Tech
cont’d
no obstacles, hazards or other traffic, until you’ve built up your confidence. Learn to
anticipate the need to shift, and shift to a lower gear before the hill gets to steep. If you
have difficulties with shifting, the problem could be mechanical adjustment. See a
certified bike mechanic for help.
c. What If It Wont Shift Gears?
If moving the shift control one click repeatedly fails to result in a smooth shift to
the next gear, chances are that the mechanism is out of adjustment. Take the bike to a certified
bike mechanic to have it adjusted.
E. Pedals
1) Toe Overlap is when your toe can touch the front wheel when you turn the
handlebars to steer while a pedal is in the forward most position. This is common on
small-framed bicycles, and is avoided by keeping the inside pedal up and the outside
pedal down when making sharp turns. On any bicycle, this technique will also prevent
the inside pedal from striking the ground in a turn.
2) Some bicycles come equipped with pedals that have sharp and potentially
dangerous surfaces. These surfaces are designed to add safety by increasing grip
between the rider’s shoe and the pedal. If your bicycle has this type of high
performance pedal, you must take extra care to avoid serious injury from the pedals’
sharp surfaces. Based on your riding style or skill level, you may prefer a less
aggressive pedal design, or chose to ride with shin pads. A certified bike mechanic
can show you a number of options and make suitable recommendations.
3)
Toeclips and straps are a means to keep feet correctly positioned and engaged
with the pedals. The toeclip positions the ball of the foot over the pedal spindle, which
gives maximum pedaling power. The toe strap, when tightened, keeps the foot
engaged throughout the rotation cycle of the pedal. While toeclips and straps give
some benefit with any kind of shoe, they work most effectively with cycling shoes
designed for use with toeclips. A certified bike mechanic can explain how toeclips and
straps work. Shoes with deep treaded soles or welts which might make it more
difficult for you to insert or remove your foot should not be used with toeclips and
straps.
WARNING
: Toe Overlap could cause you to lose control and fall. Ask a certified
bike mechanic to help you determine if the combination of frame size, crank arm
length, pedal design and shoes you will use results in pedal overlap. Whether you have
overlap or not, you must keep the inside pedal up and the outside pedal down when
making sharp turns.
WARNING
: Getting into and out of pedals with toeclips and straps requires skill
which can only be acquired with practice. Until it becomes a reflex reaction, the
technique requires concentration which can distract your attention and cause you to lose
control and fall. Practice the use of toeclips and straps where there are no obstacles,
hazards or traffic. Keep the straps loose, and don’t tighten them until your technique and
confidence in getting in and out of the pedals warrants it. Never ride in traffic with your
toe straps tight.
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Содержание KC720-220
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