SECTION: III Fit
13
If, in spite of carefully adjusting the saddle height, tilt and fore-and-aft
position, your saddle is still uncomfortable, you may need a different
saddle design. Saddles, like people, come in many different shapes,
sizes and with varied resilience. Your dealer can help you select a
saddle which, when correctly adjusted for your body and riding style,
will be comfortable.
WARNING:
Some people have claimed that extended riding with a saddle
which is incorrectly adjusted or which does not support your pelvic area
correctly can cause short-term or long-term injury to nerves and blood
vessels, or even impotence. If your saddle causes you pain, numbness or
other discomfort, see your dealer.
C. Handlebar Height and Angle
Your bike is equipped either with a “threadless” stem, which clamps onto
the outside of the steerer tube, or with a “quill” stem, which clamps inside
the steerer tube by way of an expanding binder bolt. If you aren’t
absolutely
sure
which type of stem your bike has, ask your dealer.
If your bike has a “threadless” stem, your dealer may be able to change
handlebar height by moving height adjustment spacers from below the
stem to above the stem, or vice versa. Otherwise, you’ll have to get a stem
of different length or rise. Consult your dealer.
Do not attempt to do this
yourself, as it requires special knowledge
.
If your bike has a “quill” stem, you can ask your dealer to adjust the
handlebar height a bit by adjusting stem height.
A quill stem has an etched or stamped mark on its shaft which designates
the stem’s “Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum Extension.” This mark
must not be visible above the headset.
WARNING:
On some bicycles, changing the stem or stem height can affect
the tension of the front brake cable, locking the front brake or creating excess
cable slack which can make the front brake inoperable. If the front brake pads
move in towards the wheel rim or out away from the wheel rim when the stem
or stem height is changed, the brakes must be correctly adjusted before you
ride the bicycle.
WARNING:
The stem’s Minimum Insertion Mark must not be visible above
the top of the headset. If the stem is extended beyond the Minimum Insertion
Mark the stem may break or damage the fork’s steerer tube, which could
cause you to lose control and fall.
Your dealer can also change the angle of the handlebar or bar end extensions.
WARNING:
An insufficiently tightened stem binder bolt, handlebar binder
bolt or bar end extension clamping bolt may compromise steering action,
which could cause you to lose control and fall. Place the front wheel of the
bicycle between your legs and attempt to twist the handlebar/stem assem-
bly. If you can twist the stem in relation to the front wheel, turn the handlebars
in relation to the stem, or turn the bar end extensions in relation to the
handlebar, the bolts are insufficiently tightened.
20
SECTION: IV Tech
WARNING:
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.
WARNING:
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; then try again.
C. Brakes
WARNING:
1. Riding with improperly adjusted brakes or worn brake pads is dangerous
and can result in serious injury or death.
2. Applying brakes too hard or too suddenly can lock up a wheel, which
could cause you to lose control and fall. Sudden or excessive application
of the front brake may pitch the rider over the handlebars, which may
result in serious injury or death.
3. Some bicycle brakes, such as disc brakes (Fig. 10) and linear-pull
brakes (Fig.11), are extremely powerful. Take extra care in becoming
familiar with these brakes and exercise particular care when using them.
4. Disc brakes can get extremely hot with extended use. Be careful not to
touch a disc brake until it has had plenty of time to cool.
5. See the brake manufacturer’s instructions for installation, operation and
care of your disk brake. If you do not have the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions, see your dealer or contact the brake manufacturer.
How brakes work
It’s very important to your safety that you learn and remember which
brake lever controls which brake on your bike.
The braking action of a bicycle is a function of the friction between the brake
surfaces — usually the brake pads and the wheel rim. To make sure that
you have maximum friction available, keep your wheel rims and brake
pads clean and free of lubricants, waxes or polishes.
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, 12, 13 & 14) and check each time to make sure both
brakes work correctly before you get on the bike.
Brakes are designed to control your speed, not just to stop the bike.
Maximum braking force for each wheel occurs at the point just before the
