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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.
