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GT Tachyon - User Manual

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BICYCLE
OWNER’S MANUAL
WARNING
If you have any reason to suspect that your bicycle is not functioning properly do
not ride it. Have it inspected by an authorized GT dealer. Failure to follow this
checklist and have any problem inspected could lead to an accident, with risks of
serious injury, paralysis or death.
BICYCLE OWNER’S MANUAL
WARNING
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY, PERFORMANCE AND
SERVICE INFORMATION.
GT BICYCLES OWNERS MANUAL 131515 (04/15)
PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST
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
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.
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 tiresgrip on the road will
decrease. Remember that motoristsvisibility decreases with
bad weather (See PART I, Section 2.D Wet Weather Riding
and PART II, A. Important Safety Information).
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
levers hitting the handlebar grip (See PART I, Section 4.C
Brakes).
does not move too close to the handlebar grip, and there is
close to the handlebar grip. With any disc brakes, 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.
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).

Table of Contents

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Summary

USE OF THIS MANUAL

GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual

Details the content and purpose of the GT Bicycle Owner's Manual.

PART I

The first major section of the manual, covering bicycle basics and safety.

PART II

The second major section of the manual, covering specific safety information and usage.

Other Manuals & Instructions

Guidance on consulting manufacturer instructions for bike components.

Authorized GT Dealers

Information on the role of authorized dealers for service and questions.

Owner’s Manual Supplements

Describes supplements providing additional model-specific information.

Use Only Genuine Replacement Parts

Emphasizes the importance of using genuine GT parts for safety and performance.

PART I

GENERAL WARNING

General safety warnings about bicycling risks and responsibilities.

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR PARENTS

Guidance for parents on ensuring child's bicycle safety and proper use.

SECTION 1. FIRST

1.A - Bike Fit

Ensuring the bicycle is the correct size and fit for the rider.

1.B - SAFETY FIRST

Essential safety checks and equipment required before riding.

1.C - MECHANICAL SAFETY CHECK

Routine checks for nuts, bolts, tires, wheels, and brakes.

1.D - FIRST RIDE

Advice for a safe and familiarizing first ride on a new bicycle.

SECTION 2. SAFETY

2.A - THE BASICS

Fundamental safety practices including helmet use and gear.

2.B - RIDING SAFETY

Rules and defensive techniques for safe riding on roads and paths.

2.C - OFF-ROAD SAFETY

Specific safety considerations for riding on unpaved terrain.

2.D - WET WEATHER RIDING

Precautions for riding in rain or wet conditions affecting traction and braking.

2.E - NIGHT RIDING

Safety measures and equipment for riding in low visibility or at night.

2.F - EXTREME, STUNT OR COMPETITION RIDING

Warnings and advice for high-risk riding activities like jumping and racing.

2.G - CHANGING COMPONENTS OR ADDING ACCESSORIES

Risks and considerations when modifying or adding parts to the bicycle.

SECTION 3. FIT

3.A - STAND OVER HEIGHT

Determining correct stand-over height for bicycle fit and safety.

3.B - SADDLE POSITION

Adjusting saddle height, fore/aft position, and angle for comfort and performance.

3.C - HANDLEBAR HEIGHT AND ANGLE

Adjusting handlebar height and angle for optimal rider fit and control.

3.D - CONTROL POSITION ADJUSTMENTS

Adjusting the angle and position of brake and shift levers.

3.E - BRAKE REACH

Adjusting brake lever reach for comfortable and effective braking.

SECTION 4. TECH

4.A - WHEELS

Information on wheel removal, installation, and securing mechanisms.

4.B. SEAT POST CAM ACTION CLAMP

Proper adjustment and tightening of the seat post cam clamp.

4.C - BRAKES

Understanding brake types, controls, features, and operation.

4.D - SHIFTING GEARS

How to operate derailleur and internal gear hub shifting systems.

4.E - PEDALS

Information on pedal types, toe overlap, toe clips, and clipless pedals.

4.F - BICYCLE SUSPENSION

Understanding suspension system capabilities, adjustments, and risks.

4.G TIRES AND TUBES

Information on tire selection, pressure, and valve types.

SECTION 5. SERVICE

5.A - SERVICE INTERVALS

Recommended service intervals for maintenance and checks.

5.B - IF YOUR BICYCLE SUSTAINS AN IMPACT

Procedures for inspecting the bike after a crash or impact.

PART II

SECTION A. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Covers critical safety information, inherent risks, and protective measures.

A WIDE RANGE OF BICYCLING INJURIES ARE POSSIBLE

Highlights the variety and severity of potential bicycling injuries.

BICYCLES CANNOT PROTECT YOU

Explains the lack of protective structure in bicycles compared to cars.

BICYCLING INHERENT RISK

Discusses the unavoidable risks of cycling and how to minimize them.

WARNING LABEL

Locating and following the warning label on the bicycle.

RIDING IN TRAFFIC, COMMUTING

Safety advice for riding in traffic and urban commuting environments.

RIDING AT NIGHT, DUSK, DAWN

Precautions and equipment for riding in low light conditions.

REFINISHING

Warnings and suggestions regarding refinishing and repainting bicycle frames.

MODIFICATIONS

Risks and consequences of modifying bicycle frames or components.

CHILD CARRIERS

Safety considerations for installing and using child carriers or trailers.

BICYCLES HAVE SHARP SURFACES

Caution regarding sharp surfaces on bicycle parts like chainrings.

BAR ENDS

Advice on installing handlebar bar ends and compatibility concerns.

INSTALLING ACCESSORIES

Ensuring accessories do not block lights or affect performance.

AERODYNAMIC HANDLEBARS

Understanding how aero handlebars affect steering and braking.

ABOUT SHIMMY

Discussion of bicycle shimmy (vibration) and recommended actions.

TOE OVERLAP OR TOE CLIP OVERLAP

Identifying and avoiding toe overlap for safe turning.

TIRE SIZE

Importance of selecting the correct tire size and ensuring adequate clearance.

TIRE & RIM PRESSURE COMPATIBILITY

Checking tire and rim pressure markings for safe inflation.

HOW TO CHECK WHEEL RIM WEAR

Methods for inspecting wheel rims for wear and damage.

UNDERSTANDING DISC BRAKES ON ROAD BIKES

Explanation of disc brake operation and safety considerations.

BRAKE POWER MODULATORS

How brake modulators affect braking force and safety.

AFTERMARKET BRAKE SYSTEMS

Guidelines for installing aftermarket brake systems without modification.

AFTERMARKET POWER SYSTEMS

Warnings against installing power systems on incompatible bikes.

SECTION B. INTENDED USE

Guidance on selecting the correct bicycle type for intended use.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE ROAD

Conditions and limitations for high-performance road bikes.

GENERAL PURPOSE RIDING

Conditions and limitations for general purpose riding bikes.

All Cyclocross

Conditions and limitations for cyclocross bikes.

CROSS-COUNTRY, MARATHON, HARDTAILS

Conditions and limitations for cross-country and marathon bikes.

ALL MOUNTAIN, ENDURO

Conditions and limitations for all-mountain and enduro bikes.

GRAVITY, DOWNHILL, FREERIDE, MTBMX, DUAL SLALOM, 4 X

Conditions and limitations for extreme riding bikes like downhill and freeride.

DIRT JUMP

Conditions and limitations for dirt jump bikes.

SECTION C. MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING

Guidance and safety for mountain bike riding techniques.

OFF-ROAD RIDING

Variables and skills required for off-road riding.

BIKE TYPES

Choosing the right mountain bike type for your riding style.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ROUTINES

Frequent cleaning, maintenance, and inspection for mountain bikes.

SUSPENSION

How suspension affects handling, speed, and risk.

JUMPING

Risks and stresses associated with jumping a mountain bike.

STAY IN CONTROL

Minimizing risks by riding in control and wearing a helmet.

DOWNHILL AND LIFT SERVICED RIDING

High risks and safety gear for downhill riding.

SHIFTING GEARS WHILE PEDALING

Advice on shifting gears under pedaling pressure to avoid damage.

GRAVITY, FREERIDING & DOWNHILL RIDING

Discussion of extreme riding risks and product limitations.

SECTION D. INSPECT FOR SAFETY

Guidelines for inspecting the bicycle for safety and potential damage.

1. UNDERSTANDING METALS

Properties and characteristics of metals used in bicycle frames.

Metal Fatigue 101

Explanation of fatigue damage caused by repeated loading.

Fatigue Is Not A Perfectly Predictable Science

Factors affecting product life and the need for regular inspection.

Aluminum Frame Inspection

Steps for inspecting aluminum frames for cracks and damage.

Composite Frame, Fork, and Component Inspection

Inspecting carbon fiber parts for cracks and delamination.

2. UNDERSTANDING COMPOSITES (CARBON FIBER)

Properties and limitations of carbon fiber composite materials.

3. UNDERSTANDING COMPONENTS

Identifying key components needing inspection for safety.

Seat Post

Inspection of the seat post and its clamp assembly for cracks.

Seat Post Lubrication

Proper lubrication for seat post installation.

Saddle

Cleaning and inspecting saddle rails for cracks and attachment.

Pedals

Inspection of pedals for cracks and damage.

Crankset

Inspection of crankset components for cracks and damage.

Wheels

Inspection of wheel hubs and rims for cracks.

Brake Track of Wheel Rim

Checking wheel rim brake tracks for wear indicators.

BICYCLE LIFESPAN

Understanding the finite useful life of bikes and components.

Useful Life of Lightweight Frames

Understanding the shorter lifespan of lightweight frames and components.

Section E. MAINTENANCE

Guidance on bicycle maintenance procedures.

30 DAY SERVICE

Importance of the first service for new bicycle adjustments.

CLEANING

Proper methods for cleaning the bicycle and its components.

PREVENTING CORROSION

Tips for protecting the bicycle from corrosion, especially in damp environments.

LUBRICATION

Guidance on lubricating bicycle components for proper function.

TIGHTENING TORQUES

Importance of correct torque for fasteners and how to find specs.

BICYCLE REPAIR; WORK STANDS

Safe methods for placing bicycles in repair stands to avoid frame damage.

RIDING THROUGH WATER

Precautions when riding through water and its effect on components.

PROTECT CARBON BIKES FROM EXTREME TEMPERATURES

Protecting carbon fiber bikes from damage due to extreme temperatures.

APPLYING FRAME PROTECTION

Methods to protect the bicycle frame from abrasion and cable rub.

Housing and Cable Guides

Protecting frame finish from cable rub and wear.

Right Chainstay Plate

Protects the chainstay from damage when the chain drops.

Downtube Protector

Protects the downtube from debris thrown by the wheel.

Chainstay Protector

Protects the chainstay from chain damage.

WATER BOTTLES

Precautions regarding water bottle impacts and frame damage.

SECTION F. GT LIMITED WARRANTY

Details the GT limited warranty policy for bicycles and components.

FRAMES

Warranty coverage for GT bicycle frames.

COMPONENTS

Warranty coverage for bicycle components and fixtures.

TERMS OF LIMITED WARRANTY

General terms and conditions of the limited warranty policy.

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Encourages product registration for safety recall information.

SERIAL NUMBER

Information on locating the bicycle's serial number.

GT AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS

List of authorized GT bicycle distributors worldwide.

AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW

Warranty details and consumer rights specific to Australia.

Limited Warranty Statement for Australia

Warranty details specific to goods sold in Australia.

Frame Warranty (frame, fork structure, swing arms)

Specific warranty terms for frames, forks, and swing arms.

Components

Warranty terms for all other bicycle components.

Terms of Limited Warranty

Clarifies the scope and limitations of the limited warranty.

Exclusions from Limited Warranty

Lists items and conditions not covered by the limited warranty.

SECTION G. PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST

A checklist of essential checks before every bicycle ride.

APPENDIX A.

Technical appendix detailing specific bicycle components or systems.

CABLE DETANGLER

Explanation and diagram of a cable detangler system.

APPENDIX B.

Technical appendix detailing specific bicycle components or systems.

MAXIMUM FORK LENGTH (Mountain Bikes)

Importance of maximum fork length for frame safety.

APPENDIX C.

Technical appendix detailing specific bicycle components or systems.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARBON FIBER SEAT POSTS

Proper care and maintenance procedures for carbon fiber seat posts.

Periodic Seat Post Inspection

Regular checks for seat post damage to prevent accidents.

Seat Post Insert Limit

Understanding and adhering to seat post insertion depth limits.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARBON FIBER FORKS & STEM

Proper care and maintenance for carbon fiber forks and stems.

PARTS OF A TYPICAL CARBON ROAD FORK

Diagram and explanation of typical carbon road fork parts.

PARTS OF A TYPICAL ROAD STEM

Diagram and explanation of typical road stem parts.

Oem vs. Aftermarket Fork Parts Compatibility

Ensuring compatibility between OEM and aftermarket fork parts.

Aftermarket Handlebar Stems

Factors affecting compatibility of aftermarket handlebar stems.

APPENDIX E.

Technical appendix detailing specific bicycle components or systems.

BICYCLE RACKS

Risks and recommendations for using bicycle racks.

APPENDIX F.

Technical appendix detailing specific bicycle components or systems.

USING BICYCLE TRAINERS

Proper use of bicycle trainers to avoid damage.

Potential Damage

Types of damage that can occur from improper trainer use.

Trainers: Risk To Children

Safety warning regarding children and stationary bicycle trainers.

APPENDIX G.

Technical appendix detailing specific bicycle components or systems.

PEGS

Checking pegs for condition and secure tightening.

OWNER NOTES;RECORD

Space for recording maintenance and setup information about the bike.

PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST

A comprehensive checklist of essential checks before every bicycle ride.

GT Tachyon Specifications

General IconGeneral
Frame MaterialCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheel Size700c
GroupsetShimano Ultegra
TypeRoad

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