7. Install the upper bearings, stem spacers, and stem.
8. Install the stem cap and bolt. Tighten the bolt to headset manufacturer's
specifications.
9. Install the handlebars and torque the stem pinch screws or stem clamping
system to stem manufacturer's specifications.
10. Install the brakes and adjust per the brake manufacturer's instructions.
11. For forks equipped with IT or MILO remote lockout levers, install the lever in
an easily accessible position and torque to values indicated in Table 5 at the
back of this manual.
12. For forks with standard dropouts (non through axle), adjust the front wheel
quick release to clear the 0.275" (7 mm) thick secondary catch dropout. The
quick release must be tightened to quick release manufacturer's specifications
after it is properly seated into the dropout counter bores. Ensure that there is
adequate thread engagement (4 or more threads with the release adjusted to
lock). Refer to your bicycle owner's manual on the proper use and adjustment
of the quick release lever. Note: Forks with standard dropouts are equipped
with a secondary catch dropout to retain the wheel in the fork in the event the
quick release comes loose.
13. To install the hex axle, simply slip the axle into the dropout, small axle hex
side first into the large dropout hex. Thread in the set bolt into the small hex
side and snug slightly. Push the fork up and down a few times to center the
axle and hub and then tighten all pinch bolts to recommendations found in
Table 5.
14. Install the brake cable per manufacturer's instructions (see WARNING below).
BRAKE CABLE INSTALLATION
FAILURE TO PROPERLY ROUTE AND SECURELY ATTACH
THE FRONT BRAKE CABLE TO THE FORK CAN CAUSE
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Included with your fork is a small black disc brake cable guide (part no. 066455)
that can be attached to the fork to aid in routing the cables to disc brake calipers.
Forks with integrated cable guides will instead come with a standard zip tie. The
best method we've found is to attach the cable so that it runs down the outside of
the left fork leg. Make sure the brake line is not crimped and does not touch the
tire as the fork moves through its range of travel.
WHEN INSTALLING THE WHEEL WITH A PROPERLY
INFLATED TIRE, CHECK TO MAKE SURE THE FORK
ACHIEVES MINIMUM TIRE CLEARANCE. FAILURE TO CONFORM TO
RECOMMENDED TIRE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS MAY CAUSE THE TIRE TO
STOP SUDDENLY DURING USE CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Measure minimum tire clearance from any point on the profile of the tire upward to
the bottom of the brake arch (see Figure A). Compare to Table 1 for minimum
brake arch clearance. All figures and tables are located at the back of this manual.
Measure the tire at maximum width (see Figure B). Compare with Table 1 for
maximum tire width.
INITIAL SET-UP
MEASURING TRAVEL
(the total amount of up and down movement)
To determine how much travel your fork has, simply measure the distance from the
top of the seal on the lowers (or the bottom of the fork boot) to the bottom of the
crown. See Table 2 to determine travel.
MEASURING SAG
(the amount your suspension compresses due to the
weight of your body when in a natural riding position)
To measure sag, you'll need a tape measure, a pencil, a piece of paper and a helper.
1. Measure the distance from the top of the oil seal to the edge of the crown,
along the outside of the stanchion leg when no one is sitting on the bike and
write down this measurement. (Remember the exact locations of the two
points because you'll need to use them later.)
2. Have the rider sit on the bike and measure the distance between the same two
points as in step one. It is important to be in the normal riding position
(weight centered) with your feet on the pedals.
3. Subtract the second measurement from the first. The resulting measurement
is the static sag (see Table 3).
4. On coil forks with preload adjusters, turning the knob clockwise increases
spring preload and decreases sag, while turning the knob counterclockwise
decreases spring preload and increases sag.
5. On air forks, remove the Schrader air cap located on the top or on the bottom
of the left leg and, using a dedicated shock pump (Manitou part #85-4162),
inflate the fork with the desired pressure. Be aware that the slight sound of air
hissing during pump removal is caused by air leaving the pump, not the fork.
When setting sag on forks featuring IT (Infinite Travel) technology, see
"ADJUSTING MAIN SPRING AIR PRESSURE" below.
6. If adjusting the preload or air pressure does not provide the proper sag, you
may require a new ride kit.
ADJUSTING MAIN SPRING AIR PRESSURE
Remove the air cap located on either the top (MARS Air, ACT Air, TS Air) or bottom
(IT Air) of the left fork leg and, using a dedicated air pump (Manitou Part #85-
4162), inflate the fork with the desired pressure. Be aware that the slight sound of
air hissing during pump removal is caused by air leaving the pump, not the fork.
Atmospheric Controlled Tuning (ACT) Air is designed to allow the rider to tune the
coil spring rate without the need to replace the main spring. Maximum spring air
pressure is 100 psi (7 bar) for ACT Air. Most riders will find a pressure of between
20 psi and 50 psi (1.4 and 3.5 bar) to be optimal.
Maximum main spring air pressure is 150 psi (10 bar) for MARS, TS Air and IT Air
springs. Consult the website for further instructions if necessary.
Forks with Infinite Travel (IT)™ adjustment have their main air spring adjuster at
the bottom of the left fork leg. When pressurizing the main spring with IT, you will
need to turn your fork /bike upside down (to keep from getting oil inside your air
pump), pump to the desired setting, and with the pump still installed, depress the
handlebar mounted travel adjuster. This will equalize the two chambers in the fork
leg and cause the pressure reading on your pump to drop. Repeat the procedure
until the pressure reading on the shock pump, with the handlebar-mounted travel
adjuster depressed, reaches the desired pressure.
INFINITE TRAVEL (IT)™ ADJUSTMENT
Forks with IT adjustment can be set to anywhere in their travel range by
depressing the bar-mounted travel adjust lever, compressing the fork to the desired
travel, then releasing the bar-mounted lever. These forks can be set anywhere
within their travel range while maintaining a constant spring rate. Changing travel
while riding IT forks requires the rider to be proficient with the IT system, as
lengthening travel will require you to un-weight the front end of the bike. For sag
and air pressure adjustments, please see above recommendations.
COMPRESSION DAMPING ADJUSTMENT – ABSOLUTE+
DAMPING and MILO REMOTE LOCKOUT
Forks equipped with the Absolute+ damper can be upgraded to the MILO integrated
remote lockout system. MILO is an "on or off" system designed to be mounted on
the handlebar for easier activation.
COMPRESSION DAMPING ADJUSTMENTS – ABSOLUTE+
Absolute+ allows the rider to dial in increasing amounts of compression damping
by clockwise rotation of the adjuster knob. The final position provides platform for
pedaling efficiency. The level of platform can be adjusted internally with shim
change. See www.manitoumtb.com for more information.
REBOUND DAMPING ADJUSTMENT
Rebound adjusters on Manitou forks are located on the bottom of the right fork
leg. Turning the knob clockwise (as you are looking at the fork from the bottom)
increases rebound damping, while turning the knob counterclockwise decreases
rebound damping. Harsh ride can be caused by rebound settings that are too slow.
MAINTENANCE
Your fork requires periodic maintenance, cleaning and inspection. This is because
moisture and contamination may build up inside the fork depending on the severity
of riding conditions. To maintain top performance, it is recommended that the fork
be periodically disassembled, cleaned, dried and relubricated. After every ride wipe
down the inner legs and the seal area to extend the life of the seal. You can
download service and tuning instructions on the web at www.manitoumtb.com.
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