Congratulations on your new bike purchase! To get you on the trails as quickly as possible, follow this guide to ensure your bike is properly assembled.
If you are uncomfortable performing the assembly independently, please take it to your local bike shop.
Have questions or need assistance? Give us a call at (360) 756-0504 or email us at sales@fanatikbike.com
Required Tools:
- Metric Allen Torque wrench; sizes 2.5mm - 8mm
- T25 Torx wrench
- Assembly grease
1. Unbox Components/Frame
Carefully remove components from the packaging. Your dropper post will be pre-installed and set to the specifications you provided. Please recycle eligible packing material.
2. Install the Stem and Fork
Remove everything from the steer tube except the bottom bearing, noting the order. Apply grease above and below the bearing, then slide the fork through the headtube.
Re-install the parts as shown, then tighten down the top cap enough to eliminate play in the headset but loose enough to allow the fork to rotate freely. You want a snug - not tight- feel. Do not tighten the pinch bolts on the stem yet.
3. Install the Handlebars
Center the handlebars in the stem and roll the bars to your preferred position. Then, tighten the stem bolts to their specified torque.
(Note: Some stems have a “no gap” design that requires the top bolts to be completely flush before tightening the lower bolts.)
4. Install the Derailleur
Traditional Derailleur Install:
- Use a 5mm Allen to tighten the derailleur onto the hanger following its recommended torque spec.
- Install the thru-axle bolt to manufacture torque spec.
- Swing the derailleur cage forward to full extension and route the pre-cut chain through the derailleur and around the chainring, then release the derailleur back into position (Note: The derailleur cage is spring loaded and will return from full extension rapidly. Keep your fingers clear of pinch points.)
- Pull the ends of the chain together and install the quick link using chain pliers (Note: the arrow of the outer plate must point in the direction of chain rotation before locking the link in place.)
Transmission Derailleur Install:
(Note: Transmission drivetrains have already been paired and synced by a Fanatik mechanic prior to shipping.)
- Remove the mounting bolt and the red bushing frame insert from the derailleur.
- Install the bushing frame insert from the outside with the black edge outwards.
- Apply grease to the mount bolt threads and shaft.
- Hang the Transmission derailleur with the full mount sliding over the hangerless interface and bushing insert.
- Install the mounting bolt and tighten it to snug, then loosen the mounting bolt counter-clockwise a quarter turn.
- Swing the derailleur cage forward to full extension and lock it in place using the red button (Note: The derailleur cage is spring loaded and will return from full extension rapidly. Keep your fingers clear of pinch points.)
- Install the thru-axle bolt to snug and then loosen the thru-axle bolt counter-clockwise one full turn.
- Route the pre-cut chain through the derailleur and around the chainring with the flat-top edge on top.
- Pull the ends of the chain together and install the PowerLock. Secure the PowerLock together by engaging the rear brake and pushing down the crank arm. (Note: the arrow of the outer plate must point in the direction of chain rotation before locking the link in place)
- Release the derailleur cage from the extended position by gentle pushing forward on the cage
- Pull back on the derailleur cage to remove slack from the chain, continue to pull back while rotating the crank forwards two full rotations. While continuing to pull back on the derailleur, tighten the mounting bolt to the specified torque. (Note: If there is still slack in the chain, repeat the previous step.)
- Verify that the knurled ring mark is aligned with the mark on the mount of the derailleur. (Note: If the marks are not aligned, loosen the mount bolt, rotate the knurled ring so that it is touching the knurled ring stop, and repeat the previous steps.)
- Tighten the rear axle to manufacture torque spec.
5. Make sure Shifting is Functioning Properly
While spinning the cranks, shift through all the gears to ensure they are shifting smoothly. If not, make slight adjustments as needed via the barrel adjuster. Please contact us if further assistance is needed.
6. Install the Pedals
Apply a thin layer of grease to the threads before installing. Pedals are left and right-specific; each pedal will have “L” or “R” stamped on the spindle (L=Left R=Right). The left pedal is reverse threaded; turn it counter-clockwise to tighten.
7. Install the Front Wheel
Carefully insert the front wheel and tighten the front axle to manufacture torque spec. (Note: Fox forks have pinch bolts that must be tightened to torque spec after the axle has been properly installed)
8. Align the Stem
With the bike on flat ground stand over the top tube and visually align the stem with the front wheel. Evenly tighten the stem bolts to manufacture spec.
9. Check the Tire Pressure and Suspension Sag
Tire will come deflated for shipping, air your tire pressure to 20 - 30 psi depending on riding style and trail conditions.
Custom bikes will ship set up approximately for your weight, but riders may end up adjusting the suspension to suit their preference. A good baseline for suspension sag is 30% of rear sag and 20% sag for the fork.
10. Confirm Saddle Height
While pedaling, your leg should be almost fully extended (but not locked out) at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
When lowering the seatpost into the frame, stop pushing if you feel any resistance. This can damage both the dropper post and frame. If you are unable to lower your post to a comfortable position please contact us for further assistance.
11. Final Bolt Check
Once the bike is fully assembled, double-check that all bolts are properly tightened.
Hit the trail and enjoy your new ride! If any issues arise, call or email us so we can troubleshoot your issue.
More Articles You Might Like
SRAM Eagle GX/X01 Review // The Best Budget Cable Actuated Drivetrain
Product Reviews / BK Stancil / Nov 06, 2024
A combination of Sram Eagle GX and X01 components remain...
Read MoreThe Bikes We Ride // Rocky Mountain Altitude Bike Check
Bike Checks / BK Stancil / Nov 01, 2024
Rocky Mountain’s all-new Altitude immediately caught Shayne’s eye upon release with ...
Read MoreFirst Look: New Transition Sentinel V3 // Compared to Sentinel V2
Product Guides / BK Stancil / Oct 23, 2024
The Transition Sentinel V3 solidifies its position as a ...
Read MoreView More: