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Before Your First Ride
1. If you want to use your bicycle on public roads, it has to comply with the
respective legal requirements. These regulations differ from country to coun-
try. Therefore, bicycles are not necessarily equipped completely. Ask your
STEVENS dealer for the laws and regulations applicable in your country or in
the country where you intend to use the STEVENS bicycle. Have your STEVENS
bicycle equipped accordingly, before using it on public roads.
2. Are you familiar with the brake system? Have a look at the bike card and check
whether the brake lever of the front brake is on the side you are used to (right
or left). If it is not, ask your STEVENS dealer to switch the brake levers before
you set off for the first time.
Your new bicycle is equipped with modern brakes which may be far more
powerful than those you were used to so far. Be sure to first practise using the
brakes on a level, non-slip surface off public roads!
For more information see the chapter
“The Brake System”
further below as
well as the instructions of the component manufacturers.
3. Are you familiar with the type and functioning of the gears? Ask your STEVENS
dealer to explain to you the gear system and make yourself familiar with your
new gears in an area free of traffic, if necessary.
For more information see the chapter
“The Gears”
further below as well as
the instructions of the component manufacturers.
Danger:
Be aware that the dis-
tance you need to stop
your bicycle increases,
if you have aerobars or
ride with your hands on
the top of the handlebar.
The brake levers are
not in all grip positions
within easy reach.
4. Are both the saddle and the handlebar properly adjusted? The saddle should
be set to a height from which you can just reach the pedal in its lowest position
with your heel. Check whether your toes reach to the floor when you are sitting
on the saddle.
For more information see the chapter
“Adjusting the STEVENS Bicycle to
the Rider”
further below as well as the instructions of the component manu-
facturers.
5. If your STEVENS bicycle is equipped with clipless or step-in pedals: Have you
ever tried the shoes they go with? Do not set off until you have practised
engaging and disengaging the shoes from the pedals while stationary. Ask your
STEVENS dealer to explain to you the pedals.
For more information see the chapter
“The Pedal Systems”
as well as the
instructions of the component manufacturers.
6. If you have bought a STEVENS bicycle with suspension, you should ask your
STEVENS dealer to properly adjust the chassis. Improperly adjusted suspen-
sion components are liable to malfunction or damage. In any case, the riding
behaviour deteriorates and you do not achieve maximum riding safety and
riding pleasure.
For more information see the chapter
“Suspension Forks”
as well as the
instructions of the component manufacturers.
Danger:
In case you had a crash with your STEVENS bicycle, perform at least the
check described in the chapter
“Before Every Ride”
. Ride back very care-
fully by taking the shortest route possible, even if your STEVENS bicycle
went through this check without any problems. Do not accelerate or brake
hard and do not ride your bicycle out of the saddle. If you are in doubt,
have yourself picked up by car, instead of taking any risk. Back home you
need to check once again your STEVENS bicycle thoroughly. If you are in
doubt or if you have any questions, contact your STEVENS dealer!
Note:
Be sure to observe the STEVENS user manuals, the
instructions of the component manufacturers as
well as the respective weblinks on our website at
www.stevensbikes.de/manual
Danger:
A lack of practice when
using clipless pedals or
too much spring tension
in the mechanism can
lead to a very firm con-
nection, from which you
cannot quickly step out.
Risk of accident!
Caution:
Prior to towing a trailer
with your STEVENS bicy-
cle or mounting a child
seat, read the chapters
“Use of Child Seats”
and
“Use of Trailers”
and have a look at the
bike card. If you are in
doubt or if you have
any questions, ask your
STEVENS dealer.
Danger:
Make particularly sure there is enough space between your crotch and the
top tube so that you do not hurt yourself, if you have to get off your bike
quickly.
Note:
It is recommendable that you take out a private liability insurance. Contact
your insurance agency. Becoming member in a bicycle association may
also provide insurance coverage.
