14
Safety
Changing components & adding accessories
Although many catalogs, advertisements
and articles about bicycling depict riders
engaged in extreme riding, this activity
is extremely dangerous, increases your
risk of injury or death, and increases the
severity of any injury. Remember that
the action depicted is being performed
by professionals with many years of
training and experience. Know your lim-
its and always wear a helmet and other
appropriate safety gear. Even with state-
of-the-art protective safety gear, you
could be seriously injured or killed when
jumping, stunt riding, riding downhill at
speed or in competition.
Bicycles and bicycle parts have limita-
tions with regard to strength and integ-
rity, and this type of riding can exceed
those limitations.
We recommend against this type of riding
because of the increased risks; but if you
choose to take the risk, at least:
Take lessons from a competent instruc-
tor fi rst.
Start with easy learning exercises and
slowly develop your skills before trying
more diffi cult or dangerous riding.
Use only designated areas for stunts,
jumping, racing or fast downhill riding.
Wear a full face helmet, safety pads and
other safety gear.
Understand and recognize that the
stresses imposed on your bike by this
kind of activity may break or damage
parts of the bicycle and void the warranty.
Take your bicycle to your dealer if any-
thing breaks or bends. Do not ride your
bicycle when any part is damaged.
If you ride downhill at speed, do stunt
riding or ride in competition, know the lim-
its of your skill and experience. Ultimately,
avoiding injury is your responsibility.
Changing components &
adding accessories
There are many components and acces-
sories available to enhance the comfort,
performance and appearance of your bicy-
cle. However, if you change components
or add accessories, you do so at your own
risk. The bicycle’s manufacturer may not
have tested that component or accessory
for compatibility, reliability or safety on your
bicycle. Before installing any component
or accessory, including a different size tire,
make sure that it is compatible with your
bicycle by checking with your dealer. Be
sure to read, understand and follow the
instructions that accompany the products
you purchase for your bicycle. See also
“Intended use of your electric bicycle” on
page 62 and “The lifespan of your bike
and its components” on page 68.
Failure to confi rm compatibility, prop-
erly install, operate and maintain any
component or accessory can result in
serious injury or death.
