2
3
A special note for parents:
As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety of your minor
child, and that includes making sure that the bicycle is properly fitted to the child; that it
is in good repair and safe operating condition; that you and your child have learned and
understand the safe operation of the bicycle; and that you and your child have learned,
understand and obey not only the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle and traffic laws,
but also the common sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling. As a parent, you
should read this manual, as well as review its warnings and the bicycle’s functions and
operating procedures with your child, before letting your child ride the bicycle.
WARNING: Make sure that your child always wears an approved bicycle helmet
when riding; but also make sure that your child understands that a bicycle
helmet is for bicycling only, and must be removed when not riding. A helmet must not
be worn while playing, in play areas, on playground equipment, while climbing trees,
or at any time while not riding a bicycle. Failure to follow this warning could result in
serious injury or death.
1. First
NOTE: We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its entirety before your first ride. At
the very least, read and make sure that you understand each point in this section, and
refer to the cited sections on any issue which you don’t completely understand. Please
note that not all bicycles have all of the features described in this Manual. Ask your
dealer to point out the features of your bicycle.
A. Bike Fit
1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see Section 3.A. If your bicycle is too large or
too small for you, you may lose control and fall. If your new bike is not the right size, ask
your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.
2. Is the saddle at the right height? To check, see Section 3.B. If you adjust your
saddle height, follow the Minimum Insertion instructions in Section 3.B.
3. Are saddle and seat post securely clamped? A correctly tightened saddle will allow
no saddle movement in any direction. See Section 3.B.
4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you? If not, see Section 3.C.
5. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not, you may be able to adjust their
angle and reach. See Section 3.D and 3.E.
6. Do you fully understand how to operate your new bicycle? If not, before your first
ride, have your dealer explain any functions or features which you do not understand.
B. Safety First
1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the helmet
manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and care.
2. Do you have all the other required and recommended safety equipment? See
Section 2. It’s your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of the areas where
you ride, and to comply with all applicable laws.
3. Do you know how to correctly secure your front and rear wheels? Check Section
4.A.1 to make sure. Riding with an improperly secured wheel can cause the wheel to
wobble or disengage from the bicycle, and cause serious injury or death.
4. If your bike has toeclips and straps or clipless (“step-in”) pedals, make sure you
know how they work (see Section 4.E). These pedals require special techniques and
skills. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment and care.
5. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles your toe or toeclip may
be able to contact the front wheel when a pedal is all the way forward and the wheel is
turned. Read Section 4.E. to check whether you have toeclip overlap.
6. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check Section 4.F. Suspension can change
the way a bicycle performs. Follow the suspension manufacturer’s instructions for use,
adjustment and care.
