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A special note for parents:
As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety
of your minor child, and that includes making sure that the bicycle is properly
fitted to the child; that it is in good repair and safe operating condition; that you
and your child have learned and understand the safe operation of the bicycle;
and that you and your child have learned, understand and obey not only the
applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle and traffic laws, but also the common
sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling. As a parent, you should read this
manual, as well as review its warnings and the bicycle’s functions and operating
procedures with your child, before letting your child ride the bicycle.
WARNING: Make sure that your child always wears an approved
bicycle helmet when riding; but also make sure that your child
understands that a bicycle helmet is for bicycling only, and must be
removed when not riding. A helmet must not be worn while playing, in play
areas, on playground equipment, while climbing trees, or at any time while
not riding a bicycle. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious
injury or death.
1. First
NOTE: We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its entirety before your first
ride. At the very least, read and make sure that you understand each point in this
section, and refer to the cited sections on any issue which you don’t completely
understand. Please note that not all bicycles have all of the features described in
this Manual. Ask your dealer to point out the features of your bicycle.
A. Bike fit
1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see Section 3.A. If your bicycle is too
large or too small for you, you may lose control and fall. If your new bike is not
the right size, ask your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.
2. Is the saddle at the right height? To check, see Section 3.B. If you adjust
your saddle height, follow the Minimum Insertion instructions in Section 3.B.
3. Are saddle and seat post securely clamped? A correctly tightened saddle will
allow no saddle movement in any direction. See Section 3.B.
4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you? If not, see Section
3.C.
5. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not, you may be able to adjust
their angle and reach. See Section 3.D and 3.E.
6. Do you fully understand how to operate your new bicycle? If not, before your
first ride, have your dealer explain any functions or features which you do not
understand.
B. Safety first
1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the
helmet manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and care.
2. Do you have all the other required and recommended safety equipment?
See Section 2. It’s your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of the
areas where you ride, and to comply with all applicable laws.
3. Do you know how to correctly secure your front and rear wheels? Check
Section 4.A.1 to make sure. Riding with an improperly secured wheel can cause
the wheel to wobble or disengage from the bicycle, and cause serious injury or
death.
4. If your bike has toeclips and straps or clipless (“step-in”) pedals, make
sure you know how they work (see Section 4.E). These pedals require special
techniques and skills. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s instructions for use,
adjustment and care.
5. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles your toe or toeclip
may be able to contact the front wheel when a pedal is all the way forward
and the wheel is turned. Read Section 4.E. to check whether you have toeclip
overlap.
6. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check Section 4.F. Suspension
can change the way a bicycle performs. Follow the suspension manufacturer’s
instructions for use, adjustment and care.
C. Mechanical Safety Check
Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before every ride.
Nuts, bolts screws & other fasteners:
Because manufacturers use