b) Frame size
The Phantom X R is considered an 19” MTB frame. The typical measurement number used today in choosing a correct frame size
for a rider is the seat tube length. This number usually is between 17” to 20” for categorizing MTB bicycle measurements. The seat
tube length is measured from the centerline of the crank (bottom bracket) to the top of the seat tube (seat tube clamp). There is
another measurement sometimes forgotten which is actually more important and this is the top tube length (seat tube to the steering
tube). With the Phantom X R’s stem being available adjustable, fine tuning of this measurement is easily accomplished.
The Phantom X R’s frame measurement follows the principals of a large MTB frame. The Phantom X R further has a high rake
seat tube angle. With the high angle seat tube, as a tall rider raises their saddle to accommodate their longer legs, the saddle
will pull back offering a longer distance to the steering tube.
c) Recommended sizing
In today’s bicycle industry, the top tube length is actually more important than the seat tube length. With seat posts now
available over 300mm, the seat tube length is no longer the most important number. The distance of the bottom bracket to
the road should also be taken into consideration when sizing a bike. The top tube length is traditionally the distance from the
center of the seat tube to the center of the steering tube. For purposes of sizing the Phantom X R, we will name the distance
of the center of the saddle to the center of the handlebar the steering length (similar to the top tube length).
You can adjust the steering length of your Phantom X R by establishing the saddle position and handlebar height combined
with the adjusting of the stem rise via rotation. The saddle position can be adjusted for height and distance from the steering
tube via the quick release clamp and the saddle clamp. Keep in mind by increasing the height of the saddle, this will also
increase the steering length due to the angle of the seat tube. If you choose to use your bicycle as a scooter style vehicle
only, you should establish saddle height at a lower position to reduce the center of gravity. Saddle height can be reduced to
just above your inseam. Your inseam is the measurement of the inside of your leg.
d) Control position adjustments
The rotated position of the Phantom’s twist throttle and 8 Speed twist shifter are
both adjustable. Both the throttle and shifter are locked in place by a small hex
bolt fastening a built in clamp to the handlebar. The clamp position can be
rotated on the handlebar using the small hex keys included with your multi-piece
tool kit. You will need to find the small hex bolt at the clamp and loosen to rotate.
Once the desired control position has been determined, tighten the clamp bolt.
There will be a limited amount of rotation adjustment due to the brake lever
assemblies. To find your ideal riding position, it may require all clamps (throttle,
shifter and brake levers) to be loosened. The most important control position is
the brake levers. The brake levers should first be adjusted and the throttle and
shifter second. The next paragraphs explain show to adjust your brake levers.
Throttle/shifter clamp bolts should be tightened to 25 lb*in.
e) Brake lever adjustments
The preferred level of the brake lever assemblies will vary from rider to rider. The
brake lever assemblies can be rotated to a desired riding position. The optimal
position can be found by extending your fingers straight while sitting in the
saddle. Your fingers, when extended straight, should rest on top of the levers or
slightly above the levers.
The brake lever assembly has a clamp bolt (see 1 in photo) accessible from the
top of the bracket. Using the T-25 Torx ® wrench included within your multi-use
tool, loosen the brake lever assembly by turning the T-25 bolt counter clockwise.
The lever assembly will now be loose and you can rotate it up or down to
establish the preferred position to apply the brakes. A brake lever assembly may
require the throttle clamp or shifter clamp to be loosened to allow the brake lever
assembly to rotate. The brake lever assembly, throttle and shifter mount can
prevent each other not to rotate at a certain point; one will not rotate further
without the other requiring to be rotated. A compromise may be required when attempting to align the brake levers and
establishing the preferred throttle and /or shifter position. The optimum position to set your brake levers depends on your riding
position but it should be the extension of your arm. Your brake lever should be located at the point where your fingers extend
straight out from your arms. Upon finding preferred brake lever position, tighten the T-25 Torx ® bolt using your multi-use tool.
Brake lever clamp bolts should be tightened to 55 lb*in.
f) Suspension fork adjustment
The Phantom’s fork is a RockShox XC Suspension Fork. The
XC includes a lockout and preload adjustment feature. The
lockout does exactly what it states, it locks out the suspension
for a firm ride. Soft suspension can absorb power from the motor
or rider during climbing or sprinting. The lockout feature includes
Rockshox’s blow off system when hitting a large rock or hole.
The blow off system will bypass the lockout in an emergency.
The preload adjustment increases the spring’s compression. The
heavier a rider, the higher the preload should be adjusted to
offset the additional weight. You will want to test various preload
adjustments to determine the proper suspension compression
for your style riding. Both adjustment knobs can be found at the
crown of the fork.
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