Cannondale LEFTY OLIVER

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The Cannondale Lefty Oliver is a specialized suspension fork designed for general-purpose riding, falling under ASTM Condition 2, which implies suitability for various riding conditions but excludes extreme jumping or aggressive off-road use. This owner's manual supplement provides crucial information for its safe and effective operation, maintenance, and identification.

Function Description

The Lefty Oliver fork provides suspension to absorb shocks and vibrations, enhancing rider comfort and control over varied terrain. It features a unique single-sided design, characteristic of Cannondale's Lefty forks, which aims to offer stiffness and precise handling. The fork includes adjustments for platform/rebound and air pressure, allowing riders to fine-tune its performance to their weight and riding style. A key feature is the Push Button Rebound (PBR) system, which enables quick transitions between Descend and Climb modes, optimizing the fork's behavior for different riding scenarios. Descend mode provides active suspension for absorbing impacts, while Climb mode stiffens the suspension to reduce energy loss during ascents.

Important Technical Specifications

Travel/Wheel Size: The Lefty Oliver is available in a 30mm travel configuration for 650B wheels.
Clamp Bolt Torque: Upper and Lower Clamp Bolts require a torque of 9 Nm (Loctite 242 blue recommended).
Wheel Axle Bolt Torque: The wheel axle bolt requires a torque of 15 Nm.
Brake Adapter Mounting Bolts Torque: These bolts require 9 Nm (Loctite 242 blue recommended).
Tire-to-Crown Clearance: A minimum of 10mm clearance is required between the tire and the bottom of the fork steerer.
Manual Reset Length (B): For the Oliver 30/650B, the exposed inner tube length (B) should be 3mm +/- 3mm after a manual reset.
Recommended Air Pressure: The manual provides a detailed chart linking rider weight (in LB and KG) to recommended air pressure (in PSI), ranging from 50 PSI for riders under 120 LB (<54 KG) to 250 PSI for riders over 230 LB (>104 KG). This ensures proper sag and optimal performance.

Usage Features

Adjustments:
- Platform/Rebound Adjustment: Located at the top of the LEFTY, this allows for fine-tuning of the fork's response to impacts.
- Air Pressure Adjustment: Also at the top, this allows riders to set the sag and overall stiffness of the fork.
- Push Button Rebound (PBR): This feature allows riders to switch between Descend Mode (active suspension) and Climb Mode (stiffened suspension) by pressing a button. In Descend mode, the rebound dial is down, and pressing the center button (2) and allowing the rebound dial (1) to pop up engages Climb mode.
- Rebound Adjustment: In Climb mode, rotating the rebound adjuster counter-clockwise ("-") decreases rebound damping, making the fork return faster. Rotating it clockwise ("+") increases rebound damping, making the fork return slower.
Brake Routing: The front brake control cable is routed down the outer tube through brake line guides. These guides (upper and lower) can be adjusted to ensure the brake line moves freely with suspension travel and does not contact the front wheel. Abrasion protection (KF103/) is recommended where control housing contacts the Lefty or bike frame.
Frame Bumper: A bumper on the outer tube cushions contact with the bike frame, especially when handlebars are turned. Its position can be rotated by hand, and its thickest part should touch the frame first when turning left.
Wheel Removal/Installation: The manual provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the wheel, emphasizing the importance of proper torque for the axle bolt and brake adapter bolts, and warning against grease contamination on the brake caliper, pads, or rotor.

Maintenance Features

Regular Cleaning: The fork should be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution, avoiding high-pressure washing and compressed air directly on seals.
Scheduled Maintenance:
- Pre/Post Ride: Check for damage and wipe excess lubrication from the lower leg/slider.
- First Ride / Every 4-5 Rides: Check tightening torques.
- As Needed: Replace frame bumper, guard.
- 50 Hours (25 Hours for Racing): Manual Reset.
- 100 Hours (50 Hours for Racing): Telescope Lubrication (Authorized Dealer).
- 100 Hours or Every Year (100 Hours for Racing): Damper Service and Air spring/Damping Cartridge Inspection (Authorized Dealer).
- 200 Hours (100 Hours for Racing): Full Service (Telescope Rebuild + Damper service) (Headshok Service Center).
Annual Professional Fork Service (Minimum): Annually, or if problems arise, the Lefty must be serviced by a Cannondale Dealer or Authorized Headshok Service Center. This includes disassembly, inspection of internal and external parts, identification of wear/damage, replacement of damaged parts, and addressing any technical bulletins or product recalls.
Manual Reset Procedure: This procedure helps maintain proper fork travel and involves releasing air pressure, fully compressing the fork several times, and measuring the exposed inner tube length.
Damage Inspection: Riders are warned to stop riding immediately if any of the following conditions are present: unusual "klunking" noises, changes in travel or normal functions, loss of adjustments, oil/air leaks, crash/impact damage, or cracks under clamp bolts or in the outer tube.
Warning Labels: The fork includes warning labels (e.g., item 13 in the identification diagram) to alert users to critical safety information.
Owner's Manual Supplement: This document serves as a supplement to the main Cannondale Bicycle Owner's Manual, providing specific details for the Lefty Oliver fork. It is crucial to read both manuals thoroughly.

The Cannondale Lefty Oliver is a sophisticated component requiring diligent attention to its specified usage, adjustment, and maintenance guidelines to ensure rider safety and optimal performance. Ignoring these instructions can lead to severe injury, paralysis, or death.