Cannondale Adventure Owner's Manual

131264 (01/14)

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WARNING

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.

WARNING

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 Cannondale Retailer. To locate your nearest Authorized Cannondale 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. 

BICYCLE 

OWNER’S MANU

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PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST

Are you wearing a helmet and other appropriate equipment 

and clothing, such as protective glasses and gloves? Do not 

wear loose clothing that could become entangled in the bicycle 

(See PART I, Section 2.A The Basics).

Are your seatpost and stem securely fastened? Twist the 

handlebars firmly from side to side while holding the front 

wheel between your knees. The stem must not move in the 

steering tube. Similarly, the seatpost must be secure in the seat 

tube (See PART I, Section 3. Fit).

Are you visible to motorists? If you are riding at dusk, dawn or 

at night, you must make yourself visible to motorists. Use front 

and rear lights and a strobe or blinker. Reflectors alone do not 

provide adequate visibility. Wear reflective clothing (See PART 

I, Section 2.E Night Riding and PART II, A. Important Safety 

Information).

Is it raining or wet? If so, be more cautious. Your braking 

distances will increase, and your tires’ grip on the road will 

decrease. Remember that motorists’ visibility decreases with 

bad weather (See PART I, Section 2.D Wet Weather Riding and 

PART II, A. Important Safety Information).

Are your tires properly inflated? Tires must inflated to the 

recommended pressure. (See PART I, Section 4.G Tires and 

Tubes).

Are your wheels true? Lift each end of the bike and spin each 

wheel. Does the space between the rim and the brake pads, 

or the tire and the frame, remain nearly the same size as the 

wheel turns? Are your spokes tight? (See PART I, Section 1.C 

Mechanical Safety Check).

Are your wheels’ quick-releases properly fastened? Be sure to 

read the section on proper operation of quick-release skewers 

(See PART I, Section 4.A Wheels).

Are your front and rear brakes functioning properly? With 

V-brakes, the quick release “noodle” must be properly installed. 

With cantilever brakes, the quick release straddle cable must 

be properly attached. With caliper brakes the quick release lever 

must be closed. With any rim brake, the brake pads must make 

firm contact with the rim without the brake levers hitting the 

handlebar grip (See PART I, Section 4.C Brakes).

With hydraulic disc brakes, check that the lever feels firm, 

does not move too close to the handlebar grip, and there is no 

evidence of leaking brake fluid. With cable actuated disc brakes, 

check that the lever feels firm and does not move too close to 

the handlebar grip. With any disc brakes, the brake pads must 

make firm contact with the rotor without the brake levers 

hitting the handlebar grip (See PART I, Section 4.C Brakes).

How do your clipless pedals work today? Clip in and out of 

your pedals before you begin. Experienced cyclists do. The 

connection between cleat and pedal is affected by dozens of 

factors including dirt, mud, lubrication, spring tension and wear. 

By clipping in and out you will check the function and have a 

fresh memory of how they feel (See PART I, Section 4.E Pedals).

How recently were your frame, fork and components 

inspected? Never ride a frame, fork or components with any 

crack or damage. (See PART II, Section D. Inspect For Safety).

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