Creating an owner’s manual is often underestimated. It sits at the intersection of engineering, product, and user experience, and when done right, it becomes a key part of how riders understand and trust a product.
For the BMC Kaius Generation 2, the objective was clear: deliver a manual that is technically accurate, visually intuitive, and aligned with the premium positioning of the bike.
Defining the Structure from a Product Perspective
The foundation of the manual started with structure.
Rather than relying on legacy formats, I built the framework from scratch based on my technical background and experience in product management. The goal was to mirror how a rider actually interacts with the bike, from first setup to advanced adjustments and maintenance.
This led to a clear, logical flow:
Introduction
Safety guidelines
Product overview
Adjustments and torque specs
Assembly steps including key systems (cockpit, drivetrain, braking, integration)
Maintenance guidelines
Each section was designed to reduce friction: short, focused, and action-oriented.
The famous exploded view with dynamic links to each component.
Writing the Copy: Precision Over Volume
The copy was developed with a simple principle: clarity beats completeness.
Instead of overloading the manual with information, the focus was on delivering the right information at the right moment. This meant:
Creating clear illustrations
Using concise, directive language
Avoiding unnecessary technical jargon where possible
At the same time, the technical depth remained intact—especially for key components and adjustments where precision matters.
Chain guide section explaining the different configurations possible.
Creating Imagery with R&D 3D Data
A major step forward in this project was the use of 3D assets directly from R&D.
By leveraging native CAD data and rendering it in Blender, I was able to create:
Clean, distraction-free visuals
Perfectly accurate component representations
Consistent angles and lighting across all images
This approach solved a common issue with traditional manuals: photography limitations. Instead of dealing with physical prototypes, lighting constraints, or inconsistencies, the 3D workflow ensured full control and scalability.
It also allowed us to illustrate complex internal features and assemblies that would be difficult or impossible to capture with a camera.
Some of the imagery prepared with Blender.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
While the structure and core content were driven autonomously, the manual was ultimately a collaborative effort.
Close coordination was required across multiple teams:
R&D for technical validation and 3D assets
Quality for compliance, safety checks, and accuracy
Product Management for product definition
Marketing for tone, branding, and visual alignment
The challenge was not just gathering input, but organizing it efficiently. Clear ownership and structured reviews were key to keeping the process moving and avoiding unnecessary iterations.
From Draft to Approval
The final phase focused on alignment and validation.
Each section went through targeted reviews with the relevant stakeholders, ensuring that:
Technical information was fully validated
Safety-critical instructions were clearly highlighted
Visuals matched the latest product specifications
The overall document remained consistent and coherent
The result is a manual that reflects the product itself: precise, refined, and built with intent.
Key Takeaways
A strong structure is the backbone of any effective manual
Clarity and usability should drive copywriting decisions
3D-based imagery significantly improves consistency and quality
Cross-functional collaboration is essential—but needs structure
Ownership and autonomy help maintain speed and coherence
This project is a good example of how technical documentation, when approached as a product in itself, can elevate the overall user experience.
If you own a set of SRAM Red D1 or E1 generation crank arms, you know they are both beautiful and a significant investment. Over time, road grit, chain drops, and accidental scrapes can leave them looking pretty beat up—something I’ve learned the hard way with my older sets!
To combat this wear and tear and keep your high-end components looking pristine, I decided to develop a simple, effective solution: a custom-cutting profile for transparent adhesive protection film.
Protect it before it’s too late …
The Quick DIY Protection Solution
The process was surprisingly fast and yielded great results. Here’s what I did:
Design the Profile: I defined a simple profile shape designed to cover the main surfaces of the crank arm.
Print to Scale: Using my trusty little Epson inkjet printer, I printed the profile to the exact scale required for my crank arms.
Transfer and Cut: I carefully transferred the printed profile onto a sheet of transparent adhesive film (the kind used for bike frame protection).
Application: After cutting out the shape, I applied the transparent protector to the crank arm.
The result is a quick, aesthetic, and barely noticeable layer of protection that keeps the carbon safe and sound.
172.5 protector profil
Confirmed Base Length
The profile provided is defined and verified for a base crank arm length of 172.5mm. If you have a different length, you may need to scale the profile slightly, but the core geometry should remain correct.
Download the Cutting File
The cutting profile file is available for download here:
For those of you who frequently venture off-road or ride gravel, you might want to consider adding a little more material, especially around the crank arm edges/flanks. Gravel riding exposes the cranks to more direct hits from loose debris. Feel free to use my base design and adapt it for a thicker, more comprehensive wrap!
Creating a user manual might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it becomes a straightforward and essential part of product development. A good user manual serves as a comprehensive guide for Riders and Retailers, ensuring they can easily understand and use your product while minimizing the need for Customer Service support. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps involved in creating a user manual, using the some of the latest BMC frame specific manuals as an example to illustrate key points.
Step 1: Understand the Product information ecosystem and Audience
The brand’s website, its product details, and the general bicycle owner’s manual are two of the most important sources of information available. They already compile answers to address the rider’s needs. The website covers user benefits and model specifications, while the general bicycle owner’s manual covers legal obligations. We do not want to repeat the content of these two sources in our detailed technical manual unless they provide additional technical insights that address the rider’s needs.
A technical manual is essential because it provides clear, detailed instructions on how to use, maintain, and troubleshoot a product, ensuring users can operate it safely and efficiently. It helps prevent misuse, reduces customer support needs, and improves the overall user experience. By offering step-by-step guidance, a technical manual empowers users to get the most out of the product, ultimately increasing satisfaction and reducing the likelihood of mistakes or damage.
Before you even start writing your manual, it’s crucial to understand the product inside and out. A deep understanding of the product helps you highlight important features, clarify common issues, and provide the correct instructions. So grab your toolbox and start exploring all the details of your product. Your experience will ultimately make the difference.
Step 2: Outline the Structure
A user manual typically follows a specific structure to ensure that users can find the information they need quickly. The approach I’ve chosen is to follow the assembly steps. This ensures a logical flow in every step and mostly prevents missing steps when assembling complexly designed products.
Cover Page
Product name and model, Brand logo. Don’t make it to laud or complexe. This document should be timeless and always be inline with your Brand’s corporate identity.
Table of Contents
Clearly list all sections of the manual, making it easy for users to navigate. When exported as a pdf or webpage, the table of content will help you to quickly jump to a section with a click on the chapter.
Introduction and Technical Specifications
A brief overview of the product, Intended use and target audience, Safety precautions or warnings. Repeating some of the key safety elements is useful. In some case, it’s exeptionaly repeating content already published on the website or General owner’s manual.
Assembly Instructions
Step-by-step instructions on how to assemble the product. Includes as many visual aids (diagrams, images). This includes adjusting settings, operating the product, and maintenance tasks.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Regular care tips and instructions on how to maintain the product.
Common issues and solutions (e.g., how to clean the bicycle, adjust brakes, etc.).
Warranty and Support
Provide warranty details and instructions for obtaining customer support if issues arise.
Step 3: Write Clear and Concise Instructions
One of the most important aspects of a user manual is clarity. Instructions should be simple and direct, especially when dealing with complex products.
For example, in most manuals I’ve created, the instructions are laid out step-by-step with images and diagrams that accompany the text. This makes the manual easy to follow and ensures that users don’t miss any crucial steps during assembly or setup.
Text is not ideal. It must be written in a chosen language, which can make it difficult to access if not translated into local languages. Try to stick to the point and minimize it. The ultimate goal is to create a mostly visual manual, similar to LEGO or IKEA instructions. However, this is particularly challenging for a bike manual.
This is even more true when highlighting critical notes. Warnings and information blocks must be clearly identified to warn riders about key details.
Avoid jargon unless necessary, and if you need to use technical terms, make sure to define them. The goal is to make the manual as user-friendly as possible, regardless of the reader’s technical background.
Step 4: Use Visuals to Support the Text
Visuals can make or break a user manual. Diagrams, images, and screenshots are invaluable for clarifying complex instructions.
Use high-quality images that are easy to interpret. You may also want to include icons or symbols to represent warnings, tips, and other critical notes, making it easier for users to spot important information at a glance.
Clear 3D illustrations are a must. This help to show on a flat surface (screen or paper) what the Rider sees. Design 3D softwares are enabeling a lot of possibilities to generate a clean document showing details without the background of a photo or the lack of details or perspective of a sketch.
On the top of 3D rendering, make sure you are adding clear icons or symbols and info to instruct the operation details. Arrows, info box and color highlights are a must. And talking about icons and colors, using a convention as universal as possible will facilitate the understanding for your Rider. Great conventions are already in use by SHIMANO and SRAM in their manuals. Do not copy but don’t go too far from what they have established.
Step 5: Test the Manual
Once the manual is written, it’s essential to test it. Testers are of many types.
Engineers: At the heart of each component design, the engineer will help verify if all parts are illustrated correctly and if all technical details are clearly defined and explained.
Quality Managers: With a strong focus on troubleshooting and extensive experience in customer service support, quality managers will definitely assist with legal and critical sections. In addition to content, they will often help integrate the document into the company’s document management system for future traceability.
Graphic Designers: A document is only valuable if it’s visually appealing and easy to read and understand. Graphic design and layout must be spot-on.
Product Managers: With a different perspective than engineers, quality managers, or graphic designers, the product manager will approach the document with a broader view.
Ideally, once experts have covered their areas, have someone unfamiliar with the product go through the manual and attempt to use or assemble the product based on your instructions. This will help identify areas that might be unclear or incomplete., the Product Manager will be looking at the document with a wider approach.
Step 6: Update and Maintain the Manual
Product updates, and new features may require periodic updates to your manual. Make sure to keep the manual current and relevant by incorporating any changes or improvements that arise after the product is released.
Track Versions: Clearly identifying the version of your document is crucial for effective communication with riders.
A manual may need updates based on user feedback, new bike accessories, or new maintenance tips that are introduced after the product launch.
Conclusion
Creating a user manual requires careful planning, clear writing, and a good understanding of both your product and your audience. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a comprehensive and user-friendly manual that will enhance the customer experience and reduce the need for customer support.
Whether you’re on a bicycle project or developing another type of product, following these steps will ensure your manual meets your customers’ needs and helps them get the most out of your product.
References
Looking back, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to these owner’s manuals that I’m proud to have worked on.
LOOK notice_look_fournales_english
GIANT 2010 TRINITY ADVANCED SL instruction manual
GIANT 2011 TCX ADVANCED SL instruction manual
BMC ROADMACHINE Gen3 Owners Manual (2023)
BMC SPEEDMACHINE Gen1 Owners Manual and Sizing Guide (2023)
While planning the optimal tool layout for my mobile toolbox, I realized the essential Sharpie needed a proper spot. So I recreated the iconic permanent marker in 3D, adding realistic materials and logos just for fun.
The process was quick, and the final result looks quite satisfying.
Do you need the 3D files? Just grab them here Grabcad.
For the SCOR 4060, the goal was to visually communicate the rear suspension design in a way that is both clear and cinematic. Instead of static images, I used motion to illustrate how the rear end behaves.
Decomposing the Design
The process began by breaking down the industrial design sketch into key structural and functional elements:
Rear triangle and linkage geometry
Shock absorber positioning and travel
Pivot points and suspension kinematics
By isolating each component, we could highlight how movement flows through the rear end, making the mechanical logic immediately understandable.
sketch effectively becomes a skeleton.
Animating Suspension Kinematics
Using Adobe Animate, I created an animation that brings the sketch to life:
Linkage motion: pivots and swings are animated to demonstrate real suspension behavior
Progressive build: each element appears in sequence, showing the assembly and function step by step
This method allows viewers to see not just the static shape, but the dynamic behavior of the rear end, providing insight into the design intent and engineering behind it.
Export for Presentations
The final animation was exported as a video format optimized for PowerPoint integration.
Key considerations:
Resolution: Custom HD (1980×932) to ensure compatibility and sharpness for multiple videos playing on a single slide
Compression: Balanced to maintain quality while keeping file size manageable
Format: MP4 (H.264), ensuring smooth playback across devices
Looping capability: useful for trade shows or continuous display environments
This ensures the animation remains reliable in real-world conditions. No lag, no dependency on external software, and consistent playback during key presentations.
Outcome
The result is a cinematic yet highly functional visualization tool:
Bridges the gap between design and marketing
Creates a premium perception with minimal production overhead
Easily deployable across internal reviews, sales decks, and events
By starting from a simple sketch and leveraging structured animation, the SCOR 4060 visualization demonstrates how design communication can be both efficient and impactful, without relying on heavy 3D production pipelines.
Since the adapter isn’t included in the RRP Screw-On Mini kit, I set out to find one that would fit my RockShox Lyrik. Unfortunately, this adapter is rarely available and typically sells online for 10 euros—plus another 10 euros for shipping… and I’m cheap.
This custom design fits perfectly on the back of the fork crown and uses the RRP bolts provided with the original kit.
Only one extra M3 bolt and two M4 nuts are required.
To showcase the engineering behind the Fourstroke Gen 6, I turned the rear suspension into a visual story. Instead of static drawings, I animated the kinematics to illustrate exactly how the rear end moves and responds under load.
Breaking Down the Design
The process started by deconstructing a silouhette into its essential elements:
Rear triangle geometry and pivot layout
Shock absorber position and compression path
Linkage points and motion arcs
This breakdown highlights the mechanical logic of the suspension, allowing the viewer to understand movement and function step by step.
Animating Kinematics
Using Adobe Animate, each component was brought to life.
This approach demonstrates not just the shape, but the dynamic behavior of the suspension, providing an intuitive understanding of the system.
Exporting for Presentations
The animation was exported as a video format suitable for presentations:
Full HD resolution (1920×1080)
Optimized compression for smooth playback
MP4 format ensures compatibility in PowerPoint and other tools
The final result is a cinematic visualization that clearly communicates the Fourstroke Gen 6’s rear suspension performance, bridging design, engineering, and storytelling in a single presentation asset.
Shine Bright! I bought a Varia almost a year ago, but I wasn’t a fan of the elastic straps used to secure the bulky mount to the seat post. So, I designed a custom 3D-printed holder that fits perfectly with the original Garmin interface — or the Mr. Control Garmin adapter I had lying around in my spare parts bin. The design is tailored to fit the back of the 10mm offset BMC Teammachine SLR seatpost. The lower bolt tightens against the saddle clamp hardware, ensuring a secure and stable attachment.
I printed the part using PLA on my trusty Creality Ender 3. The hardware shown is temporary, as I plan to upgrade to sleek stainless steel bolts and nuts, replacing the standard ones pictured here.
The final version assembled on the seatpost and its design in the background.3D assembly in OneShapeSub-assembly showing the Garmin Varia interface fitted into the 3D printed partMr Control interface versionGarmi Varia interface version
I finally put it together! A full Slicy protection kit applied to the entire frame, a special 2030 Slicy kit to decorate the top tube and downtube, and a little setup that’s a pleasure to ride.
Frame: Scor 2030 Fork: Rock Shox Pike 140mm Wheels: DT Swiss XRC 1501 Spline Crankset: Praxis Lift Bar, stem, dropper post: One Up
Riding without a tool isn’t an option for me… and forgetting to bring one is definitely something I want to avoid. Riding with pockets full of gear isn’t very pleasant either. So, reusing a Specialized SWAT Road tool and designing a tool holder that attaches under the bottle cage specific to the BMC Teammachine SLR was a cool project to work on.
The tool holder at the bottom of the SLR bottle cage
Tool in grey fitted into the holder
Detail of the ramps holding the tool in place
Final print on the bike with the tool
Tool out
Tool in
The tool holder clips securely at the back of the bottle, preventing it from moving or vibrating. A small fixing tab slides under the bottle cage and attaches to the lower bolt, sandwiching the whole setup in place. The tool is inserted into the holder from below, so you don’t need to remove the bottle to access it. The tool’s outer shape locks into the ramps of the holder, keeping it securely in place during the ride. The top face of the holder acts like a spring clip to hold the tool in position.
The attachment is solid, the tool stays in place, and the aesthetics are still as sharp as ever on the Teammachine SLR handlebars.
I have not shared this design as it’s quite specific to my own needs. Feel free to reach out if you need help.
