Cannondale CAAD Optimo - 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 Warning

Explains risks, warnings, and cautions associated with bicycle riding.

Section 1. First

1.A - Bike Fit

1.B - Safety First

Essential safety checks and equipment recommendations before riding.

1.C - Mechanical Safety Check

Brakes

How to check brake operation, quick-releases, and pad contact.

Wheel Retention System

Importance of securing wheels properly to prevent disengagement.

Seat Post

Handlebar and Saddle Alignment

1.D - First Ride

1.D - First Ride

Section 2. Safety

2.A - The Basics

Fundamental safety practices, including helmet use and basic checks.

2.B - Riding Safety

Rules of the road, defensive riding, and hazard awareness.

2.C - Off-Road Safety

2.E - Night Riding

2.F - Extreme, Stunt or Competition Riding

Risks and precautions for aggressive riding styles.

2.G - Changing Components or Adding Accessories

Risks and considerations when modifying the bike.

Section 3. Fit

3.B - Saddle Position

3.C - Handlebar Height And Angle

Section 4. Tech

4.A - Wheels

Information on wheel types, installation, and securing methods.

1. Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices

Importance and function of front wheel safety mechanisms.

2. Wheels with Cam Action Systems

How cam action mechanisms work for securing wheels.

3. Removing And Installing Wheels

Procedures for removing and installing wheels.

4.C - Brakes

Types of brakes, controls, and how they work.

4.D - Shifting Gears

How gear systems work and proper shifting techniques.

4.E - Pedals

4.F - Bicycle Suspension

4.G Tires and Tubes

Tire selection, pressure, and compatibility.

Section 5. Service

5.A - Service Intervals

5.B - If Your Bicycle Sustains an Impact

Procedures to follow after a crash or impact.

Section A. Important Safety Information

A Wide Range of Bicycling Injuries Are Possible

Bicycles Cannot Protect You

Bicycling Inherent Risk

Understanding and minimizing cycling risks.

Riding in Traffic, Commuting

Safety for riding in traffic and commuting.

Riding at Night, Dusk, Dawn

Modifications

Installing Accessories

Toe Overlap or Toe Clip Overlap

Tire Size

Tire & Rim Pressure Compatibility

Checking tire and rim pressure limits.

How to Check Wheel Rim Wear

Understanding Disc Brakes on Road Bikes

Aftermarket Brake Systems

Aftermarket Power Systems

Section B. Intended Use

High-Performance Road

Intended use and weight limits for road bikes.

General Purpose Riding

Intended use and weight limits for general purpose bikes.

Cross-Country, Marathon, Hardtails

Intended use and weight limits for XC/Marathon bikes.

All Mountain, Overmountain

Intended use and weight limits for All-Mountain bikes.

Gravity, Freeride, Downhill, Dirt Jump

Intended use and risks for extreme riding.

Section C. Mountain Bike Riding

Off-Road Riding

Bike Types

Inspection and Maintenance Routines

Suspension

Jumping

Stay in Control

General advice for riding safely and maintaining control.

Downhill and Lift Serviced Riding

Freeriding & Downhill

Extreme risks and fundamental dangers of these riding styles.

Section D. Inspect for Safety

1. Understanding Metals

Metal Fatigue 101

Fatigue Is Not A Perfectly Predictable Science

Factors affecting product life and inspection needs.

Aluminum Frame Inspection

Composite Frame, Fork, and Component Inspection

Inspecting carbon fiber parts for cracks and delamination.

2. Understanding Composites (Carbon Fiber)

Properties, uses, and limits of carbon fiber.

Bicycle Lifespan

Useful Life of Lightweight Frames

Section E. Maintenance

Cleaning

Lubrication

Tightening Torques

Importance of correct torque and how to find specs.

Applying Frame Protection

Section F: Limited Warranty

Limited Warranty

Details on warranty length and coverage.

Limited Warranty Continued

Exclusions and conditions of the warranty.

Section G. Pre-Ride Checklist

Pre-Ride Checklist

Comprehensive safety check before every ride.

Appendix C.

Care and Maintenance of Carbon Fiber Seat Posts

Periodic Seat Post Inspection

Seat Post Insert Limit

Appendix D.

Care and Maintenance of Carbon Fiber Forks & Stem

SI Compression Assembly KP017; Instructions

What You Have To Know When Installing Or Adjusting Any Handlebar Stem

Cannondale CAAD Optimo Specifications

General

Wheel Size	700c
Spokes	Stainless Steel, 14g
Chain	KMC X8, 8-speed
Frame	CAAD Optimo, SmartForm Alloy, SAVE, internal cable routing, 1-1/8" - 1-1/4" headtube
Fork	Full Carbon, 1-1/8" - 1-1/4" steerer, SAVE, integrated crown race
Rims	Maddux RD 2.0, double wall
Hubs	Formula, 32h
Tires	Vittoria Zaffiro, 700 x 25c
Drivetrain	Shimano Claris
Shifters	Shimano Claris, 8-speed
Front Derailleur	Shimano Claris
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Claris
Crankset	Shimano Claris, 50/34T
Bottom Bracket	Shimano
Cassette	11-32T, 8-speed
Handlebar	Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8mm
Stem	Cannondale 3, 6061 alloy, 31.8mm, 7°
Headset	Integrated, 1-1/8" - 1-1/4"
Saddle	Cannondale
Seatpost	Cannondale, 6061 Alloy, 27.2mm
Pedals	Wellgo