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PART II
sUsPensIon
Suspension will increase the handling capabilities
and comfort of your bicycle. This enhanced capability
may allow you to ride faster, particularly on rough
or bumpy surfaces. As common sense tells you,
increased speed brings increased risk.
WARNING
do noT ConfUse The BUIlT-In CAPABIlITIes
of A sUsPensIon BIke WITh yoUR oWn
CAPABIlITIes, WhICh mUsT Be leARned.
Increasing your skill will take time and practice.
Stay in control, and carefully, gradually learn the
feel and handling of your suspension bike.
When you apply the front brakes on a
suspension bike, the front of the bike will fall
or dip as weight shifts forward. This is normal.
(The front of your car dips when you apply the
brakes.) You must learn to anticipate this weight
shift and compensate by shifting your body
weight back.
JUmPInG
WARNING
JUmPInG Is veRy RIsky. yoU CoUld hAve A
fAll leAdInG To seRIoUs InJURy, PARAlysIs
oR deATh.
Jumping a mountain bike is fun, but it puts
extreme stress on your bike. Perhaps most
vulnerable to jumping-related damage is your
fork. Riders who insist on jumping their bikes
risk serious damage, to their bicycles as well as
themselves.
sTAy In ConTRol
WARNING
fAIlURe To RIde In ConTRol CoUld ResUlT
In A fAll leAdInG To seRIoUs InJURy,
PARAlysIs, oR deATh.
While the risks inherent to this sport cannot be
eliminated, you can minimize the risks by riding
in control and wearing a helmet. The reality is
that simple, and that challenging.
doWnhIll And lIfT-
seRvICed RIdInG
WARNING
To RIde doWnhIll AT sPeed oR In
ComPeTITIon Is To volUnTARIly AssUme A
veRy lARGe RIsk. yoU CoUld Be seRIoUsly
InJURed, PARAlyZed, oR kIlled.
When riding downhill such as at a ski area,
on trails or access roads, or on dirt roads such
as fire roads, you can reach speeds seen on
motorcycles, with similar hazards and risks.
Wear appropriate safety gear, including a
full face helmet, full finger gloves, protective
clothing, and body armor. Have your bicycle and
equipment carefully inspected by a qualified
mechanic and be sure it is in excellent condition.
Consult with expert riders and/or race officials
on conditions and equipment advisable at any
site where you plan to ride downhill. Experienced
riders often pre-walk or carefully and slowly
pre-ride a downhill course before attempting it
at any speed.
