7
Before riding
A minute spent checking your bicycle before each ride
significantly improves your safety and the enjoyment
of your ride. Each time before you ride make a habit of
performing the following safety checks:
1. Stand in front of the bicycle facing rearward and
hold the front wheel securely between your legs.
Try to twist the handlebar and verify that they do
not move. Then pull the handlebars up, trying to lift
the bicycle. There should be no movement.
2. Try and push the front wheel from side to side and
confirm that it feels tight and will not wobble. Lift
the front wheel up by the handlebars and strike
the wheel downwards with the heel of your hand.
Confirm that it is securely attached to the fork.
Spin the front wheel and confirm that it does not
wobble or contact the fork or brake pads.
3. Try to lift, push down, and twist the seat to confirm
that it’s tight.
4. Check the connection of the pedals to the crank
arms. You should see no pedal screw threads and
the pedal should feel firm and positioned parallel to
the ground.
5. Apply your brake(s) and make sure they feel firm to
the touch. Spin the wheel(s) and apply the brakes.
The brakes should effectively stop the wheel(s).
WARNING: This bicycle must be properly
assembled before use. It is strongly rec-
ommended that you review the complete
Assembly guide and perform checks speci-
fied in this manual before riding. Failure to
properly assemble and maintain your bicy-
cle could result in serious injury or death.
6. Check and make sure that the fenders and acces-
sories are firmly attached and will not contact any
moving parts. Make sure all reflectors are in posi-
tion and not broken.
7. Lastly, put on your bicycle safety helmet and mount
your bicycle. Your safety is well worth just a minute.
Be sure to read and follow the warnings and in-
structions in the Assembly, Maintenance and other
sections of this manual.
