle wheels are designed to be removable for easier transportation and for repair of a tire puncture In most cases the wheel axles are inserted into slots called dropouts in the fork and frame but some suspension mountain bikes use what is called a through axle wheel mounting system If you have a mountain bike equipped with through axle front or rear wheels make sure that y
82. or that risk so you need to know 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 A the word WARNING indicates potentially hazardous situation that if not avoided could result in serious injury or death The combination of the safety alert symbol A and the word CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation that 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 that if not avoided could result in serious damage to the bicycle Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition that 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 that cannot be predicted or avoided and that are the sole responsibility of the rider 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 chi
83. our local REI store has given you the manufacturer s instructions and follow those when installing or removing a through axle wheel If you don t know what a through axle is ask your local REI store Wheels are secured in one of three ways hollow axle with a shaft skewer running through it which has an adjustable tension nut on one end and an over center cam on the other cam action system fig 7a and fig 7b 20 A hollow axle with a shaft skewer running through it which has a nut on one end and a fitting for a hex key lock lever or other tightening device on the other through bolt wheel fig 8 e Hex nuts or hex key bolts which are threaded onto or into the hub axle bolt on wheel fig 9 It is essential that you e Ask your local REI store to help you make sure you know how to install and remove your wheels safely e Understand and apply the correct technique for clamping your wheel in place e Each time before you ride the bike check that the wheel is securely clamped The clamping action of a correctly secured wheel must emboss the surfaces of the dropouts RIDING WITH AN IMPROPERLY SECURED WHEEL CAN CAUSE THE WHEEL TO WOBBLE OR FALL OFF THE BICYCLE WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CLOSED CHOSED NUT ADJUST ADJUST OPEN SKEWER OPEN SKEWER CAM LEVER CAM LEVER Figure 7a Figure 7b gt EES j Figure 8 Figure
84. our local REI store to adjust or 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 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 local REI store explain any functions or features that you do not understand 1 B SAFETY FIRST 1 Always wear approved helmet when riding your bike and follow the helmet manufacturer s instructions for fit use and care 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 Do you know how to correctly operate your wheel quick releases Check Section 4 A 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 If your bike has toe clips and straps or clipless step in pedals ma
85. ow Brakes Work The braking action of a bicycle is a function of the friction between the brake surfaces usually the brake pads and the wheel rim To make sure that you have maximum friction available keep your rims disc rotors and brake pads clean and free of lubricants waxes or polishes PART Brakes are designed to control your speed not just to stop the bike Maximum braking force for each wheel occurs at the point just before the wheel locks up stops rotating and starts to skid Once the tire skids you actually lose most of your stopping force and all directional control You need to practice slowing and stopping smoothly without locking up a wheel The technique is called progressive brake modulation Instead of jerking the brake lever to the position where you think you ll generate appropriate braking force squeeze the lever progressively increasing the braking force If you feel the wheel begin to lock up release pressure just a little to keep the wheel rotating just short of lockup It s important to develop a feel for the amount of brake lever pressure required for each wheel at different speeds and on different surfaces To better understand this experiment a little by walking your bike and applying different amounts of pressure to each brake lever until the wheel locks When you apply one or both brakes the bike begins to slow but your body wants to continue at the speed at which it was going This caus
86. r 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 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 2F 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 11 2 D WET WEATHER RIDING Under wet conditions the stopping power of your b
87. rakes 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 WET WEATHER IMPAIRS TRACTION BRAKING AND VISIBILITY BOTH FOR THE BICYCLIST AND FOR OTHER VEHICLES SHARING THE ROAD AND MAY INCREASE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH The risk of an accident is dramatically increased in wet conditions 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 PART 2 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 that helps reduce that risk Consult your local REI store about night riding safety equipment REFLECTORS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR LIGHTS RIDING AT DAWN AT DUSK AT NIGHT OR AT OTHER TIMES OF POOR VISIBILITY WITHOUT AN ADEQUATE BICYCLE LIGHTING SYSTEM AND WITHOUT REFLECTORS 15 DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Bicycle reflectors are designed to pick up and reflect st
88. rallel to the seat stay or chain stay and curved toward the wheel To apply enough clamping force you should have to wrap your fingers around the seat stay or chainstay for leverage and the lever should leave a clear imprint in the palm of your hand 7 With a through bolt or bolt on system tighten the fasteners to the torque specifications in Appendix D or the hub manufacturer s instructions NOTE If on a quick release system the lever cannot be pushed all the way to a position parallel to the seat stay or chain stay return the lever to the OPEN position Then turn the tension adjusting nut counterclockwise one quarter turn and try tightening the lever again SECURELY CLAMPING THE WHEEL WITH A QUICK RELEASE RETENTION DEVICE TAKES CONSIDERABLE FORCE RIDING WITH AN IMPROPERLY SECURED WHEEL CAN ALLOW THE WHEEL TO WOBBLE OR FALL OFF THE BICYCLE WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH See also WARNING in PART I Section 4 A Wheels PART 8 If you disengaged the brake quick release mechanism in Section 4 A 3 C 2 above re engage it to restore correct brake pad to rim clearance 9 Spin the wheel to make sure that it is centered in the frame and clears the brake pads then squeeze the brake lever and make sure that the brakes are operating correctly 4 SEATPOST QUICK RELEASE CLAMP Some bikes are equipped with a quick release seatpost binder The seatpost quick release binder works exactly
89. read and follow the inspection instructions contained in the manual that cover that fork If you do not have the third party s manual please contact your local REI store your local bicycle retailer for information on getting a copy PART Il D 2 UNDERSTANDING CARBON FIBER All riders with high performance bicycles and components should understand fundamental reality of carbon fiber Composite materials constructed of carbon fiber are strong and light but when crashed or overloaded carbon fibers do not fail progressively through bending or distortion instead they fail catastrophically and break a What Is Carbon Fiber The term carbon fiber refers to parts that are made up of different component materials Carbon fiber composites typically include a strong light fiber in a matrix of plastic epoxy molded to form a shape The epoxy matrix bonds the carbon fibers together transfers load to other fibers and provides a smooth outer surface The carbon fibers are the skeleton that carries the load b Why Are Carbon Fibers Used Unlike metals which have uniform properties in all directions carbon fibers can be placed in specific orientations to optimize the structure for particular loads The choice of where to place the carbon fibers gives engineers a powerful tool to create strong light bicycles Engineers can also orient fibers to suit other goals such as comfort and vibration damping Carbon fiber mate
90. reet lights and car lights in a way that may help you to be seen and recognized as a moving bicyclist A CAUTION Check reflectors and their mounting brackets regularly to make sure that they are clean straight unbroken and securely mounted Have your local REI store replace damaged reflectors and straighten or tighten any that are bent or loose 12 REMOVING THE REFLECTORS MAY REDUCE YOUR VISIBILITY TO OTHERS USING THE ROADWAY BEING STRUCK BY OTHER VEHICLES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH 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
91. rials have a very high strength to weight ratio Used properly carbon fiber is an amazingly lightweight structural material relative to metals Carbon fiber is also corrosion resistant much more so than most metals 60 c What Are the Limits of Carbon Fiber Well designed carbon fiber frames forks and components have long fatigue lives However still urges you to regularly inspect your carbon fiber frame fork or components d Protect Carbon Fiber From Extreme Temperatures Protect your carbon fiber bike and parts from extremely high temperatures when storing transporting it Do not store your bike in places where the temperature will exceed 66 5 C 150 F for extended periods of time For example do not leave your bike lying flat in a black pickup truck bed in the desert sun or under the glass of a hatchback car e Composite Frame Fork and Component Inspection Cracks Inspect for cracks and broken or splintered areas Any crack is serious Do not ride any bicycle or component that has a crack of any size Delamination Delamination is serious damage Carbon fiber is made from layers of fabric Delamination means that the layers of fabric are no longer bonded together Do not ride any bicycle or component that has any delamination These are some delamination clues A cloudy or white area This kind of area looks different from the ordinary undamaged areas Undamaged areas will look glassy sh
92. rior to a purchase modification of a current bicycle or a major change in use do your research Spend time at your local REI store or your local bicycle retailer and find someone with expertise in the area that interests you Look online engage local clubs or user groups read books and magazines and make a list of all of the questions that you don t have answers to Seemingly small differences in bikes components and accessories can greatly change the intended use lifespan and or performance of a bicycle for a certain purpose There are many types of bicycles and many variations within each type There are bicycles that mix features and others that cross categories For example there are road racing bicycles with triple cranks that have the low gearing of a touring bike and the quick handling of a racing bike but are not well suited for carrying heavy loads on a tour For that purpose you want a touring bike There are urban and comfort bicycles that can be fitted with off road tires although they are not intended for off road use For that purpose you want a mountain bike On the following pages we outline the intended use categories that and Novara use for the development of our bicycles Please remember that these usage conditions are generalized and evolving as are bicycles and the way they are used Please contact your local REI store if you have any questions about a Novara bike and your intended use B 1 CHILDR
93. spare parts would be appropriate for you to have once you have learned how to replace such parts when they require replacement 5 SERVICE INTERVALS Some service and maintenance can and should be performed by the owner and require no special tools or knowledge beyond what is presented in this manual The following are examples of the type of service you should perform yourself All other service maintenance and repair should be performed at your local REI store or in a properly equipped facility by a qualified bicycle mechanic using the correct tools and procedures specified by the manufacturer 1 BREAK IN PERIOD Your bike will last longer and work better if you break it in Control cables and wheel spokes may stretch or seat when a new bike is first used and may require readjustment by your local REI store or another qualified bike mechanic Your Mechanical Safety Check Section 1 C will help you identify some things that need readjustment But even if everything seems fine to you it s best to take your bike back to the local REI store or another qualified bike mechanic for a checkup REI stores typically suggest you bring the bike in for a 30 day checkup Another way to judge when it s time for the first checkup is to bring the bike in after three to five hours of hard off road use or about 10 to 15 hours of on road or more casual off road use But if you think something is wrong with the bike take it to your l
94. specifically described in this manual performed by your local REI store Equally important is that your individual maintenance requirements will be determined by everything from your riding style to geographic location Consult your local REI store for help in determining your maintenance requirements Many bicycle service and repair tasks require special knowledge and tools Do not begin any adjustments or service on your bicycle until you have learned from your local REI store how to properly complete them Improper adjustment or service may result in damage to the bicycle or reduced functionality or performance 38 If you want to learn to do major service and repair work on your bike you have three options 1 REI will provide at the time of sale copies of the manufacturer s installation service instructions for the components on your bike If you would like more information you may also contact the component manufacturer 2 Join a cycling club or group utilize online resources and or look for a good book on the topic of repair 3 Research the availability of bicycle repair courses in your area We recommend that you ask someone with experience to check the quality of your work the first time you work on something and before you ride the bike Since that will require the time of a mechanic there may be a modest charge for this service We also recommend that you ask your local store for guidance on what
95. t it curves away from the wheel fig 7b This is the OPEN position If your bike has through bolt or bolt on front wheel retention go to the next step PART 2 With the steering fork facing forward insert the wheel between the fork blades so that the axle seats firmly at the top of the fork dropouts If your bike has a clip on type secondary retention device engage it 3 If you have a quick release holding the cam lever in the ADJUST position with your right hand tighten the tension adjusting nut with your left hand until it is finger tight against the fork dropout fig 7a 4 While pushing the wheel firmly to the top of the slots in the fork dropouts and at the same time centering the wheel rim in the fork a With a quick release system move the cam lever upwards and swing it into the CLOSED position fig 7a and fig 7b The lever should now be parallel to the fork blade and curved toward the wheel To apply enough clamping force you should have to wrap your fingers around the fork blade for leverage and the lever should leave a clear imprint in the palm of your hand b With a through bolt or bolt on system tighten the fasteners to the torque specifications in the hub manufacturer s instructions NOTE If on a quick release system the lever cannot be pushed all the way to a position parallel to the fork blade return the lever to the OPEN position Then turn the tension adjusting nut countercloc
96. t the shorten product life profile the more frequently you need to inspect The more you fit the lengthen product life profile the less frequently you need to inspect Factors that shorten product life Hard harsh riding style Hits crashes jumps or other shots to bike High mileage Higher body weight Stronger fitter and or more aggressive riders Corrosive environment wet salt air winter road salt accumulated sweat Presence of abrasives mud dirt sand and soil in riding environment Factors that lengthen product life Smooth fluid riding style No hits crashes jumps or other shots to bike Low mileage Lower body weight Less aggressive rider Non corrosive environment dry salt free air Clean riding environment 59 d Quick Frame and Fork Inspection 1 2 Clean the bike and remove the wheels Inspect the whole frame carefully for cracks Pay particular attention to the underside of the top and down tubes where they connect to the head tube Inspect joined areas in detail This is where two items are connected or welded Be sure to look at the inside of the rear triangle and the dropouts Inspect the fork carefully for cracks Pay particular attention around the dropouts brake mounting areas and crown Finally check all mounted components for obvious loosening e Other Suspension Forks If you have a fork made by a third party please
97. te overhaul or replacement to avoid risk of injury PART Il D 5 BICYCLE LIFESPAN Nothing Lasts Forever Including Your Bike When the useful life of your bike or its components is over continued use is hazardous Every Novara frame fork and components attached to the them have a limited useful life The length of that life will vary with the construction and materials used in the frame and components the maintenance and care the frame and components receive over their life and the type and amount of use to which the frame and components are subjected Use in competitive events trick riding ramp riding jumping aggressive riding riding on severe terrain riding in severe climates riding with heavy loads commercial activities and other types of non standard use can dramatically shorten the life of the frame and components Any one or a combination of these conditions may result in an unpredictable breakage ALL FRAMES AND COMPONENTS SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY CHECKED BY A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC for indicators of stress and or potential breakage including cracks deformation delamination creaking sounds corrosion paint peeling dents and any other indicators of potential problems inappropriate use or abuse These are important safety checks and very important to help prevent accidents bodily injury to the rider and shortened product life 64 SECTION E MAINTENANCE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ARE CRIT
98. th upshifting and downshifting to get a feel for the different gears At first practice shifting where there are no obstacles hazards or other traffic until you ve built up your confidence Learn to anticipate the need to shift and shift to a lower gear before the hill gets too steep If you have difficulties with shifting the problem could be a mechanical adjustment See your local REI store for help What if it won t shift gears If moving the shift control one click repeatedly fails to result in a smooth shift to the next gear chances are that the mechanism is out of adjustment Take the bike to your local REI store to have it adjusted 4 E PEDALS 1 Some bicycles come equipped with pedals that have sharp and potentially dangerous surfaces These surfaces are designed to add safety by increasing grip between the rider s shoe and the pedal If your bicycle has this type of high performance pedal you must take extra care to avoid serious injury from the pedals sharp surfaces Based on your riding style or skill level you may prefer a less aggressive pedal design or chosetoridewith shin pads Yourlocal REI store can show you a number of options and make suitable recommendations 2 Toe clips and straps are a means to keep feet correctly positioned and engaged with the pedals The toe clip positions the ball of the foot over the pedal spindle which gives maximum pedaling power The toe strap when tightened keeps
99. the foot engaged throughout the rotation cycle of the pedal While toe clips and straps give some benefit with any kind of shoe they work most effectively with cycling shoes designed for use with toe clips Your local REI store can explain how toe clips and straps work Shoes with deep treaded soles or welts which might allow the foot to be trapped should not be used with toe clips and straps Until it becomes a reflex action the technique requires concentration which can distract your 33 attention and cause you to lose control and fall increasing the risk of serious injury or death Practice the use of toe clips and straps where there are no obstacles hazards or traffic Keep the straps loose and don t tighten them until your technique and confidence in getting in and out of the pedals warrants it Never ride in traffic with your toe straps tight Clipless pedals sometimes called step in pedals are another means to keep feet securely in the correct position for maximum pedaling efficiency They have a plate called a cleat on the sole of the shoe which clicks into a mating spring loaded fixture on the pedal A CAUTION Getting into and out of pedals with toe clips and straps requires skill which can only be acquired with practice They only engage or disengage with a very specific motion that must be practiced until it becomes instinctive Clipless pedals require shoes and cleats that are co
100. ting and climbing and is called a downshift Moving the chain out or away from the centerline of the bike is for speed and is called an upshift 31 Whether upshifting or downshifting the bicycle derailleur system design requires that the drive chain be moving forward and be under at least some tension A derailleur will shift only if you are pedaling forward A CAUTION Never move the shifter while pedaling backward nor pedal backwards immediately after having moved the shifter as this may increase the risk of injury This could jam the chain and cause serious damage to the bicycle b Shifting the rear derailleur The rear derailleur is controlled by the right shifter The function of the rear derailleur is to move the drive chain from one gear sprocket to another The smaller sprockets on the gear cluster produce higher gear ratios Pedaling in the higher gears requires greater pedaling effort but takes you a greater distance with each revolution of the pedal cranks The larger sprockets produce lower gear ratios Using them requires less pedaling effort but takes you a shorter distance with each pedal crank revolution Moving the chain from a smaller sprocket of the gear cluster to a larger sprocket results in a downshift Moving the chain from a larger sprocket to a smaller sprocket results in an upshift In order for the derailleur to move the chain from one sprocket to another the rider must be pedaling forward
101. tunt riding or ride in competition know the limits of your skill and experience Ultimately avoiding injury 15 your responsibility 14 2 G CHANGING COMPONENTS OR ADDING ACCESSORIES There are many components 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 local REI store Be sure to read understand and follow the instructions that accompany the products you purchase for your bicycle See also PART II Section D Materials and Inspection FAILURE TO CONFIRM COMPATIBILITY PROPERLY INSTALL OPERATE AND MAINTAIN ANY COMPONENT ORACCESSORY CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE OR COMPROMISED CONTROL OF YOUR BICYCLE THIS CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL OR CRASHES RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH SECTION 3 FIT NOTE Correct fit is an essential element of bicycling safety performance and comfort Making the adjustments to your bicycle that result in correct fit for your body and riding conditions requires experience skill and special tools Always have your local REI store make the adjustments on your bi
102. ult in serious injury paralysis or death we do not repeat the warning of these potential consequences every time we call attention to a hazard Some low speed falls may result in serious injuries and some wild high speed falls may result in none The reality is that the exact nature of the consequences of a fall or accident are not predictable Bicycles Cannot Protect You Bicycles are lightweight human powered vehicles Unlike a car much like a motorcycle there is no restraint system for your body no protective structure around your body Crash worthiness cannot be a design criterion A rider sits on a bicycle and can be easily thrown off for many reasons including overly hard use of the front brakes See PART I Section 4 C Brakes or striking an obstacle 42 A 1 BICYCLING INHERENT RISK BICYCLING IS AN ACTIVE SPORT WITH INHERENT RISK AND THE SITUATIONS YOU ENCOUNTER WHILE RIDING EXPOSE YOU TO THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH The risk cannot be taken away or eliminated You can minimize risk by doing the following e Bicycle training and practice Progressive step by step learning of new cycling skills The good judgment to ride in control Bicycle experience riding with experienced riders Use of a proper bicycle helmet and appropriate protective gear Reading and thinking about this entire owner s manual all owner s manual supplements and instructions that came with your bicycle are
103. wrench lock lever or integral lever then push the wheel forward far enough to be able to remove the chain from the A CAUTION If your bike is equipped with a rear disc brake be careful not to damage the disc caliper or brake pads when re inserting the disc into the caliper Never activate a disc brake s control lever unless the disc is correctly inserted in the caliper to avoid risk of injury 1 With a quick release system move the cam lever to the OPEN position see fig 7a and fig 7b The lever should be on the side of the wheel opposite 2 On a derailleur bike make sure that the rear derailleur is still in its outermost high gear position then pull the derailleur body back with your right hand Put the chain on top of the u the derailleur and freewheel sprockets smallest freewheel sprocket chain Put the chain on the rear wheel sprocket and pull it all the way in to the dropouts On single speed remove the chain from the front sprocket so that you have plenty of slack in the Then insert the wheel into the frame dropouts 25 5 Ona single speed or an internal gear hub replace the chain on the chainring pull the wheel back in the dropouts so that it is straight in the frame and the chain has about 1 4 inch of up and down play 6 With a quick release system move the cam lever upwards and swing it into the CLOSED position fig 7a and fig 7b The lever should now be pa

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