Raleigh Bike, Owner'S Manual, Page: 23 / 44

23
WARNING:
1. r
iding with improperly adjusted brakes
,
on wheels on whiCh the rim
wear mark is visible
,
or worn brake pads is dangerous and Can result
in serious injury or death
.
2. a
pplying brakes too hard or too suddenly Can loCk up a wheel
,
whiCh Could Cause you to lose Control and fall
. s
udden or
exCessive appliCation of the front brake may pitCh the rider over the
handlebars
,
whiCh may result in serious injury or death
.
3. s
ome biCyCle brakes
,
suCh as disC brakes
(
fig
. 11)
and linear
-
pull brakes
(
fig
.12),
are extremely powerful
. t
ake extra Care in
beComing familiar with these brakes and exerCise partiCular Care
when using them
.
4. s
ome biCyCle brakes are equipped with a brake forCe modulator
,
a
small
,
CylindriCal deviCe through whiCh the brake Control Cable runs
and whiCh is designed to provide a more progressive appliCation of
braking forCe
. a
modulator makes the initial brake lever forCe more
gentle
,
progressively inCreasing forCe until full forCe is aChieved
. i
f
your bike is equipped with a brake forCe modulator
,
take extra Care
in beComing familiar with its performanCe CharaCteristiCs
.
5. d
isC brakes Can get extremely hot with extended use
. b
e Careful not
to touCh a disC brake until it has had plenty of time to Cool
.
6. s
ee the brake manufaCturer
’
s instruCtions for installation
,
operation
and Care of your brakes
. i
f you do not have the manufaCturer
’
s
instruCtions
,
see your dealer or ContaCt the brake manufaCturer
.
7. i
f replaCing worn or damaged parts
,
use only manufaCturer
-
approved
genuine replaCement parts
.
1. Brake Controls And Features
It’s very important to your safety that you learn and remember
which brake lever controls which brake on your bike. Traditionally,
the right brake lever controls the rear brake and the left brake
lever controls the front brake; but, to make sure your bike’s
brakes are set up this way, squeeze one brake lever and look to
see which brake, front or rear, engages. Now do the same with the
other brake lever.
Make sure that your hands can reach and squeeze the brake
levers comfortably. If your hands are too small to operate the
levers comfortably, consult your dealer before riding the bike. The
lever reach may be adjustable; or you may need a different brake
lever design.
Most brakes have some form of quick-release mechanism to
allow the brake pads to clear the tire when a wheel is removed or
reinstalled. When the brake quick release is in the open position,
the brakes are inoperative. Ask your dealer to make sure that you
understand the way the brake quick release works on your bike
(see figs. 11 through 15) and check each time to make sure both
brakes work correctly before you get on the bike.