Cannondale 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

Contacting Cannondale

Cannondale USA

Contact information for Cannondale USA operations.

Cannondale Europe

Contact information for Cannondale Europe operations.

Cannondale UK

Contact information for Cannondale UK operations.

Using This Manual

Cannondale Bicycle Owners Manual

Overview of the manual's purpose and structure.

Authorized Cannondale Retailers

Information on locating and consulting retailers.

General Warning

A Special Note for Parents

Safety responsibilities for minors and bicycle use.

Section 1: First Steps

1.A Bike Fit

Ensuring the bicycle is the correct size for the rider.

1.B Safety First

Essential safety checks before the first ride.

Section 2: Safety

Warning: Specific Safety Devices

Legal requirements for safety devices and compliance.

2.A The Basics

Bicycle Helmet Safety

Proper use and importance of bicycle helmets.

2.B Riding Safety

Riding Safely in Traffic

Rules and practices for riding in traffic.

2.C Off-Road Safety

2.D Wet Weather Riding

2.E Night Riding

Safety for Night Riding

Guidelines for riding safely in low visibility conditions.

2.F Extreme, Stunt or Competition Riding

Risks of Extreme Riding

Understanding the dangers of aggressive riding.

2.G Changing Components or Adding Accessories

Compatibility of Parts

Ensuring new components are compatible with your bike.

Section 3: Fit

3.A Stand Over Height

Determining correct frame size based on stand over height.

3.B Saddle Position

3.C Handlebar Height And Angle

3.D Control Position Adjustments

3.E Brake Reach

Section 4: Tech

4.A Wheels

Information on wheel mounting and securing systems.

4.C Brakes

4.D Shifting Gears

4.E Pedals

4.F Bicycle Suspension

4.G Tires and Tubes

Section 5: Service

5.A Service Intervals

Recommended service schedules for bike maintenance.

5.B Bicycle Impact Response

Section A: Important Safety Information

Bicycling Inherent Risk

Understanding and minimizing risks in cycling.

Warning Label

Bike Warning Label

Locating and following the bike's warning label.

Riding at Night, Dusk, or Dawn

Night Riding Safety

Guidelines for riding safely in low visibility.

Refinishing Your Bike

Refinishing Precautions

Risks and precautions when repainting bikes.

Bike Modifications

Modification Warnings

Dangers of altering bike frame or components.

Child Carriers

Child Carrier Safety

Risks and precautions when using child carriers.

Bicycles Have Sharp Surfaces

Sharp Surface Caution

Awareness of sharp parts on the bicycle.

Aerodynamic Handlebars

Aero Handlebar Use

Proper use and risks of aero handlebars.

Toe Overlap or Toe Clip Overlap

Avoiding Toe Overlap

Techniques to prevent toe contact with the front wheel.

Tire Size

Tire Size Compatibility

Selecting compatible tire sizes for your bike.

Wheel Rim Wear

Checking Rim Wear

How to inspect wheel rims for wear.

Brake Power Modulators

Brake Modulator Function

Understanding how brake modulators work.

Section B: Intended Use

High-Performance Road Bikes

Intended use and limitations for performance road bikes.

General Purpose Riding

Cross-Country, Marathon, Hardtails

All Mountain, Overmountain

Gravity, Freeride, Downhill, Dirt Jump

Section C: Mountain Bike Riding

Off-Road Riding Basics

Fundamentals of riding off-road terrain and challenges.

Suspension Handling

Downhill and Lift-Serviced Riding

Freeriding & Downhill Riding

Risks of Freeride;Downhill

Understanding the extreme risks involved.

Section D: Inspect for Safety

Understanding Metals in Frames

Properties and fatigue of frame materials like steel, aluminum.

Aluminum Frame Inspection

Understanding Composites (Carbon Fiber)

3. Understanding Components

Stem Inspection

Checking the stem for cracks and proper mounting.

Handlebar Inspection

Checking handlebars for cracks and damage.

Bicycle Lifespan

Useful Life of Lightweight Frames

Considerations for the shorter life of lightweight frames.

Section E: Maintenance

30 Day Service

Importance of the first service after purchase.

Cleaning Your Bike

Proper methods for cleaning bike components.

Lubrication Guide

Tightening Torques

Bicycle Repair Work Stands

Applying Frame Protection

Housing and Cable Guides

Protecting the frame from cable rub.

Water Bottles

Bottle Cage Attachment

Checking and maintaining bottle cage security.

Section F: Limited Warranty

Warranty Conditions

Terms and conditions for warranty claims.

Product Registration

Registering Your Bike

Importance of registering your bike for safety info.

Section G: Pre-Ride Checklist

Pre-Ride Safety Checks

Essential checklist before every bicycle ride.

Appendix A: BB30 Standard Frames

BB30 Frame Compatibility

Information on BB30 frames and adapters.

Appendix B: Maximum Fork Length

Fork Length Specification

Critical factor for front suspension mountain bike safety.

Appendix C: Carbon Fiber Seat Post Care

Inserting the Seat Post

Proper procedure for installing a seat post.

Seat Post Insert Limit

Seat Post Insert Limit Explained

Understanding frame limitations on seat post insertion.

Appendix D: Carbon Fiber Fork & Stem Care

Fork and Stem Inspection

Procedures for inspecting carbon forks and stems.

Aftermarket Handlebar Stems

Appendix E: Bicycle Racks

Bicycle Rack Usage

Safe use and potential damage from bike racks.

Appendix F: Using Bicycle Trainers

Trainer Safety

Precautions when using bicycle trainers.

Appendix G: Bike Lights

Bike Light Safety

Importance and use of bike lights.

Appendix H: Foreign Objects

Riding Over Debris

Dangers and avoidance of riding over debris.

Cannondale Habit Specifications

General

Suspension	Full Suspension
Brake Type	Hydraulic Disc
Frame Material	Aluminum / Carbon
Wheel Size	29 inches or 27.5 inches
Drivetrain	Shimano/SRAM 11/12 speed
Intended Use	Trail