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However, we cannot predict the forces
that might occur if you ride in extreme
conditions, if it is involved in an
accident, if it is used for rentals or for
commercial purposes, or if it is used
in other ways that apply high stress or
fatigue loads.
With damage, the life of any part can
be drastically reduced and may fail
without warning.
The safe life of a part is determined
by its construction, materials, use,
maintenance, rider weight, speed,
terrain, and environment (humidity,
salinity, temperature, etc.), so it is not
possible to give an accurate timetable
for replacement.
Any crack, scratch, or change of color
in a high-stress area indicates the
part (including the frame or fork) has
reached the end of its life and should
be replaced. If you are not sure or you
don’t feel comfortable inspecting or
repairing your bicycle, consult your
bike shop.
In some cases, a lighter frame
or part has a longer life than a
heavier one. However, regular
maintenance, frequent inspections,
and frequent replacement of parts
are necessary for any bicycle.
WARNING:
A bicycle is subjected
to wear and high stress. Different
materials and parts may react to wear
or stress fatigue in different ways. If the
design life of a part has been exceeded,
it may suddenly fail.
For a maintenance schedule, see the
Caring for your bike
section.
Handle with care
Some parts of your bicycle can injure
you if mishandled. There are sharp
points, for example, on the teeth
of the chainrings and some pedals.
Brakes and their parts get hot.
Rotating wheels can cut skin and even
break bones. Clamps and pivoting
parts such as brake levers can pinch,
as can the chain where it runs onto
sprocket teeth.
E-bike components are especially
vulnerable. Electric cables,
connectors, battery dock, battery, and
the controller can be easily damaged if
handled incorrectly.
Think safety
Stay tuned to your environment and
avoid dangerous situations which are
usually obvious (traffic, obstacles,
drop-offs, and so on), but sometimes
are not. Many of those situations are
shown in this manual.
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).
Modifications to your bicycle can
make it unsafe. Each part of your new
bicycle has been carefully chosen and
approved. The safety of accessory
or replacement parts, and especially
how those parts attach and interface
with other parts of the bicycle, is not
always apparent. For this reason, you
should only replace parts with original
equipment or parts that are approved.
If you are not sure what parts are
approved, ask your bike shop.
Examples of modifications include this
partial list:
• Physically altering existing parts
(sanding, filing, drilling, etc.)
• Removing safety equipment such
as reflectors or secondary retention
devices
• Using adapters for brake systems
• Adding a motor or engine
• Installing accessories
• Changing parts