Page 1 Bicycle Owner‘s Manual THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY, PERFORMANCE AND SERVICE INFORMATION. Read it before you take the first ride on your new bicycle, and keep it for reference. 138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Page 2 Register Your New GT Bike It only takes a minute to register your bike! We stand behind everything we make, which is why we offer a limited lifetime warranty on our products. Visit https://www.gtbicycles.com/usa_en/bike-registration to register your bike now! Contact us...
Page 3 CAUTION Indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage. GT SUPPORT Our online SUPPORT contains helpful resources to consult about our bikes. https://support.gtbicycles.com/hc/en-us This manual meets: 16 CFR 1512 and EN Standards 14764, 14766, and 14781.
Page 4 A manual alone cannot teach you how to ride or To find the GT retailer closest to you, call become a proficient mechanic, and a manual the 1-800-THE-BIKE-USA, or use our website dealer size of an encyclopedia could not cover every locator at www.gtbicycles.com.
Page 5: Table Of Contents
Warning Label ... . 71 Riding in Traffic, Commuting ..71 3.A Stand Over Height ..25 Riding at Night, Dusk, Dawn .
Page 6 Table of Contents GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Part 2 Aftermarket Brake Systems ..100 E-Bike Drive Maintenance..82 Aftermarket Power Systems ..100 E-Bikes - Restricting Use .
Page 7 Table of Contents GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Part 2 Section C. Section F... 152 Mountain Bike Riding ..125 Water Bottles ... . . 152 Off-Road Riding .
Page 8 Table of Contents GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Part 3 - Assembly STEP 10. Part 3 - Assembly Install Pedals ..205-207 STEP 11. STEP 1. Security Checks ..208-209 Introduction .
Page 9: General Warning
PART 1 General Warning GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Part 3 - Assembly PART 1 General Warning CAUTION Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury The word CAUTION used without the safety alert and damage. By choosing to ride a bicycle, you...
Page 10: A Special Note For Parents
As a parent, you should read this manual, as well as review its warnings and the bicycle’s functions...
Page 11: A Bike Fit
PART 1 Section 1. First GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1.A - Bike Fit 1.A - Bike Fit 1.B - Safety First 1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see 1. Always wear an approved helmet when SECTION 3.A. If your bicycle is too large or...
Page 12: C Mechanical Safety Check
PART 1 Section 1. First GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1.C - Mechanical Safety Check 1.C - Mechanical Safety Check 5. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles your toe or toeclip may be Routinely check the condition of your bicycle able to contact the front wheel when a pedal before every ride.
Page 13 PART 1 Section 1. First GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Tires & Wheels Tires & Wheels If you need to make an adjustment at home or in the field, we urge you to exercise care, and to Make sure tires are correctly inflated (see have the fasteners you worked on checked by SECTION 4.G.1).
Page 14 PART 1 Section 1. First GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Brakes Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure Can you apply full braking force at the levers the rims are clean and undamaged at the tire without having them touch the handlebar? If not, bead and, if you have rim brakes, along the your brakes need adjustment.
Page 15 PART 1 Section 1. First GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Handlebar Ends Handlebar Ends Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition. If not, have your dealer replace them. Make sure the handlebar ends and extensions are plugged. If not, plug them before you ride.
Page 16: D First Ride
PART 1 Section 1. First GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1.D - First Ride 1.D - First Ride Check out the handling and response of the bike; and check the comfort. When you buckle on your helmet and go for your...
Page 17: Section 2. Safety
Observe regulations about bicycle lighting, licensing of bicycles, riding on sidewalks, laws Your helmet should be: regulating bike path and trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws, special bicycle traffic • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission laws. (CPSC) certified (look for the label on the helmet) It’s your responsibility to know and obey the...
Page 18: B Riding Safety
2.B - Riding Safety your bicycle: brakes (SECTION 4.C.); pedals (SECTION 4.E.); shifting (SECTION 4.D.) 1. Obey all rules of the road and all local traffic laws. 4. Be careful to keep body parts and other objects away from the sharp teeth of 2.
Page 19 11. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another bike paths or as close to the edge of the road vehicle. as possible, in the direction of traffic flow or 12. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you as directed by local governing laws.
Page 20: C Off-Road Safety
PART 1 Section 2. Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 2.C - Off-Road Safety 2.C - Off-Road Safety 6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong while you’re riding off-road, help may not be close. We recommend that children not ride on rough terrain unless they are accompanied by an adult.
Page 21: D Wet Weather Riding
PART 1 Section 2. Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 2.D - Wet Weather Riding 2.D - Wet Weather Riding 2.E - Night Riding Under wet conditions, the stopping power of Riding a bicycle at night is much more your brakes (as well as the brakes of other dangerous than riding during the day.
Page 22 • Be alert. Ride defensively and expect adequate visibility. the unexpected. • If you plan to ride in traffic often, ask your dealer about traffic safety classes or a good book on bicycle traffic safety. 138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Page 23: F Extreme, Stunt, Or Competition Riding
PART 1 Section 2. Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 2.F - Extreme, Stunt Or Competition Riding 2.F - Extreme, Stunt Or WARNING Competition Riding Although many catalogs, advertisements and Whether you call it Aggro, Hucking, Freeride, articles about bicycling depict riders engaged...
Page 24: G Changing Components
PART 1 Section 2. Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 2.G - Changing Components Or Adding Accessories 2.G - Changing Components Or We recommend against this type of riding because of the increased risks; but if you choose Adding Accessories to take the risk, at least: There are many components and accessories •...
Page 25: Section 3. Fit
PART 1 Section 3. Fit GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 3.A - Stand Over Height Section 3. Fit WARNING NOTE: Correct fit is an essential element of Failure to confirm compatibility, properly bicycling safety, performance and comfort. install, operate and maintain any component...
Page 26: B Saddle Position
PART 1 Section 3. Fit GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 3.B - Saddle Position 2. Step-through frame bicycles If your crotch touches the frame, the bike is too big for you. Don’t even ride the bike around the Standover height does not apply to bicycles with block.
Page 27 PART 1 Section 3. Fit GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 3.B - Saddle Position If your leg is not completely straight, your Once the saddle is at the correct height, make saddle height needs to be adjusted. If your sure that the seat post does not project from the hips must rock for the heel to reach the frame beyond its “Minimum Insertion”...
Page 28 PART 1 Section 3. Fit GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 3.B - Saddle Position If you choose to make your own front and back adjustment, make sure that the clamp mechanism is clamping on the straight part of the saddle rails and is not touching the curved...
Page 29 PART 1 Section 3. Fit GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 3.B - Saddle Position WARNING WARNING When making saddle angle adjustments with a After any saddle adjustment, be sure that the single bolt saddle clamp, always check to saddle adjusting mechanism is properly make sure that the serrations on the mating tightened before riding.
Page 30: Handlebar Height And Angle
PART 1 Section 3. Fit GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 3.C - Handlebar Height And Angle 3.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.
Page 31 PART 1 Section 3. Fit GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 3.C - Handlebar Height And Angle Your dealer can also change the angle of the WARNING handlebar or bar end extensions. On some bicycles, changing the stem or stem height can affect the tension of the front brake...
Page 32: D Control Position Adjustments
PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 3.D - Control Position Adjustments 3.D - Control Position Section 4. Tech Adjustments It’s important to your safety, performance and enjoyment to understand how things work on The angle of the brake and shift control levers your bicycle.
Page 33: A Wheels
PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 4.A - Wheels 4.A - Wheels • A hollow axle with a shaft (“skewer”) running through it which has a nut on one Bicycle wheels are designed to be removable for...
Page 34 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 3.D - Control Position Adjustments continued from previous page... Some bicycles are equipped with a quick release lever and a disc brake. If the bicycle is ridden with the lever incorrectly adjusted...
Page 35 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 3.D - Control Position Adjustments Your bicycle may be equipped with a different securing method for the front wheel than for the rear wheel. Discuss the wheel securing method for your bicycle with your dealer.
Page 36 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1. Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices 1. Front Wheel Secondary WARNING Retention Devices Do not remove or disable the secondary Most bicycles have front forks which utilize a retention device. secondary wheel retention device to reduce the...
Page 37 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 3. Removing And Installing Wheels a. Adjusting the traditional cam action b. Adjusting the cam-and-cup mechanism (fig. 8a) mechanism (fig. 8B) The wheel hub is clamped in place by the The cam-and-cup system on your front wheel...
Page 38 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1. Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices a. Removing a disk brake or rim brake b. Installing a disk brake or rim brake front wheel front wheel (1) If your bike has rim brakes, disengage the CAUTION brake’s quick-release mechanism to increase...
Page 39 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1. Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices (2) With the steering fork facing forward, insert To apply enough clamping force, you should the wheel between the fork blades so that have to wrap your fingers around the fork...
Page 40 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1. Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices c. Removing a disk brake or rim brake WARNING rear wheel Securely clamping the wheel with a cam (1) If you have a multi-speed bike with a...
Page 41 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1. Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices (5) Lift the rear wheel off the ground a few (5) On a single speed or an internal gear hub, inches and remove it from the rear dropouts.
Page 42: B Seat Post Cam Action Clamp
PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 4.B. Seat Post Cam Action Clamp 4.B. Seat Post Cam Action WARNING Clamp Securely clamping the wheel with a cam Some bikes are equipped with a cam action seat action retention device takes considerable post binder.
Page 43: C Brakes
PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Adjusting The Seat Post Cam Action Mechanism Adjusting The Seat Post Cam WARNING Action Mechanism If you can fully close the cam lever without The action of the cam squeezes the seat collar...
Page 44 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 4.B. Seat Post Cam Action Clamp WARNINGS 1. Riding with improperly adjusted brakes or worn brake pads, or wheel on which the rim wear mark is visible is dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.
Page 45 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1. Brake Controls And Features 1. Brake Controls And Features 2. How Brakes Work It’s very important to your safety that you learn The braking action of a bicycle is a function of the and remember which brake lever controls which friction between the brake surfaces —...
Page 46 (see also the wheel locks. SECTION 4.F). Practice braking and weight transfer techniques where there is no traffic or When you apply one or both brakes, the bike other hazards and distractions. begins to slow, but your body wants to continue at the speed at which it was going.
Page 47 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1. Brake Controls And Features OPEN Figure 11. Figure 14. OPEN PUSH Figure 12. Figure 15. OPEN Figure 13.
Page 48: Coaster Brakes
PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Coaster Brakes Coaster Brakes 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 (indicated by arrow above). Start with the pedal cranks in a nearly horizontal position, with the front pedal in about the 4 o’clock position, and apply...
Page 49: D Shifting Gears
PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 4.D - Shifting Gears 2. Adjusting your coaster brake a. Shifting Gears Coaster brake service and adjustment requires There are several different types and styles of special tools and special knowledge. Do not...
Page 50 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Coaster Brakes The way to keep things straight is to remember Pedaling in the higher gears requires greater that shifting the chain in towards the centerline pedaling effort, but takes you a greater distance of the bike is for accelerating and climbing and is with each revolution of the pedal cranks.
Page 51 At first, practice shifting where there are no obstacles, hazards or other traffic, until you’ve built up your confidence. Learn not to use either the “smallest- Figure 16. Front & Rear Gears to-smallest or “largest-to-largest”...
Page 52 At first, practice shifting where there are no obstacles, hazards or • one or two control cables other traffic, until you’ve built up your confidence. Learn to anticipate the need to shift, • one front sprocket called a chainring and shift to a lower gear before the hill gets too •...
Page 53: E Pedals
PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 4.E - Pedals 4.E - Pedals If your bicycle has this type of high- performance pedal, you must take extra care 1. Toe Overlap is when your toe can touch the to avoid serious injury from the pedals’...
Page 54 Practice the use of toeclips and straps where how to make this adjustment. Use the there are no obstacles, hazards or traffic. easiest setting until engaging and Keep the straps loose, and don’t tighten them...
Page 55 Practice engaging and disengaging clipless pedals in a place where there are no obstacles, hazards or traffic; and be sure to follow the pedal manufacturer’s setup and service instructions. If you do not have the manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealer...
Page 56: F Bicycle Suspension
PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 4.F - Bicycle Suspension 4.F - Bicycle Suspension WARNING Many bicycles are equipped with suspension Changing suspension adjustment can change systems. There are many different types of the handling and braking characteristics of suspension systems —...
Page 57: G Tires And Tubes
PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 4.G Tires and Tubes 1. Tires WARNING Bicycle tires are available in many designs and Not all bicycles can be safely retrofitted with specifications, ranging from general-purpose some types of suspension systems. Before...
Page 58 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 4.F - Bicycle Suspension Tire pressure is given either as maximum pressure or as a pressure range. How a tire performs under different terrain or weather conditions depends largely on tire pressure.
Page 59 PART 1 Section 4. Tech GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 4.F - Bicycle Suspension 2. Tire Valves CAUTION There are primarily two kinds of bicycle tube Pencil type automotive tire gauges can be valves: The Schrader Valve and the Presta inaccurate and should not be relied upon for Valve.
Page 60: Section 5. Service
PART 1 Section 5. Service GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 4.F - Bicycle Suspension Section 5. Service Schrader valve WARNING Technological advances have made bicycles and bicycle components more complex, and the pace of innovation is increasing. It is impossible for this manual to provide all...
Page 61 PART 1 Section 5. Service GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 4.F - Bicycle Suspension We recommend that you ask your dealer to WARNING check the quality of your work the first time Many bicycle service and repair tasks require you work on something and before you ride special knowledge and tools.
Page 62: A Service Intervals
PART 1 Section 5. Service GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 5.A - Service Intervals 5.A - Service Intervals Another way to judge when it’s time for the first checkup is to bring the bike in after Some service and maintenance can and should...
Page 63 PART 1 Section 5. Service GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 5.A - Service Intervals • Lift the front wheel off the ground and swing • Check the wheel rims for excess wear, dings, it from side to side. Feel smooth? If you feel dents and scratches.
Page 64 PART 1 Section 5. Service GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 5.A - Service Intervals • Hydraulic brakes that feel “sponge-y” and/or WARNING levers that can be depressed all the way to the grips w/o generating adequate stopping Scratches, cracks, fraying and discoloration power (due to trapped air and/or leaks).
Page 65: B Impact Damage
PART 1 Section 5. Service GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 5.B - If Your Bicycle Sustains An Impact: 5.B - If Your Bicycle Sustains An Impact: First, check yourself for injuries, and take care of them as best you can. Seek medical help if necessary.
Page 66: Appendix A. Teaching Your Child The Rules
• No riding at dawn, dusk or at night. • Stop for all STOP signs. • Ride on the right of traffic. 2.Lessons The lessons that follow relate to some of the most common real situations that children encounter when riding their bikes.
Page 67 Another major accident type involves cyclists who make unexpected left turns. They neither look behind for traffic, nor do they signal. The key factor here is neglecting to look to the rear. If the cyclist had looked, he/ she would have seen the danger coming up from behind.
Page 68 Take your child to a safe area away from traffic or obstructions to practice riding along a straight line while looking behind. Stand alongside and hold up a different number of fingers on your hand after the child rides by.
Page 69: Important Safety Information
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual A Wide Range Of Bicycling Injuries Are Possible PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Bicycles Cannot Protect You Information Bicycles are lightweight, human-powered vehicles. Unlike a car, much like a motorcycle,...
Page 70: Bicycling Inherent Risk
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Bicycling Inherent Risk Bicycling Inherent Risk WARNING BICYCLING IS AN ACTIVE SPORT WITH INHERENT RISK. “Inherent risk,“ means that due to the nature of bicycle riding, the situations you encounter while riding expose you to the risk of serious injury, paralysis, or death in an accident.
Page 71: Warning Label
As noted in PART I of this manual, you must no charge replacement. learn and obey local traffic laws. Riding in traffic is hazardous. We cannot teach you about all of these hazards.
Page 72: Riding At Night, Dusk, Dawn
The location and type of each reflector on your bike is required by a national authority, in the US, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Your GT bike must be delivered with: 1. A front mounted forward facing reflector 2. A rear mounted, rear facing reflector, 3. A spoke mounted reflector on each wheel, 4.
Page 73 If you ride your bike before dawn or after dusk, your bicycle must be equipped with lights so that you can see the road and avoid road hazards, and so that others can see you. Traffic laws treat bicycles like any other vehicle.
Page 74: Understanding E-Bikes
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Understanding E-bikes Understanding E-bikes What is an E-bike? Electric bikes, also known as “E-Bikes” are bicycles equipped with an electric pedal assist drive system. An E-Bike IS NOT a moped or motorcycle. E-bikes share components common with pedal-only bikes.
Page 75: E-Bike Drive System Id
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Drive System Parts E-Bike Drive System Parts E-Bike The example shown below is a E-Bike in the Mountain category. There are many different bkes that have these same basic drive system comnnents.
Page 76: Operating An E-Bike
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Operating an E-Bike (1 of 4) Operating an E-Bike (1 of 4) WARNINGS Operating the Drive Assist System Turning the drive assist system ON before you are seated and have both hands on the handlebar could result in loss of control of the E-bike.
Page 77 PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Operating an E-Bike (2 of 4) Operating an E-Bike (2 of 4) WARNING Riding Enviroments Improper use of the drive assist system may result in riding at unsafe speeds and cause accidents resulting in serious injury or death.
Page 78 PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Operating and E-Bike (3 of 4) Operating and E-Bike (3 of 4) WARNINGS Changing the assistance level while riding: Changing the drive-assistance level while riding will increase or decrease the acceleration of the bike. You should anticipate this change in speed and react appropriately depending on the riding conditions such as on slippery trails, tight turns, or unstable or uneven surfaces.
Page 79 PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Operating and E-Bike (4 of 4) Operating and E-Bike (4 of 4) WARNINGS Wired system control: If the drive system control device is detached from the mount or if the cables are disconnected or damaged, the drive system will automatically shut off.
Page 80: E-Bike Batteries
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual E-Bike Batteries & Chargers (1 of 3) E-Bike Batteries & Chargers (1 of 3) WARNINGS Failure to observe the following warnings could result in electrical fires, explosion, severe burns or electrocution.
Page 81 PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual E-Bike Batteries & Chargers (2 of 3) E-Bike Batteries & Chargers (2 of 3) WARNINGS Charging Environment Locate both the battery and battery charger indoors, in a clean, dry area with good ventilation to charge.
Page 82: E-Bike Drive Maintenance
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual E-Bike Batteries & Chargers (3 of 3) E-Bike Batteries & Chargers (3 of 3) WARNINGS Storage Unexpected activation of the drive assist system could result in serious injury or death. Always turn OFF the drive assist system, remove the key, and remove the battery from the e-bike when storing the bike.
Page 83: E-Bikes - Restricting Use
Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations. Observe regulations about bicycle lighting, licensing of bicycles, riding on sidewalks, laws regulating bike path and trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws, special bicycle traffic laws. It’s your responsibility to know and obey the laws.
Page 84: No Modifications
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual No Modifications No Modifications WARNINGS DO NOT physically alter your frame in any way. Don’t sandblast, shot blast or glass bead your frame. Don’t use any coarse sandpaper on your bike.
Page 85: Regulations
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Follow Laws & Regulations Follow Laws & Regulations See also, Bike Model Specifics, “Frame Labels.” WARNINGS You must obey all local laws & regulatory requirements - it is your responsibility to identify and follow all local laws and regulations necessary for legal compliance.
Page 86: Kickstands
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Kickstands Kickstands WARNINGS If the bike is equipped with a kickstand: (1) Improperly installing a kickstand could result in the bike being unstable when parked and tipping over. (2) A kickstand must only be installed by a professional bike mechanic.
Page 87: Child Carriers
Distractions will take your attention away from the important tasks of riding your bicycle. Fully stop your bike in a safe place away from traffic before adjusting, changing modes or otherwise interacting with the App, or any other controls.”...
Page 88: Foreign Objects
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Foreign Objects Are Very Hazardous Foreign Objects Are Very Hazardous WARNINGS Do Not Ride Over Sticks Or Debris (Foreign Objects). We are aware of rare but very serious accidents where a foreign object was kicked up, entered the spokes of the front wheel, was swept around and either broke the fork or stopped the wheel.
Page 89: Be- Seen Bike Lights
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Running or “Be Seen” Lights Running or “Be Seen” Lights WARNINGS Some urban, city, commuter bicycle models have built in, integrated daytime running lights or “be seen” lights. Intended use: these lights are intended to be daytime running lights. They are intended to draw attention to you while riding and increase the chance of other cyclists, pedestrians and motorists seeing you.
Page 90: Maximum Fork Length
Your retailer MUST follow and observe this specification for your bike. For Maximum Fork Length specifications for GT bicycles, see www.gtbicycles.com. You can be severely injured, paralyzed or killed in an accident if you ignore this warning.
Page 91: Rear Tire
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Rear Tire Clearance : Full Suspension Rear Tire Clearance : Full Suspension 10 mm Applies to: • saddles • seat posts • rear racks • Dropper posts • any accessory with possible collision with the moving tire.
Page 92: Refinishing
IF YOU DECIDE TO REFINISH: (suggestions) 1. Incorrectly refinishing or repainting your • Understand that your GT limited warranty bike can lead to a serious accident. will be voided 2. Refinishing could hide structural damage •...
Page 93: Sharp Surfaces
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Bicycles Have Sharp Surfaces Bicycles Have Sharp Surfaces Installing Accessories Have all accessories mounted by your authorized WARNING dealer. Be sure that any accessory you or your authorized retailer fits to your bike does not block or Bicycles have exposed sharp surfaces.
Page 94: Aerodynamic Handlebars
Be sure to practice AERODYNAMIC riding with aero handlebar extensions on hazard extensions and traffic free roads. Practice the transition from having your hands on the extensions to having your hands on the regular handlebars and brake levers. brake levers...
Page 95: About Shimmy
Ride on the aero handlebar extensions only Among the proposed causes of shimmy are: a when the road is clear of traffic and hazards loose headset, frame alignment problems, and you have a long line of sight.
Page 96: Toe Overlap
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Toe Overlap or toe clip overlap Toe Overlap or toe clip overlap Whether or not you have overlap, or how much overlap you have can be changed. Be aware that...
Page 97: Tire Size
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Tire Size Tire Size Tire & Rim Pressure Compatibility WARNING WARNING MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE MAY BE LIMITED Mounting the wrong size tires can result in the tires hitting the fork or frame when riding. If BY RIM DESIGN.
Page 98: Checking Wheel Rim Wear
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual How to Check Wheel Rim Wear How to Check Wheel Rim Wear Understanding Disc Brakes On Road Bikes Check the condition of wheel rims wear before every ride. It is important to your safety, that, you also check...
Page 99: Brake Power Modulators
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Brake Power Modulators Brake Power Modulators It is important that you understand modulators are not an intelligent, sophisticated system. Modulators Your bike may be equipped with a brake modulator, ARE NOT anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
Page 100: Aftermarket Brake Systems
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Aftermarket Brake Systems Aftermarket Brake Systems Aftermarket Power Systems WARNING WARNING Do not modify your bike in any way to mount Do not install a power system (gas or electric brakes systems.
Page 101: Riding Off-Road
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Riding Off-Road Riding Off-Road Here are just some off-road riding concerns: 1. The variable conditions and hazards of off-road Off road riding usually involves many, many riding require close attention and specific skills.
Page 102: About Bicycle Suspension
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Off-Road Respect About Bicycle Suspension 6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong while you’re riding off-road, help may not Suspension will increase the handling be close. capabilities and comfort of your bicycle. This...
Page 103: Bicycle Reflectors
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Bicycle Reflectors Bicycle Reflectors Bicycle reflectors are designed to pick up and reflect street lights and car lights in a way that may help you to be seen and recognized as a moving bicyclist.
Page 104: Carbon Fiber Seat Posts
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Carbon Fiber Seat Posts Carbon Fiber Seat Posts 1. Make sure the seat post, seat binder, and seat tube are clean. Care And Maintenance 2. Apply small amount of a carbon seat post gel to seat post surface.
Page 105: Periodic Seat Post Inspection
Do not shorten or cut a breakage. seat post. Ask your Authorized GT Dealer for help in properly fitting and adjusting your seat post. continued following pages . . .
Page 106: Seat Post Insert Limit
PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Seat Post Insert Limit Seat Post Insert Limit WARNING 4. KEEP THE SEAT POST’S “MINIMUM INSERT” BELOW THE TOP OF THE SEAT TUBE. 5. USE A TORQUE WRENCH TO TIGHTEN SEAT POST BINDER AND ALL SADDLE MOUNTING FASTENERS.
Page 107 PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Seat Post Insert Limit How does it affect my bike? WARNING The seat post must not be forced beyond the DON’T CUT A SEAT POST YOURSELF. limit depth. Attempting to insert the seat post...
Page 108: Frame Minimum Seat Post Insert
SEAT TUBE MINIMUM post is installed inside the seat tube at all TOP TUBE SEAT POST times. Ask your Authorized GT Dealer about INSERT DEPTH this specification. (for frame) Failure to insert the seat post correctly can improperly stress the frame and/or the seat post causing the frame to break while riding.
Page 109: Carbon Fiber Forks & Stems
BRAKE NUT ENGAGEMENT The brake mount is the attachment point of the front brake. A correctly size brake bolt (recessed allen nut) must be used to ensure adequate thread engagement ( a minimum of 5mm) with the brake caliper mounting post. Ask your Authorized GT Dealer to help you. obtain the correct brake nut.
Page 110 PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Carbon Fiber Forks & Stems PARTS OF A TYPICAL ROAD STEM PARTS OF A TYPICAL CARBON ROAD FORK COMPRESSION STEERER TUBE ASSEMBLY CROWN RACE (A Headset part) HANDLEBAR STEM...
Page 111 Always tighten fasteners of the headset/stem system and brake with a torque wrench. Observe the manufacturer’s torque limits and loctite (thread locking compound) recommendations for each component of the fork, stem, brake and handlebar system. Ask your Authorized GT Dealer to help you. Over-tightening may cause damage and lead to fork or component failure.
Page 112 Aftermarket Handlebar Stems Compatibility Many handlebar stem designs from many different manufacturers are available. It is Your bicycle was shipped by GT with a impossible to provide a listing of compatibility compatible component specification. The fork, based on availability. Don’t think availability the handlebar stem, the headset parts (i.e.
Page 113 (36 toothed) new blade. To minimize fraying of the carbon fibers, wrap The steerer tube length for any GT carbon fiber the area of cut with masking tape. Make only fork with a carbon steerer is limited to the one clean complete cut.
Page 114 PART 2 Section A. Important Safety Information GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Carbon Fiber Forks & Stems This page has been left blank intentionally. 138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Page 115: Section B. Intended Use
PART 2 Section B. Intended Use GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Carbon Fiber Forks & Stems Section B. Intended Use 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.
Page 116: Intended Use
Intended Use Intended Use Intended Use tables on the following pages contain information from GT, the ASTM International (ASTM), as well as information required by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). All table information is part of the picture of intended use for your bike.
Page 117: Condition
High-Performance Road High-Performance Road MODELS Traffic, Grade, Grade Carbon Tachyon, Traffic, Baller, Gutterball, GTR Alloy, GTR Carbon, GTS, Corsa, Peace Tour, Strike, Attack, Revenge, EdgeTi, Zum ASTM Condition 1 ASTM F2043 “This is a set of conditions for the operation of a bicycle on a regular paved or smooth surface where tires may unitentionally lose ground contact.”...
Page 118 PART 2 Section B. Intended Use GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Intended Use This page has been left blank intentionally. 138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Page 119: Condition
PART 2 Section B. Intended Use GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual General Purpose Riding General Purpose Riding MODELS Air, Slammer, Performer, Fueler, Aggressor, Grade, Grade Carbon, Laguna, Palomar, Transeo, Street Performer, Dyno Pro Compe, Pro Performer, Chucker, Corsa Disc, EdgeCX, Timberline...
Page 120 PART 2 Section B. Intended Use GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual General Purpose Riding MODELS All Cyclocross INTENDED For cyclocross riding, training and racing. Cyclocross involves riding on a variety of terrain and surfaces including dirt or mud surfaces. Cyclocross bikes also work well for all weather rough road riding and commuting.
Page 121: Cross-Country, Mararthon, Hardtails
PART 2 Section B. Intended Use GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Cross-Country, Marathon, Hardtails Cross-Country, Marathon, Hardtails MODEL Air, Slammer, Performer, Fueler, Aggressor, Avalanche, Pantera, Sensor, Sensor Carbon, Zaskar, Zaskar LT Backwoods, Bump, Karakoram, Marathon, Outpost, Peace 9R, Ricochet, Sensor 9R, Xizang, Zaskar 100, Zaskar AL, Zaskar Carbon,...
Page 122: All-Mountain, Overmountain
PART 2 Section B. Intended Use GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual All Mountain, Enduro All Mountain, Enduro MODELS Distortion, Force AL, Force Carbon, Force LE, Sanction, , Sensor X Team, Force, Force Carbon, ASTM Condition 4 ASTM F2043 “This is a set of conditions for operation of a bicycle that includes Conditions 1,2, and 3 and downhill grades on rough trails as speeds in excess of 40km/h (25 mph) or extreme jumping or both.
Page 123: Condition 5
PART 2 Section B. Intended Use GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Gravity, Downhill, Freeride, MTBMX, Dual Slalom, 4X Gravity, Downhill, Freeride, MTBMX, Dual Slalom, 4X MODELS Fury AL, Fury Carbon, La Bomba, Ruckus, Ruckus DJ, Sanction Fury, Force Carbon, Force TR, Force XR, La Bomba...
Page 124: Dirt Jump
PART 2 BMX, Dirt Jump GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual All Mountain, Enduro (continued from previous page...) BMX, Dirt Jump 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.
Page 125: Mountain Bike Riding
The art of managing all this while There are now many different kinds of surrounded by nature makes this a challenging and “mountain bikes.” GT makes mountain bikes wonderful sport. ranging from the light, nimble rush and If you have ridden your mountain bike on a paved...
Page 126: Freeriding & Downhill Riding
The judgment, lack of judgment or insanity of a rider who may ride a GT bicycle cannot be completely predicted, so it’s flat-out impossible to predict how anyone’s equipment is going to hold up.
Page 127 Even so, your sweet rig isn’t going to last forever. Nothing does, particularly bikes and parts that are built to minimize weight and then are subjected to abuse. GT frames carry a warranty, but that’s to cover issues with workmanship and/or materials. (See the GT Limited Warranty in this manual).
Page 128: Suspension
PART 2 BMX, Dirt Jump GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Suspension Suspension Stay In Control Suspension will increase the handling capabilities WARNING and comfort of your bicycle. This enhanced capability may allow you to ride faster, particularly Failure to ride in control could result in a fall on rough or bumpy surfaces.
Page 129: Inspect For Safety
PART 2 Section D. Inspect For Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Suspension Section D. Inspect For Safety WARNING In this section, we will do our best to outline Frequent inspection of your bike is important some material science basics and explain how to your safety.
Page 130: Understanding Metals
PART 2 Section D. Inspect For Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1. Understanding Metals 1. Understanding Metals Metals vary in density. Density is weight per unit of material. Steel weighs 7.8 grams/cm3 (grams Steel is the traditional material for building per cubic centimeter), titanium 4.5 grams/cm3,...
Page 131 PART 2 Section D. Inspect For Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1. Understanding Metals Metal Fatigue 101 With that important note, we can tell you that if the impact is hard enough the fork or frame may Common sense tells us that nothing that is used be bent or buckled.
Page 132 PART 2 Section D. Inspect For Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 1. Understanding Metals Aircraft, race cars, motorcycles: all have parts with finite fatigue lives. If you wanted a bicycle with an infinite fatigue life, it would weigh far more than any bicycle sold today. So we all make...
Page 133 PART 2 Section D. Inspect For Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual A few things to think about: A few things to think about: ONCE A CRACKS STARTS IT CAN GROW AND GROW FAST. Think about the crack as forming a pathway to failure. This means that any crack is potentially dangerous and will only become more dangerous.
Page 134 PART 2 Section D. Inspect For Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Fatigue Is Not A Perfectly Predictable Science Fatigue Is Not A Perfectly Predictable Science Factors that lengthen product life: Fatigue is not a perfectly predictable science, but • Smooth, fluid riding style...
Page 135 PART 2 Section D. Inspect For Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Aluminum Frame Inspection Aluminum Frame Inspection 1. Clean the bike and remove the wheels. 2. Inspect the whole frame carefully for cracks. Pay particular attention to the underside of...
Page 136 PART 2 Section D. Inspect For Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Other Suspension Forks Other Suspension Forks WARNING If you have a fork made by a third party, please Do not ride a frame or fork with any crack, read and follow the inspection instructions even a small one.
Page 137: Understanding Composites(Carbon Fiber)
PART 2 Section D. Inspect For Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 2. Understanding Composites (Carbon Fiber) 2. Understanding Composites Why Are Composites Used? (Carbon Fiber) Unlike metals, which have uniform properties in all directions (engineers call this isotropic), All riders must understand a fundamental reality carbon fibers can be placed in specific of composites.
Page 138 While fatigue life is an advantage of carbon fiber, broken. See Figure A on page 68. Note the GT still urges you to regularly inspect your significant difference in behavior between carbon carbon fiber frame, fork, or components.
Page 139 PART 2 Section D. Inspect For Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Other Suspension Forks Composite Frame, Fork, and Component Unusual Noises: Inspection Either a crack or delamination can cause Cracks: creaking noises while riding. Think about such a noise as a serious warning signal. A well Inspect for cracks, broken, or splintered areas.
Page 140 PART 2 Section D. Inspect For Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Other Suspension Forks Damage caused by a handlebar rotating and striking the top tube is common. The resulting impact cracks and breaks the top tube. This is not a warranty.
Page 141: Understanding Components
■ Original Equipment Components There are many special tools and techniques GT tests the fatigue life of many of the components required. Unless you are a very experienced and that are original equipment on your bike. This skilled bicycle mechanic, we urge you to have means that the designs many original equipment this work done by a professional bicycle retailer.
Page 142 3. Understanding components ■ Original Equipment Components ■ Handlebars GT tests the fatigue life of many of the components Remove from stem. With road bars, you will need to that are original equipment on your bike. This remove the handlebar tape. Remove any handlebar means that the designs many original equipment mounted components.
Page 143 PART 2 Section D. Inspect For Safety GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual 3. Understanding components ■ Seat Post ■ Pedals Remove from seat tube and remove from saddle. Remove both from the crankset. Clean and inspect Disassemble the head/saddle clamp assembly. Clean carefully for cracks.
Page 144: Bicycle Lifespan
Every GT bicycle frame and the components attached to the frame have a finite, limited useful life. The length of that life will vary with the...
Page 145: Maintenance
PART 2 Section E. Maintenance GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Importance of a Maintenance Routine Section E. Maintenance Importance of a Maintenance Routine WARNING 1. Regular Maintenance is important to your safety and the longevity of your bicycle. Any part of a poorly maintained bike can break or malfunction leading to an accident.
Page 146: Basics Of A Good
PART 2 Section E. Maintenance GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Basics of a Good Maintenance Schedule Basics of a Good Maintenance Schedule Some service and maintenance can and should be performed by the owner, and requires no special tools or knowledge beyond what is presented in this manual.
Page 147 PART 2 Section E. Maintenance GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Basics of a Good Maintenance Schedule AFTER EVERY LONG OR HARD RIDE OR AFTER EVERY 10 TO 20 HOURS OF RIDING: • Squeeze the front brake and rock the bike forward and back. Everything feel solid? If you feel a clunk with each forward or backward movement of the bike, you probably have a loose headset.
Page 148 PART 2 Section E. Maintenance GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Basics of a Good Maintenance Schedule • 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.
Page 149: Cleaning Your Bike
PART 2 Section E. Maintenance GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Cleaning Your Bike Cleaning Your Bike Use only water and dish washing liquid. On suspension forks and shocks, cover adjustment knobs and air filter (if equipped) with a clean plastic bag secured temporarily with a rubber band or masking tape.
Page 150: Tightening Torques
PART 2 Section E. Maintenance GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Tightening Torques Tightening Torques Correct tightening torque of various threaded fasteners on your bike is very important to your safety. Always tighten fasteners to the correct torque. In case of a conflict between the instructions in this manual...
Page 151: Bicycle Repair/Workstands
PART 2 Section E. Maintenance GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Bicycle Repair / Work Stands Bicycle Repair / Work Stands The clamping jaws of a bike stand can generate a crushing force strong enough to seriously damage your frame. See next figure.
Page 152: Section F
Authorized GT Dealer for help. CAUTION WATER BOTTLES - An impact, crash, or loose bottle cage can result in damage to your frame. This kind of damage is not covered by the GT Limited Warranty. 138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Page 153: Riding Through Water
PART 2 Section F. GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Riding Through Water Riding Through Water CAUTION “Sealed” components (such as HEADSHOK and LEFTY and SUPERMAX, headsets, bottom brackets and hubs) are effective at keeping mud and grit out of your bearings.
Page 154: Bicycle Car Racks
PART 2 Section F. GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Bicycle Car Racks Bicycle Car Racks Bicycle automobile racks are available from many different manufacturers and many different rack designs exist. They are convenient devices to transport your bike. However, any bicycle rack has the potential to seriously damage your bicycle.
Page 155 PART 2 Section F. GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Bicycle Car Racks Types of Car Racks TYPE OF RACK DESIGN RECOMMENDATION & CAUTIONS CLAMPS ON TIRES / WHEELS ONLY Suitable for both carbon and aluminum frames This type does not use clamps on any This is the best system design because there is no potential other part of the frame or fork.
Page 156 PART 2 Section F. GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Bicycle Car Racks TYPE OF RACK DESIGN RECOMMENDATION & CAUTIONS NON-FLOATING FORK MOUNT Not recommended for either carbon or aluminum bikes. & REAR WHEEL TRAY If one dropout is slightly thicker than the other dropout, all the With this type, a mechanism pulls the clamping force is applied to the thicker dropout.
Page 157: Using Bicycle Trainers
Trainers: Risk To Children This kind of damage is not covered by the GT Limited Warranty. WARNING Ask you dealer for help with trainers, the Keep children away from bicycles mounted right one and the correct way to use it.
Page 158: Applying Frame Protection
If NOTE: Damage to your bike resulting cable rub is you find that applied guards are wearing out very quickly, consult with your Authorized GT not covered under your warranty. Make sure Dealer about the routing on your bike.
Page 159 PART 2 Section F. GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Applying Frame Protection Downtube Protector CAUTION On mountain bikes, placement on the down tube Over time, cable rubbing can wear into the protector (1) on the downtube (2) reduces the frame itself causing very serious frame potential for damage caused by debris thrown by damage.
Page 160 PART 2 Section F. GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Applying Frame Protection Chainstay Protector On mountain or road bikes, the chainstay protector is a clear, adhesive film applied to the upper surface of the right chainstay. This protector can prevent damage to the chainstay caused by the chain.
Page 161: Introduction
PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 1. Introduction PART 3 Assembling Your Bike STEP 1. Introduction These instructions cover many different types of bicycles and components. As a result, some sections of these instructions will apply to your particular bike, and some will not. For example, bikes generally have one of three different kinds of braking systems - V-Brakes, caliper brakes or disc brakes –...
Page 162: Tools And Working Area
PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 3. Tools And Good Working Area WARNING These instructions are for assembly of your bike only. You must also read the entire Owner’s Manual, Owner’s Manual Supplements, and component manufacturers instructions for important information and warnings about the operation of your bike before riding it.
Page 163: Getting Your Bike Ready For Assembly
PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 4. Getting Your Bike Ready For Assembly • Pedal wrench, or long 15mm open-end wrench to install pedals and axle nuts A bicycle pedal wrench is a special wrench to install and remove pedals, or tighten them. It is long, to provide enough leverage to tighten and remove pedals, and has special jaw grips that are narrow enough to fit the wrench flats on bicycle pedal axles.
Page 164: Installing Seatpost And Saddle
PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 5. Installing the Seatpost And Saddle • Place the bike on top of the carton on its side. Remove all packaging materials from the bike. Use diagonal cutting pliers or stout scissors to cut the zip ties. The front wheel is nested over the left crank arm.
Page 165 PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 5. Installing the Seatpost And Saddle Clamp Bolt Seat Clamp Hidden Clamp Bolt Quick-Release Seat Clamp...
Page 166 PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 5. Installing the Seatpost And Saddle Quick Release Seat Post This type allows a properly adjusted quick release to adjust and clamp the seat without tools. Proper initial adjustment of the quick release type may be either with a hand adjustable nut, or a nut that is adjusted with an allen wrench.
Page 167: Installing Handlebar And Stem
PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 6. Installing the Handlebar And Stem STEP 6. Installing the Handlebar And Stem Your bike will normally be shipped to you with the handlebar assembly (handlebars, brake and shift levers with all cables attached) packed beside the bike. After you removed all packaging, this assembly will be loose.
Page 168 PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 6. Installing the Handlebar And Stem Method A: Stem is attached to steering tube: Confirm that the fork and handlebar stem face forward. Remove the stem faceplate. Remove the 2 or 4 bolts holding the faceplate on the stem using a 4mm or 5mm hex wrench.
Page 169 PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 6. Installing the Handlebar And Stem Yes! Housing is seated inside. No! Housing is not seated inside. Yes! Housing is seated inside. No! Housing is not seated inside.
Page 170 PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 6. Installing the Handlebar And Stem Set up handlebar and brake lever angle: With the faceplate bolts still just snug (if necessary, loosen slightly to allow adjustment): • Center handlebar in the stem. Most handlebars have aiming marks.
Page 171 PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 6. Installing the Handlebar And Stem...
Page 172 PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 6. Installing the Handlebar And Stem Stem to fork steering tube set up: Be sure that any fork protection spacer has been removed from the dropouts, the bottom parts of the fork.
Page 173 PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 6. Installing the Handlebar And Stem Remove the cardboard tube from the steering tube of the fork. You can discard, recycle, it is just a spacer for packaging. There will be one or more round metal spacers on the steering tube. Leave them in place.
Page 174: Bikes With Disc Brakes-Install Rotor To Hub
PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 7. Installing Brake Disc to Wheel Hub STEP 7. Installing Brake Disc to Wheel Hub If your bike already has the disc brake rotor installed on the front wheel, skip down to step 8.
Page 175 PART 3 Assembling Your Bike GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 7. Installing Brake Disc to Wheel Hub Center Lock or Spline type: Find the disc brake rotor, retaining lock ring, and remove all packaging materials. Look at the rotor and note an internal splined interface.
Page 176: Install Front Wheel
PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 7. Installing Brake Disc to Wheel Hub 8. Install Front Wheel Identify your wheel attachment system and follow the instructions for that system. There are six common systems: (A) - Quick Release...
Page 177 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual STEP 7. Installing Brake Disc to Wheel Hub (A) - Quick Release (B) -Tool-Driven Quick Release (D) - Thru-Axles / Pinch Bolts (C) - Thru-Axles (E) - Lefty (F) - Nutted/Bolt-On...
Page 178 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (A) Quick Release Type (A) Quick Release Type First properly install the quick release assembly into the hub. Pick up the quick release assembly and note the sequence and orientation of parts: adjusting nut, conical spring, skewer, a second conical spring and finally the quick release lever assembly.
Page 179 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (A) Quick Release Type • Insert the skewer though the hollow axle in the center of the hub. On a bike with disc brakes position quick release lever assembly on the side opposite the brake disc.
Page 180 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (A) Quick Release Type If your bike has disc brakes Remove the disc brake shipping spacer from the caliper. This is a brightly colored plastic spacer used with hydraulic disc brakes. After the spacer is removed, before the wheel is installed, do not pull the front brake lever.
Page 181 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (A) Quick Release Type If your bike has caliper type rim brakes: Locate the front brake quick release lever on the brake caliper. Move this lever up. You will see the caliper arms and brake pads spring outward, creating more space for the wheel.
Page 182 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (A) Quick Release Type Be sure that the axle at both ends of the hub is fully engaged with the dropouts on the fork. Push down on the front of the bike and hold the bike upright. When fully and properly engaged you will see that the wheel is centered in the fork, that there is the same amount of space between the tire and the inside of the fork on both sides.
Page 183 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (A) Quick Release Type Turn the adjusting nut clockwise to tighten it. Keep turning until you feel it contact the face of the dropout. Next try closing the lever. Your goal is to tighten the adjusting nut enough so that the lever can be closed but requires significant force to close.
Page 184 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (A) Quick Release Type WARNING Because properly installing the front wheel is critical to your safety, please also read the wheel installation instructions contained in the Owner’s Manuals that came with your bike. See video instructions on our SUPPORT page at www.gtbicycles.com.
Page 185 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (B) Tool driven Quick Release (B) Tool driven Quick Release 5mm hex security Quick Release This is a design that uses standard Quick Release assembly parts but is clamped by a special nut that is tightened by a 5mm allen wrench.
Page 186 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (B) Tool driven Quick Release If your bike has Disc brakes- Remove the disc brake shipping spacer from the caliper. This is a brightly colored plastic spacer used with hydraulic disc brakes. After the spacer is removed, before the wheel is installed, do not squeeze the front brake lever.
Page 187 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (B) Tool driven Quick Release Be sure that the axle at both ends of the hub is fully engaged with the dropouts on the fork. Push down on the front of the bike and hold the bike upright. When fully and properly engaged you will see that the wheel is centered in the fork, that there is the same amount of space between the tire and the inside of the fork on both sides.
Page 188 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (C) Through Axle Type WARNING Because properly installing the front wheel is critical to your safety, please also read the wheel installation instructions contained in the Owner’s Manuals that came with your bike. See video instructions on our SUPPORT page at www.gtbicycles.com.
Page 189 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (C) Through Axle Type Remove the disc brake shipping spacer from the caliper. This is a brightly colored plastic spacer used with hydraulic disc brakes. After the spacer is removed, before the wheel is installed, do not pull the front brake lever.
Page 190 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (D) Through Axle/Pinch bolt Type WARNING Because properly installing the front wheel is critical to your safety, please also read the wheel installation instructions contained in the Owner’s Manuals that came with your bike. See video instructions on our SUPPORT page at www.gtbicycles.com.
Page 191 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (D) Through Axle/Pinch bolt Type For shipping, the through axle will be threaded Push the through axle through the hole in the into the fork dropouts or be in the small parts left dropout and the hole in the axle.
Page 192 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (D) Through Axle/Pinch bolt Type 138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Page 193 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (D) Through Axle/Pinch bolt Type...
Page 194 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (F) Nutted or Bolt-On Type (F) Nutted or Bolt-On Type Tabbed washer inserted into dropout hole Tabbed washer Tabbed washer 138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Page 195 PART 3 8. Install Front Wheel GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual (F) Nutted or Bolt-On Type Pick up the front wheel and look at the axle. The axle nuts will be threaded onto the hub axle. Inside each of the axle nuts is a tabbed washer. To ease installation, turn both nuts counterclockwise and push the tabbed washers out to create some space on the axle so that the axle fits onto the dropouts.
Page 196 PART 3 STEP 9. Front Brake GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Assembly, Adjustment WARNING Because properly installing the front wheel is critical to your safety, please also read the wheel installation instructions contained in the Owner’s Manuals that came with your bike. See video instructions on our SUPPORT page at www.gtbicycles.com.
Page 197 PART 3 STEP 9. Front Brake GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual DISC - Mechanical DISC - Mechanical Cable Operated Disc Brakes: Route the front brake cable and housing assembly from the left-hand brake lever down to the front brake caliper. Thread the cable into the fitting on the front brake caliper, and then seat the end of the housing into the fitting on the front brake caliper.
Page 198 PART 3 STEP 9. Front Brake GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Assembly, Adjustment Next fit a cable end over the cut cable end. These cable ends are small soft aluminum caps that fit over the cable. Slide the cable end over the cable until it stops. Then crimp the cable end onto the cable. To crimp use pliers or the crimping part of the bicycle cable cutter to crimp the cable end in place.
Page 199 PART 3 STEP 9. Front Brake GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Assembly, Adjustment Locate and loosen the two caliper mounting bolts with a 5mm allen wrench. Loosen just enough to be able to move the caliper with your hand. Lift the front of the bike and spin the front wheel and apply the front brake very firmly. Hold the front brake lever on very firmly with one hand, do not let go.
Page 200 PART 3 STEP 9. Front Brake GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual DISC - Hydraulic Again, pick up the front of the bike and spin the front wheel. Do you see or hear dragging from the front brake? If no drag, no noise, torque the two caliper mounting bolts to 7 Nm.
Page 201 PART 3 STEP 9. Front Brake GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual For all disc brakes: Lift the front of the bike and spin the front wheel and apply the front brake very firmly. Hold the front brake lever on very firmly with one hand, do not let go. With your other hand use a 5mm allen wrench to tighten the two caliper mounting bolts.
Page 202 PART 3 STEP 9. Front Brake GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual V brakes, (also Linear Pull) V brakes, (also Linear Pull) Use your hand to squeeze the two brake arms together, brake pads pressing firmly against the rim. Re attach the curved brake cable guide (often called a “noodle”) to the bracket that holds it. The smaller diameter lower end of this curved cable guide fits into a slot in the bracket.
Page 203 PART 3 STEP 9. Front Brake GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Caliper Brakes Caliper Brakes Most common on road bikes: Locate the front brake quick release lever on the brake caliper. This is the lever that opens and closes brake clearance to create tire clearance for wheel removal and installation. Move this lever down. You will see the caliper arms and brake pads move in.
Page 204 PART 3 STEP 9. Front Brake GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual V brakes, (also Linear Pull) Incorrect alignment Correct alignment 138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Page 205: Install Pedals
PART 3 10. Install Pedals GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Markings 10. Install Pedals Many bikes are sold without pedals, as riders have many choices and preferences for pedal and shoe systems. You may be installing the OEM pedals shipped with the bike or pedals you purchased separately.
Page 206 PART 3 10. Install Pedals GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Markings RIGHT PEDAL Turn clockwise to install RIGHT CRANKARM (chainring side of bike) Wrench Flats PEDAL WASHER LEFT PEDAL Turn counter-clockwise to install Lightly grease the both pedal threads before installing.
Page 207 PART 3 10. Install Pedals GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Installation Installation • If there are washers secured to the crank arm or shipped with the pedals, install one washer on each pedal axle prior to installation. • Smear grease on each of the pedal threads. This is important to prevent corrosion.
Page 208: Security Checks
PART 3 11. Security Checks GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Handlebar Security 11. Security Checks Handlebar Security Before riding the bike, test to determine whether the handlebars are secure: • Stand facing the bike and straddle the front wheel. • On a racing, drop-style bar - hold the brake-levers and slowly apply weight to until your feet lift off the floor.
Page 209 PART 3 11. Security Checks GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Handlebar/ Stem Security Handlebar/ Stem Security Seat Post Security: Before riding the bike, test to determine Before riding the bike, test to determine whether the handlebar stem is secure: whether the seat and seat post are secure: •...
Page 210: Mountain Bike
PART 3 STEP 12. MOUNTAIN BIKE GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Component Set-Ups STEP 12. MOUNTAIN BIKE Component Set-Ups Suspension fork: Most mountain bikes are equipped with a suspension fork. For your safety and to optimize the performance of your suspension fork and bike, please find and read the separate suspension fork owner’s manual included with your bicycle and/or available at: •...
Page 211 PART 3 STEP 12. MOUNTAIN BIKE GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Component Set-Ups Full suspension: Some mountain bikes have full suspension, meaning front and rear suspension. If your bike has full suspension, see notes the above regarding the fork. For your safety and to optimize the performance of your bike, please find and read the separate model owner’s manual supplement included with your bike...
Page 212: Electric Bikes
PART 3 STEP 13. Electric Bikes GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Component Set-Ups STEP 13. Electric Bikes Electric, or electric assist or “E-bikes” use most of the same standard bicycle components described in this assembly section, so assembly procedures are the same.
Page 213: Other Types Of Bikes, Special Components
PART 3 STEP 14. Suspension Forks / Special Components GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual Adjustable stem: STEP 14. Suspension Forks / Special Components Suspension fork: Many hybrid, trekking and Adventure bikes are equipped with a suspension fork. For your safety and to optimize the performance of your bike, please find and read the separate suspension fork owner’s...
Page 214: Test Ride And 50 Mile Tune Up
We urge you to take your new bike on careful test rides in a safe protected area in your neighborhood before riding in traffic or taking a longer ride on the road or trails. Before the first of these rides double check that the front wheel is properly attached to the fork.
Page 215 PART 3 STEP 16. TEST RIDE & TUNE UPS GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual After First 50 Miles Tune Up After First 50 Miles Tune Up We urge you to schedule a professional check, tune up, with your local bike retailer when you have ridden the bike for about a month or about 50 miles.
Page 216 This limited warranty covers manufacturing defects that occur within the normal lifespan and use of the product. GT bicycles must be registered on gtbicycles.com or in person by an Authorized GT Retailer in order to activate the lifetime frame warranty described below.
Page 217 This limited warranty applies only to the original owner of the bicycle and is not transferable to subsequent owners. For any warranty claim to be considered, the bicycle must be brought in to an Authorized GT Retailer on the same continent on which the bicycle was purchased. The bicycle must be in an assembled, reasonably clean and sanitary condition and accompanied by the original, dated sales receipt for the bicycle (be sure to keep your receipt in a safe place!).
Page 218 All determinations under this limited warranty will be made in the sole discretion of GT, including but not limited to the decision to repair or replace a defective product, and what replacement product is the most nearly comparable product then available.
Page 220 FOLLOW THIS CHECKLIST BEFORE EVERY RIDE. 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 Retailer. To locate your nearest Authorized GT Retailer call the 1-800-BIKE-USA. Failure to follow this checklist and to have any potential problem inspected could lead to an accident, with risk of serious injury, paralysis or death.

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