7
1.d - fiRst Ride
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your
first familiarization ride on your new bicycle, be
sure to pick a controlled environment, away from
cars, other cyclists, obstacles or other hazards.
Ride to become familiar with the controls, features
and performance of your new bike.
Familiarize yourself with the braking action of
the bike (see SECTION 4.C). Test the brakes at
slow speed, putting your weight toward the rear
and gently applying the brakes, rear brake first.
Sudden or excessive application of the front brake
could pitch you over the handlebars. Applying
brakes too hard can lock up a wheel, which could
cause you to lose control and fall. Skidding is an
example of what can happen when a wheel locks
up.
If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals,
practice getting in and out of the pedals.
See paragraph B.4 above and SECTION 4.E.4.
If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself
with how the suspension responds to brake
application and rider weight shifts. See paragraph
B.6 above and SECTION 4.F.
Practice shifting the gears (see SECTION 4.D).
Remember to never move the shifter while pedaling
backward, nor pedal backwards immediately after
having moved the shifter. This could jam the chain
and cause serious damage to the bicycle.
Check out the handling and response of the bike;
and check the comfort.
if you have any questions, or if you feel
anything about the bike is not as it should be,
consult your dealer before you ride.
seCtion 2. safety
WaRninG
many states ReQUiRe sPeCifiC safety
deviCes. it is yoUR ResPonsiBility
to familiaRize yoURself With the
laWs of the state WheRe yoU Ride
and to ComPly With all aPPliCaBle
laWs, inClUdinG PRoPeRly eQUiPPinG
yoURself and yoUR Bike as the laW
ReQUiRes.
Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations.
Observe regulations about licensing of bicycles,
riding on sidewalks, laws regulating bike path
and trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws,
special bicycle traffic laws, and so on.
it’s your responsibility to know and obey the
laws.
