Cannondale Bad Habit - User Manual

Bicycle
Owner‘s Manual
CANNONDALE BICYCLE OWNER’S MANUAL
131264 (07/18)
FOLLOW THIS CHECKLIST BEFORE EVERY RIDE. IF YOU HAVE ANY REASON TO SUSPECT
THAT YOUR BICYCLE IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, DO NOT RIDE IT. Have it inspected
by an Authorized Cannondale Retailer. To locate your nearest Authorized Cannondale Retailer
call the 1-800-BIKE-USA. 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.
Are you wearing a 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 I, Section 2.A The Basics).
Are your seatpost and stem securely
fastened? Twist the handlebars rmly 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 at night, you must make yourself
visible to motorists. Use front and rear lights
and a strobe or blinker. Reectors alone do
not provide adequate visibility. Wear reective
clothing (See PART I, Section 2.E Night Riding
and PART II, 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 I, Section 2.D Wet
Weather Riding and PART II, A. Important Safety
Information).
Are your tires properly inated? Tires must
inated to the recommended pressure. (See
PART I, Section 4.G Tires and Tubes).
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 spokes tight? (See PART I,
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 I,
Section 4.A Wheels).
Are your front and rear brakes functioning
properly? With V-brakes, the quick release
“noodle” must be properly installed. With
cantilever brakes, the quick release straddle
cable must be properly attached. With caliper
brakes the quick release lever must be closed.
With any rim brake, the brake pads must make
rm contact with the rim without the brake levers
hitting the handlebar grip (See PART I, Section
4.C Brakes).
With hydraulic disc brakes, check that the lever
feels rm, does not move too close to the
handlebar grip, and there is no evidence of
leaking brake uid. With cable actuated disc
brakes, check that the lever feels rm and does
not move too close to the handlebar grip. With
any disc brakes, the brake pads must make rm
contact with the rotor without the brake levers
hitting the handlebar grip (See PART I, 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 I, Section 4.E Pedals).
How recently were your frame, fork and
components inspected? Never ride a frame,
fork or components with any crack or damage.
(See PART II, Section D. Inspect For Safety).
PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY,
PERFORMANCE AND SERVICE INFORMATION.
Read it before you take the rst ride on your new
bicycle, and keep it for reference.

Summary

GENERAL WARNING

General Safety and Parental Guidance

Overall safety advice and specific notes for parents.

SECTION 1. FIRST

Bike Fit Essentials

Ensuring the bicycle is correctly sized and adjusted for the rider.

Initial Safety Checks

Crucial safety checks to perform before the first ride.

1.C - MECHANICAL SAFETY CHECK

Component Checks

Verifying fasteners, tires, wheels, brakes, retention, and fit components.

1.D - FIRST RIDE

First Ride Guidelines

SECTION 2. SAFETY

Fundamental Riding Basics

Core safety principles for all cyclists.

Road Riding Safety Practices

Rules, etiquette, and hazard avoidance for road riding.

Off-Road and Wet Weather Riding Safety

Night Riding Safety

Extreme Riding Risks and Precautions

Dangers and necessary preparations for aggressive riding.

SECTION 3. FIT

Stand Over Height Measurement

How to check frame size by standing over the bike.

Saddle Position Adjustment

Proper adjustment of saddle height, angle, and position.

Handlebar and Control Adjustment

Adjusting handlebar height, angle, and control lever positions.

SECTION 4. TECH

Wheels: Types, Security, and Maintenance

Technical details on wheels, retention systems, and removal/installation.

4.C - BRAKES

Brake controls, function, and types like disc/coaster brakes.

4.D - SHIFTING GEARS

4.E - PEDALS

4.F - BICYCLE SUSPENSION

4.G TIRES AND TUBES

SECTION 5. SERVICE

Maintenance Importance and Dealer Assistance

Criticality of maintenance and seeking professional help.

5.A - SERVICE INTERVALS

5.B - POST-IMPACT INSPECTION

SECTION A. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Bicycling Risks and Injury Prevention

Overview of potential injuries and inherent risks.

WARNING LABEL AND TRAFFIC SAFETY

NIGHT RIDING SAFETY

SECTION B. INTENDED USE

ASTM Conditions and Bike Usage Guidelines

Explains ASTM standards and intended use for different bike types.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE ROAD BIKES

GENERAL PURPOSE RIDING

CROSS-COUNTRY, MARATHON, HARDTAILS

ALL MOUNTAIN, OVERMOUNTAIN

GRAVITY, FREERIDE, DOWNHILL, DIRT JUMP

Details on intended use and extreme risks for these bikes.

SECTION C. MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING

Off-Road Riding Fundamentals

Challenges, skills, and bike types for off-road riding.

Inspection and Maintenance for Mountain Bikes

Suspension, Jumping, and Control

Downhill Riding Safety

FREERIDING & DOWNHILL

Fundamental Risks and Product Limitations

Dangers and equipment limits for extreme riding.

SECTION D. INSPECT FOR SAFETY

Importance of Frequent Inspection

Why regular inspection is critical for safety.

Understanding Metals in Bicycle Frames

Metal Fatigue and Frame Failure

Component Lifespan and Frame Inspection

Carbon Fiber Component Inspection

2. UNDERSTANDING COMPOSITES (CARBON FIBER)

Properties and Limitations of Composites

What composites are, why used, and their failure modes.

BICYCLE LIFESPAN

Finite Useful Life of Bikes and Components

SECTION E. MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Importance and 30-Day Service

Criticality of maintenance and initial service.

Cleaning and Corrosion Prevention

Lubrication and Tightening Torques

SECTION F: LIMITED WARRANTY

Warranty Terms and Conditions

SECTION G. PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST

Pre-Ride Safety Inspection Checklist

Comprehensive checklist for pre-ride safety checks.

APPENDIX C. CARBON SEAT POST CARE

Seat Post Installation and Maintenance

APPENDIX D. CARBON FORKS & STEM CARE

Fork and Stem Maintenance Guidelines

Cannondale Bad Habit Specifications

General

Frame Material	Aluminum
Suspension	Full Suspension
Brake Type	Hydraulic Disc
Rear Travel	120mm (varies by model year)
Stem	Cannondale C3