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If your bike has a “quill” stem (fig. 7) you can ask your dealer to adjust the
handlebar height a bit by adjusting stem height.
A quill stem has an etched or stamped mark on
its shaft which designates the stem’s “Minimum
Insertion” or “Maximum Extension”. This mark must
not be visible above the headset.
WARNING: A quill stem’s Minimum
Insertion Mark must not be visible above
the top of the headset. If the stem is
extended beyond the Minimum Insertion Mark
the stem may break or damage the fork’s steerer tube, which could cause
you to lose control and fall.
WARNING: On some bicycles, changing the stem or stem height can
affect the tension of the front brake cable, locking the front brake or
creating excess cable slack which can make the front brake
inoperable. If the front brake pads move in towards the wheel rim or out
away from the wheel rim when the stem or stem height is changed, the
brakes must be correctly adjusted before you ride the bicycle.
Some bicycles are equipped with an adjustable angle stem. If your bicycle
has an adjustable angle stem, ask your dealer to show you how to adjust if. Do
not attempt to make the adjustment yourself, as changing stem angle may also
require adjustments to the bicycle’s controls.
WARNING: Always tighten fasteners to the correct torque. Bolts that
are too tight can stretch and deform. Bolts that are too loose can
move and fatigue. Either mistake can lead to a sudden failure of the
bolt, causing you to lose control and fall.
Your dealer can also change the angle of the handlebar or bar end extensions.
WARNING: An insufficiently tightened stem clamp bolt, handlebar
clamp bolt or bar end extension clamping bolt may compromise
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.
Felt Bayonet Steering System: The Bayonet Steering System is a
proprietary steering system that requires its own method of adjustment
unlike most other bicycles. To learn more please refer to the instruction
manual included in the box with your bicycle or visit: http://www.
feltbicycles.com.
Note: If your bicycle is equipped with a suspension seat post,
the
suspension mechanism may require periodic service or maintenance. Ask
your dealer for recommended service intervals for your suspension seat
post.
Small changes in saddle position can have a substantial effect on
performance and comfort. To find your best saddle position, make only one
adjustment at a time.
WARNING: After any saddle adjustment, be sure that the saddle
adjusting mechanism is properly seated and tightened before riding.
A loose saddle clamp or seat post clamp can cause damage to the
seat post, or can cause you to lose control and fall. A correctly tightened
saddle adjusting mechanism will allow no saddle movement in any
direction. Periodically check to make sure that the saddle adjusting
mechanism is properly tightened.
If, in spite of carefully adjusting the saddle height, tilt and fore-and-aft position,
your saddle is still uncomfortable, you may need a different saddle design.
Saddles, like people, come in many different shapes, sizes and resilience. Your
dealer can help you select a saddle which, when correctly adjusted for your body
and riding style, will be comfortable.
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.
Felt Dual Position Seatposts: Felt’s most aerodynamic road frames
(including the DA, B2 and AR) use a special dual-position seatpost. It
requires its own method of 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.
C. Handlebar height and angle
Your bike is equipped either with a “threadless”
stem, which clamps on to the outside of the steerer
tube, or with a “quill” stem, which clamps inside the
steerer tube by way of an expanding binder bolt. If
you aren’t absolutely sure which type of stem your
bike has, ask your dealer.
If your bike has a “threadless” stem (fig. 6) your
dealer may be able to change handlebar height by
moving height adjustment spacers from below the
stem to above the stem, or vice versa. Otherwise, you’ll have to get a stem of
different length or rise. Consult your dealer. Do not attempt to do this yourself, as
it requires special knowledge.