Crank Forward User Manual
Professional Assembly of Your PHOENIX BIKE WRX Bike is Required
Check security of the wheels, handlebars, brake levers, shifters, grips, and seat prior to riding. Adjustment of the gearing and brakes may be required. Seek the help of your dealer, local bike shop, or qualified bike mechanic for best results. Check tire pressure and inflate as required. Pressure limits are printed on the sidewalls of the tires. Always ride on tires inflated within the range of the recommended values.
Three main adjustments come into play in order to fine tune the bike to a specific rider. The one size fits all design is accomplished by the laid back angle of the seat tube. As the seat raises or lowers the distance to the handlebar and pedals change. Most riders will fit with simple adjusting of seat height and tilt. Handlebar height, or rotation adjustments can be made to suit individual taste and some may require a deeper bar for greater reach back. Other bar choices are available, consult our web site at www.phoenixbikewrx.com for detailed information on handlebar options. Rider weight limit is specified on your bike, this decal is usually on the seat tube. Use of the bike with loads greater than specified voids the warranty. Ramping and jumping the bike also voids the warranty.
Fitting The Rider To The Bike
Three main adjustments come into play in order to fine tune the bike to a specific rider. The one size fits all design is accomplished by the laid back angle of the seat tube. As the seat raises or lowers the distance to the handlebar and pedals change. Most riders will fit with simple adjusting of seat height and tilt. Handlebar height, or rotation adjustments can be made to suit individual taste and some may require a deeper bar for greater reach back. Other bar choices are available, consult our web site at www.phoenixbikewrx.com for detailed information on handlebar options.
Begin by setting the seat with the front tilted down slightly. This adjustment is made using the QR on the underside of the seat. Step over the bike, hold the bars and check for proper leg extension. Proper seat height occurs when the leg is straight when the heel of your foot (with the intended riding shoes) is on the pedal. Place the toe on the pedal and there should be a slight bend at the knee. Seat tilt will affect seat height. The more nose down tilt rotates the body slightly down and forward requiring a slight raise to seat height. Less tilt raises and pushes back the body; meaning seat height may need to be reduced.
These settings are not critical, riding a bit and experimenting with tilt and height is recommended. The increase in comfort will be noticed once you have achieved the right setting. Note: seat tilt is usually at the right angle when it feels like you are almost sliding out of the seat. A foot on the pedal will secure you in the seat. This effect will be a little less on the Cruz and Fusion due the more laid back seat angle. Too little tilt may result in the front edge of the seat applying pressure against the thighs and chafing, and less circulation can result.
Tilt the seat until no pressure is felt. We also provided numbers etched on the seat post that correspond with your pant inseam. This usually places the seat very close to the correct height. Use this gauge as a starting point ride to fine tune. Also knowing your “seat setting number” allows you to check for slippage and if removing the seat, restore it to your setting. The inseam scale will vary depending on size. Refer to the diagram for adjustment in scale readings.
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Handlebar height should be set to just above the knees. This general setting can be modified after test rides.
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How to read inseam gauge
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Rotating the handlebar will also change wrist and palm comfort and the feel and reach. The best bar position occurs when: 1. Elbows are slightly bent. 2. Wrist are not held at an odd angle producing pressure. 3. The bars are just above the knees or higher. 4. Check the security of clamps after adjusting handlebar. |
Do Not Attempt Riding With Loose Handlebars Injury May Result!
After Riding Awhile
Some fine-tuning tips to enhance performance and enjoyment…
Too much Palm Pressure: This is caused by several factors, rough roads, overreaching to the bars, or bars too low. To correct for the rough road, try taking bumps at lower speeds or wearing padded gloves. Correct overreaching first. Check seat location, too high will cause you to lean down to the bars more. As the bars are raised they come aft at a slight amount helping with the reach. Deeper bars or bars that extend further aft are available from your dealer and our online store.
Back Muscle Fatigue: This is a sign of overreaching or pulling too much on the bars (before being in shape). Try rotating the bars to locate them more aft, or try a deeper set of bars. A little more tilt will shorten the distance to the bars. If everything is adjusted correctly keep riding. As your muscles strengthen the fatigue will go away. Some fine-tuning tips to enhance performance and enjoyment…
Numb Seat: Time in the saddle is what will cause the circulation to restrict, and numbness to set in. Standing up on the pedals for a few seconds will help. Adjustment of seat height and tilt may be required.
Stand Up Riding: The Fusion and Cruz are not intended for riding while standing on the pedals. Coasting yes. but since the bars will be too close to your knees when off the saddle, this will conflict with pedaling. The Dynamik, Street, Sequoia, and Alterra’s however can be ridden while off the seat. Some may require handlebar adjustment or changing the bar, depending on your build. While stand pedaling is possible on these two bikes, it is still different from a standard D/F and will require some adapting. Learning to ride this way is a great asset on the more aggressive trails, where the Dynamik and Alterra seems to be eager to go.
The Cloud Nine Seat: The Cloud Nine seat is wonderful for comfort! It has a rounded contoured shape with a cushy foam cushion for sitting on.
Handling Characteristics: Long wheelbase has advantages on loose surfaces- it is easy to maintain control. You will find it easy to maintain control on loose sand and other surfaces not so ideal for skinny high-pressure tires. You will also find going a little slower on such roads is a good idea, especially if you are riding skinny high pressure tires.
The fatter tires will be at home on such roads, and it opens up a great experience to be able to cruise the back-roads on a bike that is comfortable.
The laid back seat angle places less weight on the front wheel, there can be some tendency for front wheel sliding when tight cornering too fast on a loose surface. Shifting body weight and controlling speed will enhance your ability to corner.
Again tire size, tread type, and pressure will affect this greatly. Otherwise the bikes handle very naturally, there is no learning curve, simply get on and ride (provided you are currently able to ride a bike!) However learning and understanding the special nature of this design will enhance your utilization and enjoyment. The more you ride the more you will enjoy!
Special Consideration for Trail Riding the Dynamik: The lighter front loading will come into play during aggressive trail rides, but with a little practice it will become second nature to compensate, and in some cases an advantage, such as popping the front wheel over small obstacles. Crank clearance can be less than typical MTB’s so watch out for crank strikes! Bunny hops are no problem once you learn to push down a bit, or stiffen your arms, since the nose of the bike will pop up easily. As you ride you will notice the same body English works here as on typical bikes, but slightly different portions. It only takes a few rides though to start nailing the trail. You will get used to the low seat height, the few inches difference really feels big! The bike seems to hug the ground compared to a MTB. Definitely nice when ducking under tree limbs! The low top tube height is nice also; it helps avoid painful groin jams when an errant dismount occurs. Plus the low top tube height is great when you have encountered a hill that wins, you can simply stay on the bike and walk it up.
Using Shock Forks: Most MTB shock forks will adapt. The rake needs to be at least 38mm. Stroke can be your personal preference but 56 to 76mm is plenty. Much over 76mm will, however start lifting the head angle and change the bikes handling.
Front Tire Clearance: If trying out larger tires than spec, foot to tire clearance may become close or contact possible. Check this prior to riding.
Caution: Changing tire sizes can affect toe clearance with the front wheel
Care
General: The conventional aspects of the Crank Forward line can be maintained, as any bike should. The bike differs in the seat, seat post, and seat attach brackets. About the only care needed for these special parts is to spray a dry wax lube onto the seat post shaft and inside the seat tube on the frame. This will prevent corrosion from binding the seat post. Keep the seat components clean to avoid extra wear at adjust points.
Since you will tend to pull harder on the bars on this bike than perhaps the norm, inspect the stem and bar clamps for security.
Headset Adjustment: The headset is adjusted to be play free by using the headset adjustor. It is a bit of a trick to get all the play out, but simple:
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Parts Layout Top to Bottom
NOTE: Riser clamp and Headset adjuster clamp are identical in function, but are given different names for the purpose of clarity in these instructions. |
Tools Needed For Installation |
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 Allen Key |
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Headset Adjuster Installation
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