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.
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.
!
CAUTION
: 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.
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.
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