Important: Keep for future reference
Even if you have ridden a bicycle for years, it is important for
EVERY
person to read Chapter 1 before riding this bicycle!
This manual shows how to ride your new bicycle
safely. Parents should explain Chapter 1 to a
child or person who might not understand this
manual, especially regarding safety issues such
as the use of a coaster brake.
This manual also shows you how to do basic
maintenance. Some tasks should only be done
by your retailer, and this manual identifies them.
Meaning of safety signs and
language
In this manual, the Safety Alert symbol, a
triangle with an exclamation mark, shows a
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
cause injury. The most common cause of injury
is falling off the bicycle. Even a fall at slow speed
can cause severe injury or death, so avoid any
situation with the special markings of a grey
box, safety alert symbol, and these signal words:
‘
CAUTION’
indicates the possibility of mild
or moderate injury.
‘WARNING
’ indicates the possibility of
serious injury or death.
This manual complies with these standards:
• ANSI Z535.6
• AS/NZS 1927:1998
• BS 6102 : Part 1: 1992
• CEN 14764, 14765, 14766, 14781, 14872,
16054
• CPSC 16 CFR 1512
• ISO 4210 Parts 1-9 and ISO 8098
Foreword: Bicycles,
accidents, and safety
A bicycle can be fun when used for
transportation, recreation, exercise, or
competition. But a bicycle can also be
dangerous, especially if you try to ride beyond
the limits of your bicycle or the limits of your
ability. The skill or ability of a bicycle rider can
vary greatly, just like the skill of an automobile
driver or a skier. Do not ride in a manner that
exceeds
your
ability.
Each bicycle also has limits because of many
properties. This is a partial list:
• Design and materials of the bicycle
• Maintenance of the bicycle
• Use of the bicycle: surface, speed, etc.
• Surface of the road or trail
If your bicycle is involved in any kind of impact,
crash, or accident, have it inspected thoroughly
by your retailer before you ride it again.
A bicycle cannot protect you in an
accident
Bicycles are not designed to withstand
every situation. In a crash or impact, it is not
uncommon for the bicycle to have damage and
for you to fall. If you fall, your bicycle can not
prevent injury. Cars have bumpers, seat belts,
air bags, and crumple zones. Bicycles do not,
so even a small crash at slow speed can cause
injury or death.
Think safety
Always “Think Safety” and avoid dangerous
situations, which are usually obvious. However,
not all dangerous situations are obvious. Many
of those are shown in this manual; read at least
Chapter 1 before you ride.
Some of the high-risk stunts and jumps seen in
magazines or videos are very dangerous. Even
skilled athletes get severe injuries when they
crash (and they do crash).
