10
11
more difficult or dangerous riding
• Use only designated areas for stunts, jumping, racing or fast downhill riding
• Wear a full face helmet, safety pads and other safety gear
• Understand and recognize that the stresses imposed on your bike by this kind of
activity may break or damage parts of the bicycle and void the warranty
• Take your bicycle to your dealer if anything breaks or bends. Do not ride your
bicycle when any part is damaged.
If you ride downhill at speed, do stunt riding or ride in competition, know the limits of
your skill and experience. Ultimately, avoiding injury is your responsibility.
G. `Changing Components or Adding Accessories
There are many components and accessories available to enhance the comfort,
performance and appearance of your bicycle. However, if you change components or add
accessories, you do so at your own risk. The bicycle’s manufacturer may not have tested
that component or accessory for compatibility, reliability or safety on your bicycle. Before
installing any component or accessory, including a different size tire, make sure that it is
compatible with your bicycle by checking with your dealer. Be sure to read, understand
and follow the instructions that accompany the products you purchase for your bicycle.
See also Appendix A, p. 35 and B, p. 41.
WARNING: Failure to confirm compatibility, properly install, operate and
maintain any component or accessory can result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: Changing the components on your bike with other than genuine
replacement parts may compromise the safety of your bicycle and may void the
warranty. Check with your dealer before changing the components on your bike.
3. Fit
NOTE: Correct fit is an essential element of bicycling safety, performance and comfort.
Making the adjustments to your bicycle which result in correct fit for your body and
riding conditions requires experience, skill and special tools. Always have your dealer
make the adjustments on your bicycle; or, if you have the experience, skill and tools,
have your dealer check your work before riding.
WARNING: If your bicycle does not fit properly, you may lose control and fall. If
your new bike doesn’t fit, ask your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.
A. Standover height
1. Diamond frame bicycles
Standover height is the basic element of bike fit (see ). It is the distance from
the ground to the top of the bicycle’s frame at that point where your crotch is when
straddling the bike. To check for correct standover height, straddle the bike while
wearing the kind of shoes in which you’ll be riding, and bounce vigorously on your heels.
While riding at dawn, at dusk or at night:
• Ride slowly.
• Avoid dark areas and areas of heavy or fast-moving traffic.
• Avoid road hazards.
• If possible, ride on familiar routes.
If riding in traffic:
• Be predictable. Ride so that drivers can see you and predict your movements.
• Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.
• If you plan to ride in traffic often, ask your dealer about traffic safety classes or a
good book on bicycle traffic safety.
F. Extreme, Stunt or Competition Riding
Whether you call it Aggro, Hucking, Freeride, North Shore, Downhill, Jumping, Stunt
Riding, Racing or something else: if you engage in this sort of extreme, aggressive
riding you will get hurt, and you voluntarily assume a greatly increased risk of injury or
death.
Not all bicycles are designed for these types of riding, and those that are may not
be suitable for all types of aggressive riding. Check with your dealer or the bicycle’s
manufacturer about the suitability of your bicycle before engaging in extreme riding.
When riding fast down hill, you can reach speeds achieved by motorcycles, and
therefore face similar hazards and risks. Have your bicycle and equipment carefully
inspected by a qualified mechanic and be sure it is in perfect condition. Consult with
expert riders, area site personnel and race officials on conditions and equipment
advisable at the site where you plan to ride. Wear appropriate safety gear, including
an approved full face helmet, full finger gloves, and body armor. Ultimately, it is your
responsibility to have proper equipment and to be familiar with course conditions.
WARNING: Although many catalogs, advertisements and articles about
bicycling depict riders engaged in extreme riding, this activity is extremely
dangerous, increases your risk of injury or death, and increases the severity of any
injury. Remember that the action depicted is being performed by professionals with
many years of training and experience. Know your limits and always wear a helmet
and other appropriate safety gear. Even with state-of-the-art protective safety gear,
you could be seriously injured or killed when jumping, stunt riding, riding downhill at
speed or in competition.
WARNING: Bicycles and bicycle parts have limitations with regard to strength
and integrity, and this type of riding can exceed those limitations.
We recommend against this type of riding because of the increased risks; but if you
choose to take the risk, at least:
• Take lessons from a competent instructor first
• Start with easy learning exercises and slowly develop your skills before trying
