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116372.PDF
Building Up A Frameset
Consult with your Cannondale Dealer and the component manufacturers and
frankly discuss your riding style, ability, weight, and interest in and patience for
maintenance.
Generally speaking, lighter weight components have shorter lives. In selecting
lightweight components you are making a trade-off, favoring the higher
performance that comes with less weight over longevity. If you choose more
lightweight components you must inspect them more frequently. If you are a
heavier rider or have a rough, abusive or "go for it" riding style, buy heavy duty
components.
Make sure the components choosen are compatible with your bike and intended
for your weight and riding style. Read and follow the component manufacturers
warnings and instructions.
Recommended Sag
Sag is the distance the bike suspension compresses with a rider (wearing all appro-
priate gear) mounted in a normal riding position (seated, hands on handlebar and
feet on the pedals) on flat ground.
The recommended sag for your bike is intended to maximize the bike's suspension
travel and it is usually specified as a percentage (%) of the fork or shock's total
travel. See the "Specifications" section in this manual.
Maintaining the recommended sag in both the front and rear suspension helps
assure that the fork and shock travel operates normally without the excessive top-
out or bottom-out that can lead to difficult handling or damage.
CAUTION:
Please read the fork/shock manufacturer's owner's manual or the instructions
provided before attempting any set-up or adjustment.
Small adjustments to sag are performed by adjusting preload of the shock or fork.
This is done by adding or removing spring shims, adjusting the installed length of
the spring with a preload adjusting ring, or with air springs, changing air pressure
settings.
Larger adjustments to sag are require changing the installed springs in the fork or
shock. Changing the spring may be a simple task or very complex depending on the
design of the fork or shock. In general: increasing preload decreases sag, decreasing
preload increases sag.
Finding a suitable sag setting within the suspension fork or rear shock range
is a matter of personal preference taking body weight and how you ride into
consideration.
