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WARNING
: Riding with an improperly tightened seat assembly can allow the seat to turn
or move and cause you to lose control and fall. Therefore:
1. Ask your dealer or local bike shop to help you make sure you know how to correctly clamp
your seat assembly.
2. Understand and apply the correct technique for clamping your seat post quick release.
3. Before you ride the bike, first check that the seat is securely clamped.
Adjusting the seatpost quick release mechanism
The action of the quick release cam squeezes the seat collar around the seat post to hold the seat
post securely in place. The tension-adjusting nut controls the amount of clamping force. Turning the
tension-adjusting nut clockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating increases clamping force;
turning it counterclockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating reduces clamping force. Less
than half a turn of the tension-adjusting nut can make the difference between safe and unsafe
clamping force.
WARNING
: The full force of the cam action is needed to clamp the seat securely. Holding
the nut with one hand and turning the lever like a wing nut with the other hand until everything
is as tight as you can get it will not clamp the seatpost safely.
WARNING
: If you can fully close the quick release without wrapping your fingers around
the seat post or a frame tube for leverage, and the lever does not leave a clear imprint in the
palm of your hand, the tension is insufficient. Open the lever; turn the tension-adjusting nut
clockwise a quarter turn; then try again.
C. Brakes
WARNING
:
1. Riding with improperly adjusted brakes or worn brake pads is dangerous and can result in
serious injury or death.
2. Applying brakes too hard or too suddenly can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to
lose control and fall. Sudden or excessive application of the front brake may pitch the rider
over the handlebars, which may result in serious injury or death.
3. Some bicycle brakes, such as disc brakes (fig. 11) and linear-pull brakes (fig.12), are
extremely powerful. Take extra care in becoming familiar with these brakes and exercise
particular care when using them.
4. Disc brakes can get extremely hot with extended use. Be careful not to touch a disc brake
until it has had plenty of time to cool.
5. See the brake manufacturer’s instructions for installation, operation and care of your
brakes. If you do not have the manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealer or local bike shop
or contact the brake manufacturer.
1. Brake controls and features
It’s very important to your safety that you learn and remember which brake lever controls that brake
on your bike.
Make sure that your hands can reach and squeeze the brake levers comfortably. If your hands are
too small to operate the levers comfortably, consult your dealer or local bike shop before riding the
bike. The lever reach may be adjustable; or you may need a different brake lever design.
Most brakes have some form of quick-release mechanism to allow the brake pads to clear the tire
when a wheel is removed or reinstalled. When the brake quick release is in the open position, the
brakes are inoperative. Ask your dealer or local bike shop to make sure that you understand the way
