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4. First.indd
Last Modifi ed March 24, 2015 12:56 PM
First
First ride
Handlebar and saddle
alignment
Make sure the saddle and handlebar
stem are parallel to the bike’s center
line and clamped tight enough so that
you can’t twist them out of alignment.
See “Saddle position” on page 19
and “Handlebar height and angle” on
page 21.
Handlebar ends and grips
Make sure the handlebar grips are
secure and in good condition. If not, have
your dealer replace them. Make sure
the handlebar ends and extensions are
plugged. If not, have your dealer plug
them before you ride. If the handlebars
have bar end extensions, make sure
they are clamped tight enough so you
can’t twist them.
Loose or damaged handlebar grips or
extensions can cause you to lose control
and fall. Unplugged handlebars or exten-
sions can cut you and cause serious
injury in an otherwise minor accident.
VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:
Please also read and become thoroughly
familiar with the important information
on the lifespan of your bicycle and its
components on page 68.
First ride
When you buckle on your helmet and
go for your fi rst familiarization ride on your
new bicycle, be sure to pick a controlled
environment, away from cars, other cyclists,
obstacles or other hazards. Ride to become
familiar with the controls, features and per-
formance of your new bike.
Familiarize yourself with the braking
action of the bike (see “Brakes” on page
30). Test the brakes at slow speed, put-
ting your weight toward the rear and gen-
tly applying the brakes, rear brake fi rst.
Sudden or excessive application of the
front brake could pitch you over the han-
dlebars. Applying brakes too hard can lock
up a wheel, which could cause you to lose
control and fall. Skidding is an example of
what can happen when a wheel locks up.
If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless
pedals, practice getting in and out of the
pedals. See the paragraph about toeclips
on page 5 and the paragraph about
clipless pedals on page 37.
If your bike has suspension, familiarize
yourself with how the suspension responds
to brake application and rider weight shifts.
See the paragraph about suspension on
page 5 and “Bicycle suspension” on
page 37.
Practice shifting the gears (see “Shift-
ing gears” on page 33). Remember to
never move the shifter while pedaling back-
ward, nor pedal backwards immediately
after having moved the shifter. This could
jam the chain and cause serious damage
to the bicycle.
Check out the handling and response of
the bike; and check the comfort.
If you have any questions, or if you feel
anything about the bike is not as it should be,
consult your dealer before you ride again.
