Durban Bay 1, User Manual

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7
Riding your Durban
Riding During Low Visibility
Riding during low light or low visibility – at night,
dawn, dusk or in the rain and fog – is much more
dangerous than riding during normal light condi-
tions. Adults should always use lights, reflectors
and reflective clothing while riding during low
visibility.
Reflectors only work if they are clean, whole and
assembled correctly. Do not obstruct reflectors
with baggy clothes or bags. Moreover, they only
reflect light in some directions, so you need lights
and other accessories. Ask your dealer for advice
and make sure that the lights you use conform to
legal requirements.
Riding Position
The best riding position is one in which you feel
comfortable. A bad fitted bicycle can lead to back
pain or joint pain. Make sure your saddle and han-
dlebars are at the correct height and that you can
reach the brakes and shifter comfortably.
For most people, the sole of the foot on the pedal
should be positioned directly over the pedal axle.
The saddle can be moved up and down, forward
and backward and tilted up and down, so try to
move it to get the best fit. A badly positioned sad-
dle can damage nerves and blood vessels.
When riding, your hips should remain stationary
and your knees should extend to between 20° and
25° short of the locked position.
The saddle should be parallel to the ground, but if
it is not comfortable, bend the tip down to relieve
pressure in the groin, or up to distribute your
weight over a larger area of the saddle.
Moving the seat back makes you exercise the
gluteus muscles more intensely and works your
upper thighs. In general, the front of the knees
should not exceed the pedal axle. After reaching a
comfortable position, check the seat height again.
Using Brakes
Different countries have different standards for
which brake lever (right or left) controls which
brake (front or rear). Be sure you understand well
what lever controls which brake before using.
Braking distances increase in wet weather, so
slow down when it is raining, brake more gently
and make sure you brake in advance.
Brakes lose their effectiveness when you skid or
the wheel locks up, so apply pressure progres-
sively without allowing your brakes to lock the
wheel of the bicycle or your bicycle to skid.
Skidding does not slow you quicker, and you lose
control of speed and direction when you skid.
Brakes are more efficient before skidding, there-
fore relieve brake pressure if you start skidding.
If you squeeze down on the front brake without
thinking, you will fly over the handlebars or a rear
wheel may squirm behind you. In that situation,
tilt your body backwards and slightly loosen the
front brake.
Riding with worn or poorly adjusted brakes is
dangerous. Keep brake pad surfaces clean and
free of brake oils or lubricants. Replace worn
brakes.