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6.2. Seatpost Quick Release
Many mountain bikes are equipped with quick-release seat post
binders. The seatpost quick-release binder works similar to the wheel
quick-release (Section 6.1.1) While a quick release looks like a long
bolt with a lever on one end and a nut on the other, the quick release
uses a cam action to firmly clamp the seat post.
WARNING:
Riding with an improperly tightened seat post can allow
the saddle to turn or move and cause you to lose control and fall.
Therefore:
1) Ask your dealer to help you make sure you know how to correctly
clamp your seat post.
2) Understand and apply the correct technique for clamping your
seat post quick release.
3) Before you ride the bike, first check that the seatpost is securely
clamped.
6.2.1. Adjusting the quick release mechanism
The action of the quick release cam squeezes the seat collar around
the seat post to hold the seat post securely in place. The amount of
clamping force is controlled by the tension adjusting nut. Turning the
tension adjusting nut clockwise while keeping the cam lever from
rotating increases clamping force; turning it counterclockwise while
keeping the cam lever from rotating reduces clamping force. Less
than half a turn of the tension adjusting nut can make the difference
between safe clamping force and unsafe clamping force.
CAUTION:
The full force of the cam action is needed to clamp the
seatpost securely. Holding the nut with one hand and turning the
lever like a wing nut with the other hand until everything is as tight as
you can get it will not clamp the seatpost safely.
CAUTION:
If you can fully close the quick release without wrapping
your fingers around a frame tube for leverage, and the lever does not
leave a clear imprint in the palm of your hand, the tension is
insufficient. Open the lever, turn the tension adjusting nut clockwise a
quarter turn, and then try again.
6.3. Brakes
NOTE:
For most effective braking, use both brakes and apply them
simultaneously.
WARNING:
Sudden or excessive application of the front brake may
pitch the rider over the handlebars, causing serious injury or death.
6.3.1. How brakes work
It’s important to your safety that you instinctively know which brake
lever controls which brake on your bike. In the U.S., bikes are
required to be set up with the right brake lever controlling the rear
brake, and the left lever controlling the front brake.
The braking action of a bicycle is a function of the friction between
the brake surfaces (usually the brake shoes) and the wheel rim or
wheel disc rotor. To make sure that you have maximum friction
available, keep your wheel rims or rotors and brake shoes clean and
free of lubricants, waxes or polishes.
