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Suspension can increase control and comfort by allowing the wheels to better
follow the terrain. This enhanced capability may allow you to ride faster; but you must
not confuse the enhanced capabilities of the bicycle with your own capabilities as a
rider. Increasing your skill will take time and practice. Proceed carefully until you have
learned to handle the full capabilities of your bike.
WARNING: Not all bicycles can be safely retrofitted with some types of
suspension systems. Before retrofitting a bicycle with any suspension, check
with the bicycle’s manufacturer to make sure that what you want to do is compatible
with the bicycle’s design. Failing to do so can result in catastrophic frame failure.
G. Tires and Tubes
1. Tires
Bicycle tires are available in many
designs and specifications, ranging from
general-purpose designs to tires designed
to perform best under very specific weather
or terrain conditions. If, once you’ve gained
experience with your new bike, you feel that
a different tire might better suit your riding
needs, your dealer can help you select the
most appropriate design.
The size, pressure rating, and on some
high-performance tires the specific
recommended use, are marked on the
sidewall of the tire (see fig. 17). The part of
this information which is most important to
you is Tire Pressure.
WARNING: Never inflate a tire beyond the maximum pressure marked on the
tire’s sidewall. Exceeding the recommended maximum pressure may blow the
tire off the rim, which could cause damage to the bike and injury to the rider and
bystanders.
The best and safest way to inflate a bicycle tire to the correct pressure is with a
bicycle pump which has a built-in pressure gauge.
WARNING: There is a safety risk in using gas station air hoses or other air
compressors. They are not made for bicycle tires. They move a large volume of
air very rapidly, and will raise the pressure in your tire very rapidly, which could
cause the tube to explode.
Tire pressure is given either as maximum pressure or as a pressure range. How
a tire performs under different terrain or weather conditions depends largely on tire
pressure. Inflating the tire to near its maximum recommended pressure gives the
lowest rolling resistance; but also produces the harshest ride. High pressures work
best on smooth, dry pavement.
4. Clipless pedals (sometimes called “step-in pedals”) are another means to keep
feet securely in the correct position for maximum pedaling efficiency. They have a
plate, called a “cleat,” on the sole of the shoe, which clicks into a mating spring-loaded
fixture on the pedal. They only engage or disengage with a very specific motion which
must be practiced until it becomes instinctive. Clipless pedals require shoes and cleats
which are compatible with the make and model pedal being used.
Many clipless pedals are designed to allow the rider to adjust the amount of force
needed to engage or disengage the foot. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s instructions,
or ask your dealer to show you how to make this adjustment. Use the easiest setting
until engaging and disengaging becomes a reflex action, but always make sure that
there is sufficient tension to prevent unintended release of your foot from the pedal.
WARNING: Clipless pedals are intended for use with shoes specifically made
to fit them and are designed to firmly keep the foot engaged with the pedal. Do
not use shoes which do not engage the pedals correctly.
Practice is required to learn to engage and disengage the foot safely. Until engaging
and disengaging the foot becomes a reflex action, the technique requires concentration
which can distract your attention and cause you to lose control and fall. Practice
engaging and disengaging clipless pedals in a place where there are no obstacles,
hazards or traffic; and be sure to follow the pedal manufacturer’s setup and service
instructions. If you do not have the manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealer or
contact the manufacturer.
F. Bicycle Suspension
Many bicycles are equipped with suspension systems. There are many different
types of suspension systems — too many to deal with individually in this Manual. If your
bicycle has a suspension system of any kind, be sure to read and follow the suspension
manufacturer’s setup and service instructions. If you do not have the manufacturer’s
instructions, see your dealer or contact the manufacturer.
WARNING: Failure to maintain, check and properly adjust the suspension
system may result in suspension malfunction, which may cause you to lose
control and fall.
If your bike has suspension, the increased speed you may develop also increases your
risk of injury. For example, when braking, the front of a suspended bike dips. You could
lose control and fall if you do not have experience with this system. Learn to handle your
suspension system safely. See also Section 4.C.
WARNING: Changing suspension adjustment can change the handling and
braking characteristics of your bicycle. Never change suspension adjustment
unless you are thoroughly familiar with the suspension system manufacturer’s
instructions and recommendations, and always check for changes in the handling and
braking characteristics of the bicycle after a suspension adjustment by taking a
careful test ride in a hazard-free area.
