I General User Manual
11
7 Before the first ride
Make sure that your bike is ready for use and is set up
for your body size.
Check the following:
•
Positioning and secure fastening of saddle and
handlebar
•
Installation and correct adjustment of the brakes
•
Secure fastening of wheels in frame and fork
Adjust the handlebar and stem until you find a safe
and comfortable riding position. Instructions on how
to adjust the handlebar are provided in
"Adjusting the handlebar position"
.
Adjust the saddle until you find a safe and comfort-
able riding position. Instructions on how to adjust the
saddle are provided in
Make sure the brake levers are always within easy
reach and that you know how to operate the right/
left brake levers and where to find them. Make a note
of which brake lever operates the front and which the
rear wheel brake.
Modern brake systems can have a far more powerful
and different braking effect than those you are already
familiar with. Before setting off, familiarise yourself
with the effects of the brakes on a safe traffic-free
area.
If you are using a bike with carbon-fibre rims, bear
in mind that the braking behaviour of this material is
much poorer than aluminium rims.
Make sure that the wheels are securely fastened in the
frame and forks. Check that the quick-release device
and all important fastening screws and nuts are se-
curely fastened.
Chapter 9.2.2 "Operating the quick-release device"
contains instructions on how to operate quick-release
devices safely and
con-
tains a table of the tightening torques for important
screws and nuts.
Check the tyre pressure. Information on the pre-
scribed tyre pressure appears on the tyre sidewall.
Never inflate the tyres to less than the minimum or
more than the maximum specified tyre pressure. As a
rule of thumb, e.g. when on the road, you can check
the tyre pressure as follows: If you press your thumbs
into the inflated tyre, there should not be much give
in the tyre even if you press hard.
Check the tyres and rims for damage, foreign bodies,
e. g. glass fragments or sharp stones and deformation.
If cuts, cracks or holes are visible, do not ride off. In-
stead, take your bike to a professional bike workshop
and have it checked.
