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1. First
NOTE:
We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its
entirety before your fi rst ride. At the very least, read and
make sure that you understand each point in this section,
and refer to the cited sections on any issue which you
don’t completely understand. Please note that not all
bicycles have all of the features described in this Manual.
Ask your dealer to point out the features of your bicycle.
A. Bike Fit
1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see Section 3.A.
If your bicycle is too large or too small for you, you may
lose control and fall. If your new bike is not the right size,
ask your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.
2. Is the saddle at the right height? To check, see
Section 3.B. If you adjust your saddle height, follow the
Minimum Insertion instructions in Section 3.B.
3. Are saddle and seatpost securely clamped?
A correctly tightened saddle will allow no saddle
movement in any direction. See Section 3.B.
4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for
you? If not, see Section 3.C.
5. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not,
you may be able to adjust their angle and reach. See
Section 3.D and 3.E.
6. Do you fully understand how to operate your
new bicycle? If not, before your first ride, have your
dealer explain any functions or features which you do
not understand.
B. Safety First
1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your
bike, and follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions
for fi t, use and care.
2. Do you have all the other required and
recommended safety equipment? See Section 2. It’s
your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws
of the areas where you ride, and to comply with all
applicable laws.
3. Do you know how to correctly operate your wheel
quick releases? Check Section 4.A.1 to make sure.
Riding with an improperly adjusted wheel quick release
can cause the wheel to wobble or disengage from the
bicycle, and cause serious injury or death.
4. If your bike has toeclips and straps or clipless (“step-
in”) pedals, make sure you know how they work (see
Section 4.E). These pedals require special techniques
and skills. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s instructions
for use, adjustment and care.
5. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed
bicycles your toe or toeclip may be able to contact
the front wheel when a pedal is all the way forward
and the wheel is turned. Read Section 4.E. If you have
toeclip overlap.
6. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check Section
4.F. Suspension can change the way a bicycle performs.
Follow the suspension manufacturer’s instructions for use,
adjustment and care.
C. Mechanical Safety Check
Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before
every ride.
Nuts, bolts & straps:
Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the
