Mountain Biking - Grrrr...would it kill them to include a manual?

As bike components are getting increasingly sophistimacated , I'm finding that manufacturers seem to provide less info on how to maintain them.
On my new Cannondale Furio, they will explain how to adjust the head shock, but no insight on mech disc brake adjustmants, shimano deraileur adjustments , etc. etc. Most of the manual just is legal stuff to cover their butts (" do not jump", yeah..right.)

Are there manuals for the components somewhere...anywhere....?

Hmmm How about you look on the component manufacturers' websites?

http://www.shimano.com/

All the manuals are availible for download here...

I finally found them, thanks, but after spending thousands, would it kill then to add a 40 cent manual??

Here's avid:

http://www.avidbike.com/7_techinfo/tech7_2_manual.html


I love how these things are written: do not spray lubricants on the brake rotors..dang.

For more generic, but very detailed information on servicing components, you might check out the Barnett's Manual (http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=38747) that Joe posted in the mechanics forum. It's very thorough, although it's quite a few pdf files.

Interesting. Perhaps it's because I did a frame-up build on my bikes that I got all the manuals for all the components on them. My FBS typically keeps copies of the component manuals in case customers want them although most never as nor care. My wife's MTB did come with some component manuals though but not for everything. You might try asking your LBS if they have manuals.

I finally found them, thanks, but after spending thousands, would it kill then to add a 40 cent manual??

Yeah it hurts their profit margin, seriously.

Actually, the MUST include them. The problem usually occurs at the bike shop level. Owner's manuals clutter up the shop, so most keep them in boxes behind the counters. If the sales person isn't diligent, you'll leave without them. Go back to the shop where you bought your bike and I'm sure they'd be happy to give a set of manuals.

L8R

Yes and no.

They must include a manual according to CPSC rules, but the manual they must include is a useless one. Its mandatory content is:
- safety instructions;
- maintenance issues;
- a few other minor items I forget for now.

So basically the manual ends up looking like:

- Check all bolts and quick releases each time you go for a ride (their pre-ride check would take longer than the one done on a truck);

- Wear your helmet;

- Never remove any of the reflectors, because serious liability could occur (meaning for the bike manufacturer...);

- Don't ride at night (!!! -- Why don't they say that for cars)

- Have any adjustments made by your bike shop mechanic (this appears even on bikes sold in large surfaces where there is no mechanic.


IOW, this is NOT a useful manual.

the manuals for each component should have come with the bike.

My raleigh talus had manuals for teh disc brakes, spd pedals, fork, shifters, and something else...oh..the "actual bike manual" :D

...considering I got all that documentation from a company that people like to talk smack about...maybe it's time to send an email to the maker of the bike about those manuals...if the manuals went out witht he bike, time to ask your LBS for them.

My new bike shipped with all the manuals (thank god; saint mans. aren't available online that I can find yet.). But I got my bike as a pro deal from the factory (I built it myself). Maybe the dealers aren't giving the manuals with the components when they build the bikes... hmmmmmm conspiracy theorists can go nuts with that one!