The technical support squad here at Montague Corp. gets a lot of questions that begin with “How do I….” so we decided to post on our blog just How You accomplish these things.  (Not that we don’t like hearing from you, so feel free to keep calling!)

1.  How do I know what size bike I need?

This is really a combination of your height and leg inseam. You want to make sure that the stand over height is comfortable and there is at least 1″ of clearance between you and the top tube.  Selecting the right size bike will allow you to adjust the seat height so that you aren’t extending your legs too much when you pedal.

Sizing guidelines for Montague folding bikes, both road and mountain, is as follows:

Folding road bikes:

• 17″ Frame (available on the Montague Crosstown): Under 5’3″
• 19″ Frame: Fits riders between 5’3″ and 5’10”
• 21″ Frame: Riders 5’10” and Up

Folding mountain bikes

• 17″ Frame (available on the Montague Swissbike X50): Under 5’3″
• 18″ Frame: Fits riders between 5’3″ and 5’10”
• 20″ Frame: Riders 5’10” and up

2.  Okay, so how do I measure the bike?

When sizing a bike, measure from the center bolt of the bottom bracket (where the arm on the pedals connects to the frame) up to the top of the seat post.  This will give you the size of the bike.  In our case, this ranged from 17″ to 21″ for pavement bikes and from 16″ to 20″ for mountain bikes.  For the stand-over height listed next to each bike model on our website (how tall it is when you are standing with your feet flat on the ground), measure from the ground to roughly the middle of the top tube to make sure that this is comfortable.

3.  How do I adjust the height of the seat?

Seat post quick release

On our bikes, this is as easy as opening a lever.  There’s a quick release on the collar of the seat post that allows you to adjust the height of your seat without using tools.  Open the quick release by pulling the lever, raise or lower the seat post to your desired height, tightly close the quick release, and you’re done!

4. And the handlebars?

Octagon adjustable stem

Thanks to the Octagon Hand Height Adjustable stem (a feature on some of our pavement bikes and hitting the market as an after-market accessory soon!) this is as simple as adjusting the seat post using the quick release system.  On the Crosstown, Navigator, and FIT, the Octagon Hand Height Adjustable Stem comes standard.

5.  I have a bike with the Octagon Stem, but how do I use it?

Easy!  Release the quick release on the collar of the handlebar stem, hold down the button on the back, and set the handlebars into place.  There are many possible levels to adjust the handlebars to, which makes it comfortable for everyone.  Change it on the go in just a few seconds if you want a different riding style at any point during your ride. See the Octagon website at www.OctagonCycles.com for more information.

6. How do I fold the bike?

Using the patented CLiX wheel release system and Folding Integrated Technology (FIT), folding the bike is simple.  The Folding Integrated Technology uses the seat post as the pivot point for the fold, so that no cuts are made in the frame or tubes which can compromise the integrity of the bike.

1.  Remove the front wheel using the CLiX Wheel Release System

2. Release the quick release on the top tube

3.  Push down on the quick release and fold the front of the bike back onto the rear wheel

Want to see a video?

7.  CLiX Wheel Release?  How do I get the wheel off?!

Again using a quick release, the wheel comes off in a matter of seconds.  Release the CLiX quick release and hold it like a syringe.  Slightly push in with your thumb on the open quick release while pulling with your index and middle fingers on the plastic collar and the front wheel comes right off.

Better yet-watch this video for a demonstration:

We’re always happy to answer your questions about our bikes or cycling in general, so don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-736-5348 or send us an email at bicycle@montaguebikes.com with any questions or concerns. Looking forward to hearing from you all soon!

Ride Safe!

Montague Bikes