OWNER’S MANUAL PERFORMANCE ELECTRIC LIFESTYLE BMX
Bicycle Owner’s Manual 11th Edition, 2015 This manual meets ISO-4210, 16 CFR 1512 and EN 14764, 14766 and 14781 Standards CPSC NOTICE: All Felt Bicycles meet CPSC regulations. Certificates of conformity are posted at www.feltbicycles.com/cpsc All Felt Bicycles intended for children meet CPSIA standards. WARRANTY NOTICE: Felt’s warranty policy is located in the back of this owner’s manual. It can also be found at www.FeltBicycles.com Visit www.FeltBicycles.
Contents GENERAL WARNING A special note to parents 1. First A. Bike fit B. Safety first C. Mechanical Safety Check D. First ride 2. Safety A. The Basics B. Riding Safety C. Off Road Safety D. Wet Weather Riding E. Night Riding F. Extreme, stunt or competition riding G. Changing Components or Adding Accessories 3.Fit A. Standover height B. Saddle position C.
GENERAL WARNING: Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury and damage. By choosing to ride a bicycle, you assume the responsibility for that risk, so you need to know — and to practice — the rules of safe and responsible riding and of proper use and maintenance. Proper use and maintenance of your bicycle reduces risk of injury.
A special note for parents: WARNING: This manual does not cover Juvenile or BMX bicycles.
1. First NOTE: We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its entirety before your first ride. At the very least, read and make sure that you understand each point in this section, and refer to the cited sections on any issue which you don’t completely understand. Please note that not all bicycles have all of the features described in this Manual. Ask your dealer to point out the features of your bicycle. A. Bike fit 1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see Section 3.A.
a wide variety of fastener sizes and shapes made in a variety of materials, often differing by model and component, the correct tightening force or torque cannot be generalized. To make sure that the many fasteners on your bicycle are correctly tightened, refer to the Fastener Torque Specifications in Appendix D of this manual or to the torque specifications in the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the component in question. Correctly tightening a fastener requires a calibrated torque wrench.
WARNING: Bicycle wheel rims are subject to wear. Ask your dealer about wheel rim wear. Some wheel rims have a rim wear indicator which becomes visible as the rim’s braking surface wears. A visible rim wear indicator on the side of the wheel rim is an indication that the wheel rim has reached its maximum usable life. Riding a wheel that is at the end of its usable life can result in wheel failure, which can cause you to loose control and fall. Brakes: Check the brakes for proper operation (see Section 4.
wheel, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Skidding is an example of what can happen when a wheel locks up. If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals, practice getting in and out of the pedals. See paragraph B.4 above and Section 4.E.4. If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how the suspension responds to brake application and rider weight shifts. See paragraph B.6 above and Section 4.F. Practice shifting the gears (see Section 4.D).
shoe laces cannot get into moving parts, and never ride barefoot or in sandals. • Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that it can be tangled in the bicycle or snagged by objects at the side of the road or trail. • Protective eyewear, to protect against airborne dirt, dust and bugs — tinted when the sun is bright, clear when it’s not. 6. Unless your bicycle was specifically designed for jumping (See Appendix A, Intended Use) don’t jump with your bike.
. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you intend to do stunts, wheelies, jumps or go racing with your bike despite our advice not to, read Section 2.F, Downhill, Stunt or Competition Biking, now. Think carefully about your skills before deciding to take the large risks that go with this kind of riding. 13. Don’t weave through traffic or make any moves that may surprise people with whom you are sharing the road. 14. Observe and yield the right of way. 15.
Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your brakes (as well as the brakes of other vehicles sharing the road) is dramatically reduced and your tires don’t grip nearly as well. This makes it harder to control speed and easier to lose control. To make sure that you can slow down and stop safely in wet conditions, ride more slowly and apply your brakes earlier and more gradually than you would under normal, dry conditions. See also Section 4.C. E.
• Wear light colored, reflective clothing and accessories, such as a reflective vest, reflective arm and leg bands, reflective stripes on your helmet, flashing lights attached to your body and/or your bicycle ... any reflective device or light source that moves will help you get the attention of approaching motorists, pedestrians and other traffic. • Make sure your clothing or anything you may be carrying on the bicycle does not obstruct a reflector or light.
WARNING: Bicycles and bicycle parts have limitations with regard to strength and integrity, and this type of riding can exceed those limitations or dramatically reduce the length of their safe use.
and special tools. Always have your dealer make the adjustments on your bicycle; or, if you have the experience, skill and tools, have your dealer check your work before riding. WARNING: If your bicycle does not fit properly, you may lose control and fall. If your new bike doesn’t fit, ask your dealer to exchange it before you ride it. A. Standover height 1. Diamond frame bicycles Standover height is the basic element of bike fit (see ).
If your leg is not completely straight, your saddle height needs to be adjusted. If your hips must rock for the heel to reach the pedal, the saddle is too high. If your leg is bent at the knee with your heel on the pedal, the saddle is too low. Ask your dealer to set the saddle for your optimal riding position and to show you how to make this adjustment.
adjustment unlike most other seatposts. To learn more please refer to the instruction manual included in the box with your bicycle or visit: http://www.feltbicycles.com 3. Saddle angle adjustment. Most people prefer a horizontal saddle; but some riders like the saddle nose angled up or down just a little. Your dealer can adjust saddle angle or teach you how to do it.
WARNING: Some people have claimed that extended riding with a saddle which is incorrectly adjusted or which does not support your pelvic area correctly can cause short-term or long-term injury to nerves and blood vessels, or even impotence. If your saddle causes you pain, numbness or other discomfort, listen to your body and stop riding until you see your dealer about saddle adjustment or a different saddle. C.
steering action, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Place the front wheel of the bicycle between your legs and attempt to twist the handlebar/stem assembly. If you can twist the stem in relation to the front wheel, turn the handlebars in relation to the stem, or turn the bar end extensions in relation to the handlebar, the bolts are insufficiently tightened.
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If you have a mountain or road bike equipped with through axle front or rear wheels, make sure that your dealer has given you the manufacturer’s instructions, and follow those when installing or removing a through axle wheel. If you don’t know what a through axle is, ask your dealer.
As its name implies, it serves as a back-up for a critical adjustment. If the wheel is not secured correctly, the secondary retention device can reduce the risk of the wheel disengaging from the fork. Removing or disabling the secondary retention device may also void the warranty. Secondary retention devices are not a substitute for correctly securing your wheel.
a. Removing a disk brake or rim brake Front Wheel (1) If your bike has rim brakes, disengage the brake’s quick-release mechanism to increase the clearance between the tire and the brake pads (See Section 4.C fig. 11 through 15). (2) If your bike has cam action front wheel retention, move the cam lever from the locked or CLOSED position to the OPEN position (figs. 8a & b).
D (6) With a through-bolt or bolt-on system, tighten the fasteners to the torque specifications in Appendix D or the hub manufacturer’s instructions. WARNING: Securely clamping the wheel with a cam action retention device takes considerable force.
have plenty of slack in the chain. Put the chain on the rear wheel sprocket. (4) Then, insert the wheel into the frame dropouts and pull it all the way in to the dropouts. (5) On a single speed or an internal gear hub, replace the chain on the chainring; pull the wheel back in the dropouts so that it is straight in the frame and the chain has about 1/4 inches of up-and-down play. (6) With a cam action system, move the cam lever upwards and swing it into the CLOSED position (fig. 8 a & b).
Adjusting the seat post cam action mechanism The action of the cam squeezes the seat collar around the seat post to hold the seat post securely in place. The amount of clamping force is controlled by the tension adjusting nut. Turning the tension adjusting nut clockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating increases clamping force; turning it counterclockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating reduces clamping force.
adjustable. If you don’t like the feel of your brakes, ask your dealer about adjusting the brake force modulation. 5. Disc brakes can get extremely hot with extended use. Be careful not to touch a disc brake until it has had plenty of time to cool. 6. See the brake manufacturer’s instructions for operation and care of your brakes, and for when brake pads must be replaced. If you do not have the manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealer or contact the brake manufacturer. 7.
and stopping smoothly without locking up a wheel. The technique is called progressive brake modulation. Instead of jerking the brake lever to the position where you think you’ll generate appropriate braking force, squeeze the lever, progressively increasing the braking force. If you feel the wheel begin to lock up, release pressure just a little to keep the wheel rotating just short of lockup.
a. Shifting Gears There are several different types and styles of shifting controls: levers, twist grips, triggers, combination shift/brake controls and push-buttons. Ask your dealer to explain the type of shifting controls that are on your bike, and to show you how they work. The vocabulary of shifting can be pretty confusing. A downshift is a shift to a “lower” or “slower” gear, one which is easier to pedal. An upshift is a shift to a “higher” or “faster”, harder to pedal gear.
d. Which gear should I be in? The combination of largest rear and smallest front gears (fig. 16) is for the steepest hills. The smallest rear and largest front combination is for the greatest speed. It is not necessary to shift gears in sequence.
At first, practice shifting where there are no obstacles, hazards or other traffic, until you’ve built up your confidence. Learn to anticipate the need to shift, and shift to a lower gear before the hill gets too steep. If you have difficulties with shifting, the problem could be mechanical adjustment. See your dealer for help. c.
and confidence in getting in and out of the pedals warrants it. Never ride in traffic with your toe straps tight. 4. Clipless pedals (sometimes called “step-in pedals”) are another means to keep feet securely in the correct position for maximum pedaling efficiency. They have a plate, called a “cleat,” on the sole of the shoe, which clicks into a mating spring-loaded fixture on the pedal. They only engage or disengage with a very specific motion which must be practiced until it becomes instinctive.
suspension adjustment unless you are thoroughly familiar with the suspension system manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations, and always check for changes in the handling and braking characteristics of the bicycle after a suspension adjustment by taking a careful test ride in a hazard-free area. Felt Suspension Systems: The Equilink and FAST Suspension Systems are proprietary, and require their own methods of adjustment.
WARNING: Never inflate a tire beyond the maximum pressure marked on the tire’s sidewall or the wheel rim. If the maximum pressure rating for the wheel rim is lower than the maximum pressure shown on the tire, always use the lower rating. Exceeding the recommended maximum pressure may blow the tire off the rim or damage the wheel rim, which could cause damage to the bike and injury to the rider and bystanders.
the valve stems on your bicycle. The Schraeder valve (fig. 18a) is like the valve on a car tire. To inflate a Schraeder valve tire, remove the valve cap and clamp the pump fitting onto the end of the valve stem. To let air out of a Schraeder valve, depress the pin in the end of the valve stem with the end of a key or other appropriate object. The Presta valve (fig. 18b) has a narrower diameter and is only found on bicycle tires.
We recommend that you ask your dealer to check the quality of your work the first time you work on something and before you ride the bike, just to make sure that you did everything correctly. Since that will require the time of a mechanic, there may be a modest charge for this service. We also recommend that you ask your dealer for guidance on what spare parts, such as tires, inner tubes, light bulbs, batteries, Patch Kit, lubricants etc.
your thumb and index finger. Do they all feel about the same? If any feel loose, have your dealer check the wheel for tension and trueness. • Check the tires for excess wear, cuts or bruises. Have your dealer replace them if necessary. • check the wheel rims for excess wear, dings, dents and scratches. Consult your dealer if you see any rim damage. • Check to make sure that all parts and accessories are still secure, and tighten any which are not.
catastrophically, causing loss of control, serious injury or death. Appendix A Intended use of your bicycle WARNING: Understand your bike and its intended use. Choosing the wrong bicycle for your purpose can be hazardous. Using your bike the wrong way is dangerous. No one type of bicycle is suited for all purposes. Your retailer can help you pick the “right tool for the job” and help you understand its limitations. There are many types of bicycles and many variations within each type.
* Seat Bag /Handlebar Bag Only General Purpose Riding CONDITION 2 Bikes designed for riding Condition 1, plus smooth gravel roads and improved trails with moderate grades where the tires do not lose ground contact. INTENDED For paved roads, gravel or dirt roads that are in good condition, and bike paths. NOT INTENDED For off-road or mountain bike use, or for any kind of jumping. Some of these bikes have suspension features, but these features are designed to add comfort, not off-road capability.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT RIDER LUGGAGE* TOTAL lbs / kg lbs / kg lbs / kg 300 / 136 5 /2.3 305 / 138 * Seat Bag Only Front suspension frames manufactured with original equipment seat stay and dropout rack mounts only 300 / 136 55 / 25 355 / 161 All Mountain CONDITION 4 Bikes designed for riding Conditions 1, 2, and 3, plus rough technical areas, moderately sized obstacles, and small jumps. INTENDED For trail and uphill riding.
Gravity, Freeride, and Downhill CONDITION 5 Bikes designed for jumping, hucking, high speeds, or aggressive riding on rougher surfaces, or landing on flat surfaces. However, this type of riding is extremely hazardous and puts unpredictable forces on a bicycle which may overload the frame, fork, or parts. If you choose to ride in Condition 5 terrain, you should take appropriate safety precautions such as more frequent bike inspections and replacement of equipment.
Condition 5 terrain, you should take appropriate safety precautions such as more frequent bike inspections and replacement of equipment. You should also wear comprehensive safety equipment such as a full-face helmet, pads, and body armor. INTENDED For man-made dirt jumps, ramps, skate parks other predictable obstacles and terrain where riders need and use skill and bike control, rather than suspension. Dirt Jumping bikes are used much like heavy duty BMX bikes.
Road Tandems CONDITION 1 Bikes designed for riding on a paved surface where the tires do not lose ground contact. INTENDED Are designed to be ridden on paved roads only. They are not designed for mountain biking or off-road use. NOT INTENDED Road tandem should not be taken off-road or used as a mountain tandem.
Appendix B The lifespan of your bike and its components 1. Nothing Lasts Forever, Including Your Bike. When the useful life of your bike or its components is over, continued use is hazardous. Every bicycle and its component parts have a finite, limited useful life.
appropriate for how and where you use your bike. For your safety, understanding and communication with your dealer, we urge you to read this Appendix in its entirety. The materials used to make your bike determine how and how frequently to inspect. Ignoring this WARNING can lead to frame, fork or other component failure, which can result in serious injury or death. A. Understanding metals Steel is the traditional material for building bicycle frames.
in bent, buckled or folded metal. It is now common for the main frame to be made of metal and the fork of carbon fiber. See Section B, Understanding composites below. The relative ductility of metals and the lack of ductility of carbon fiber means that in a crash scenario you can expect some bending or bucking in the metal but none in the carbon. Below some load the carbon fork may be intact even though the frame is damaged. Above some load the carbon fork will be completely broken.
• SIGNIFICANT SCRATCHES, GOUGES, DENTS OR SCORING CREATE STARTING POINTS FOR CRACKS. Think about the cut surface as a focal point for stress (in fact engineers call such areas “stress risers,” areas where the stress is increased). Perhaps you have seen glass cut? Recall how the glass was scored and then broke on the scored line. SIMPLE RULE 4 : Do not scratch, gouge or score any surface. If you do, pay frequent attention to this area or replace the part.
WARNING: Do not ride a bicycle or component with any crack, bulge or dent, even a small one. Riding a cracked frame, fork or component could lead to complete failure, with risk of serious injury or death. B. Understanding composites All riders must understand a fundamental reality of composites. Composite materials constructed of carbon fibers are strong and light, but when crashed or overloaded, carbon fibers do not bend, they break.
stay on the bike and what happens to the frame, fork and other components is irrelevant to what happens to your body. What should you expect from your carbon frame? It depends on many complex factors. But we can tell you that if the impact is hard enough, the fork or frame may be completely broken. Note the significant difference in behavior between carbon and metal. See Section 2. A, Understanding metals in this Appendix.
Aftermarket “Super Light” components Think carefully about your rider profile as outlined above. The more you fit the “shorten product life” profile, the more you must question the use of super light components. The more you fit the “lengthen product life” profile, the more likely it is that lighter components may be suitable for you. Discuss your needs and your profile very honestly with your dealer. Take these choices seriously and understand that you are responsible for the changes.
Appendix C Coaster Brake 1. How the coaster brake works The coaster brake is a sealed mechanism which is a part of the bicycle’s rear wheel hub. The brake is activated by reversing the rotation of the pedal cranks (see fig. 5). Start with the pedal cranks in a nearly horizontal position, with the front pedal in about the 4 o’clock position, and apply downward foot pressure on the pedal that is to the rear. About 1/8 turn rotation will activate the brake.
Appendix D Fastener Torque Specifications Correct tightening torque of threaded fasteners is very important to your safety. Always tighten fasteners to the correct torque. In case of a conflict between the instructions in this manual and information provided by a component manufacturer, consult with your dealer or the manufacturer’s customer service representative for clarification. Bolts that are too tight can stretch and deform. Bolts that are too loose can move and fatigue.
WARRANTY: FELT BICYCLES LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY | USA & CANADA All felt frames and forks on Felt Bicycles and framesets (Road, Triathlon, Track, MTB, Cruiser, Lifestyle, and BMX), are warranted to be free from manufacturing defects in material and/or craftsmanship for the lifetime of the original owner. Warranty coverage on the bicycle components and finish (Excluding tires, tubes, and cables) extends for one (1) year from the date of original purchase.
LIMITATIONS • There are no warranties which extend beyond the description on the face of this limited warranty, and any other warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, any warranties or merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, are expressly excluded by the terms of this limited warranty. • Felt shall in no event be liable for incidental or consequential losses, damages or expenses in connection with its bicycle products.
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