33
APPENdIx A
intended use of your bicycle
wArnInG:
U
NdeRsTANd
yOUR
bIke
ANd
ITs
INTeNded
Use
. C
hOOsING
The
WRONG
bICyCle
fOR
yOUR
pURpOse
CAN
be
hAzARdOUs
. U
sING
yOUR
bIke
The
WRONG
WAy
Is
dANGeROUs
.
no one type of bicycle is suited for all purposes. Your retailer can help you pick the “right tool for the job” and help you understand its
limitations. there are many types of bicycles and many variations within each type. there are many types of mountain, road, racing, hybrid,
touring, cyclocross and tandem bicycles.
there are also bicycles that mix features. For example, there are road/racing bikes with triple cranks. these bikes have the low gearing of
a touring bike, the quick handling of a racing bike, but are not well suited for carrying heavy loads on a tour. For that purpose you want a
touring bike.
Within each of type of bicycle, one can optimize for certain purposes. Visit your bicycle shop and find someone with expertise in the area that
interests you. do your own homework. seemingly small changes such as the choice of tires can improve or diminish the performance of a
bicycle for a certain purpose.
On the following pages, we generally outline the intended uses of various types of bikes.
Industry usage conditions are generalized and evolving. Consult your dealer about how you intend to use your bike.
hIGh-PERfORMANCE ROAd
ConDITIon 1
Bikes designed for riding on a paved surface where the tires do not lose ground contact.
InTenDeD
to be ridden on paved roads only.
noT InTenDeD
For off-road, cyclocross, or touring with racks or panniers.
TrADe oFF
material use is optimized to deliver both light weight and specific performance. You must understand that
(1) these types of bikes are intended to give an aggressive racer or competitive cyclist a performance advantage over
a relatively short product life, (2) a less aggressive rider will enjoy longer frame life, (3) you are choosing light weight
(shorter frame life) over more frame weight and a longer frame life, (4) you are choosing light weight over more dent
resistant or rugged frames that weigh more. all frames that are very light need frequent inspection. these frames
are likely to be damaged or broken in a crash. they are not designed to take abuse or be a rugged workhorse. see
also
Appendix B
.
* seat Bag /Handlebar Bag Only
GENERAL PURPOSE RIdING
ConDITIon 2
Bikes designed for riding Condition 1, plus smooth gravel roads and improved trails with moderate grades where the
tires do not lose ground contact.
InTenDeD
For paved roads, gravel or dirt roads that are in good condition, and bike paths.
noT InTenDeD
For off-road or mountain bike use, or for any kind of jumping. some of these bikes have suspension
features, but these features are designed to add comfort, not off-road capability. some come with relatively wide
tires that are well suited to gravel or dirt paths. some come with relatively narrow tires that are best suited to faster
riding on pavement. if you ride on gravel or dirt paths, carry heavier loads or want more tire durability talk to your
dealer about wider tires.
CROSS-COUNTRY, MARAThON, hARdTAILS
ConDITIon 3
Bikes designed for riding Conditions 1 and 2, plus rough trails, small obstacles, and smooth technical areas, including
areas where momentary loss of tire contact with the ground may occur. nOt jumping. all mountain bikes without rear
suspension are Condition 3, and so are some lightweight rear suspension models.
InTenDeD
For cross-country riding and racing which ranges from mild to aggressive over intermediate terrain
(e.g., hilly with small obstacles like roots, rocks, loose surfaces and hard pack and depressions). Cross-country and
marathon equipment (tires, shocks, frames, drive trains) are light-weight, favoring nimble speed over brute force.
suspension travel is relatively short since the bike is intended to move quickly on the ground.
maXimum WeigHt limit
RideR
luggage*
tOtal
lbs / kg
lbs / kg
lbs / kg
275 / 125
10 / 4.5
285 / 129
maXimum WeigHt limit
RideR
luggage
tOtal
lbs / kg
lbs / kg
lbs / kg
300 / 136
30 / 14
330 / 150
For touring or trekking
300 / 136
55 / 25
355 / 161
