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Chapter 1: Guide to safe on- and off-road operation
This chapter explains important things you should know
before a first ride, including safety information that is
important to follow on every ride.
Bicycle fit
Your retailer will help you find a bicycle that has
the correct dimensions for your body. There
should be a minimum standover clearance of
at least 1” (25 mm) between the top tube and
you when you stand over your bicycle (Figure
1.1). For a mountain bicycle, we recommend 2-3”
(50-75 mm) clearance.
You can adjust the saddle and handlebar to
offer the best comfort and performance. Before
you make these adjustments, read
Warning
about mechanical work
on page 12, then refer
to Chapter 3.
Your bicycle has a weight limit. See
Use
Conditions
on page 14. If you are not sure of
the weight limit on your bicycle and its parts,
consult your retailer.
Know how your bicycle operates
The properties of your bicycle, if not used
correctly, can decrease your control of the
bicycle. Before you ride fast or in conditions
that are a challenge, learn the operation
and performance of all the mechanisms of
your bicycle, especially brakes and steering
components. Practice the first use of your
bicycle at slower speeds in a flat, empty parking
area. Practice again after any change to your
bicycle.
If your bicycle does not operate as you need,
or if different parts are necessary for the safe
operation of your bicycle, it may be possible to
customize it. Consult your retailer.
‘Toe Overlap’
Some modern, high-performance bicycles,
especially smaller sizes, use a short-wheelbase
design with the front wheel close to the pedals.
When the handlebar is turned during very slow
speeds, your foot or toe-clips could overlap or
touch the front wheel or fender (Figure 1.2).
This overlap is affected by the size of your feet,
the length of the crankarms, the size of the tires,
and the pedals you choose. If you change any of
these components, the amount of the overlap
could change.
WARNING:
If your foot or toe-clip touches
the front wheel or fender, ‘toe overlap’ could
decrease your control and cause you to fall.
Do not pedal when you turn at slow speed.
Powerful brakes
The power of bicycle brakes changes with the
Use Condition of the bicycle. Many models of
modern brakes are very powerful; they are made
to stop a bicycle in wet or muddy conditions. If
it is necessary for your bicycle to have more—or
less—power to stop, consult your retailer about
brake adjustments or other brake options for
your bicycle. Also read
Braking
on page 9.
Chapter 1: Guide to safe on- and off-road operation
A
FIGURE 1.1
A = Minimum standover
clearance
1” (25 mm) for most bicycles
2-3” (50-75 mm) for
mountain bicycles
FIGURE 1.2
Toe overlap
