Specialized transition carbon-all models Manuel D’Utilisation

Congratulations! The Specialized bicycle you have chosen is among 
the finest of advanced composite products available in cycling.
Carbon fiber is a very special material that requires particular care 
during assembly, storage and riding. This installation guide contains 
instructions and warnings, plus torque specifications.

Please read the following instructions. If you have any doubt regarding 
your mechanical ability and/or installation of this product, visit your 
local authorized dealer. Specialized recommends that components be 
installed on the frame using a torque wrench, by a qualified mechanic.

Please read the following Warnings. Because the failure to follow any 
Warning may result in a catastrophic failure of the frame, resulting in 
serious personal injury or death, this phrase may not be repeated in 
connection with each Warning.

To ensure the best assembly possible and to prevent any damage 
to the components or frame, follow all torque specifications. Please 
refer to the specific owner’s manual for mating component’s correct 
torque specifications. If the mating component’s recommended torque 
exceeds the frame’s recommended torque, use the lower torque spec. 
Due to torque considerations, not all components will be compatible.

Warning! Failure to follow the torque specifications in this 
installation guide will void the warranty, but most importantly 
may result in damage to the frame which may not be visible. 
If the frame is damaged, this can result in loss of structural 
integrity, which may result in serious personal injury or death.

Bicycle components such as a handlebar, handlebar stem, seat post, 
saddle, brakes, all must be compatible with each other, the frame 
and the intended use. Any doubt regarding compatibility should be 
discussed with your local authorized Specialized retailer.

Warning! When placing the frame and/or bicycle in a repair 
stand, clamp the stand using a frame clamp specifically designed 
for thin-wall carbon tubes, for example the Park Tools 100-X4 Ex-
treme Range Clamp. Clamping the frame with a standard clamp 
can cause damage to the frame that may or may not be visible.

The Specialized Transition frames require a proprietary seat post, 
available in 3 different setbacks. The Transition seat post system allows 
for an extremely wide seat tube angle range which is infinitely variable 
inside that range, to help the rider achieve the optimal riding position. 

To help the Transition frame achieve its aerodynamic benefits, the 
frame was designed with a very short seat post vertical adjustment 
range. Proper installation of the Transition Seat Post requires the use 
of a dedicated Transition Fit Kit tool set.

This setup (fitting and cutting) MUST be performed by an authorized 
Specialized dealer to ensure that the seat post is cut to the optimal 
length, to maximize the +/- vertical adjustment range.

INSTALLING THE SEAT POST & SADDLE

Warning! Due to the nature of the seatpost having to be 
cut to a specific length, the seat post is NOT marked with a 
minimum insertion line. For proper seatpost insertion, ensure 
that the seat post extends below the minimum insertion hole 
located at the back of the seat tube area. Extension beyond 
the minimum insertion hole in the frame can result in failure.

Warning! Do not grease the seat tube surface that contacts 
the seat post. Grease reduces the friction that is critical to 
proper seat post grip. Remove any grease from the surfaces 
of the seat tube and seat post.

TECH TIP: Specialized recommends the application of carbon 
assembly compound between the seat tube and post to increase 
friction. Recommended compounds can be found at www.tacx.com.  
See your authorized Specialized retailer if you have any questions.

Tighten seat collar bolt to recommended torque of 70in-lbf (7.9 N-m). 
See 

fig.1 for proper grease and assembly compound application zones.

GENERAL WARNINGS

FORK: Do not remove the small bumpers on the side/back of the fork 
legs. These are to protect the frame from fork contact.

REAR WHEEL: Due to variables in tire manufacture, heat expansion, 
foreign debris, etc. Specialized recommends a minimum rear wheel-
to-frame clearance of 2mm. The UCI requires sufficient clearance such 
that a credit card must fit between the rear tire and the back of the seat 
tube.

Thread the horizontal dropout screws in or out to fine-tune the alignment 
and fore-aft position of the wheel. To ensure that the rear wheel can’t slip 
forward in the dropouts under torque, make sure that the rear axle butts 
up against the dropout screws before tightening the Quick-Release.

Contact between the frame and tire can cause wear and damage to the 
frame, which can result in failure.

ADJUSTING THE SEAT POST

•  Install the seat post into the seat tube (fig.1).
•  Install the rail clamp carrier in the chosen direction (reversible) and 

tighten the alloy rail carrier bolt (bolt #1, fig.2).

•  Grease the contact surfaces and bolt threads of the rail clamp 

Mechanism, then install it in the rail clamp carrier.

•  Install the saddle in the rail clamp mechanism.
•  Adjust the saddle to the desired height, angle and fore-aft position.
•  Torque the rail clamp bolt to the recommended setting. To avoid 

damage, the nut tab must be properly lined up with the rail clamp 
slot (bolt #2, fig.2).

•  Torque the seat collar bolt to the recommended setting (fig.1).

Warning! Exceeding the specified recommended torque limit 
can result in damage to the seat post and/or frame.