B) SEATPOST QUICK RELEASE CLAMP
Some bicycles are equipped with a quick release seatpost clamp
working in the same manner as wheel quick skewers (section
5.A.1). While a quick release skewer looks like a long bolt with a
lever on one end and a nut on the other, the wheel is secured not
by the force with which the nut is tightened but by the pivoting
force of the quick release lever (cam action) (fig. 7).
WARNING: Riding with an incorrectly tightened seatpost
can allow the saddle to turn or move and cause you to lose
control and fall. Therefore:
• Ask your dealer to show you know how to clamp your
seatpost correctly
• Before each ride, make sure your seatpost is securely
clamped
1. Seatpost quick release clamp adjustment
The force created when turning the quick release lever (cam
action) squeezes the seat tube collar around the seatpost and
prevents the seatpost from turning and moving up and down. The
amount of clamping force is controlled by turning the adjusting nut.
Turning the nut clockwise relative to the lever increases the
clamping force; turning it counterclockwise reduces the clamping
force. Less than half a turn of the tension adjusting nut can reduce
the tightening force from sufficient to hazardous.
ATTENTION: Holding the nut with one hand and turning
the lever like a regular bolt with the other hand will not clamp
the seatpost safely. To clamp the seatpost securely, the full
pivoting force of the quick release lever is required.
ATTENTION: If you can fully close the quick release
lever without wrapping your fingers around the seat tube for
leverage, and the lever does not leave a clear imprint in the palm
of your hand, the tightening force is insufficient. “Open” the lever,
turn the tension adjusting nut clockwise a quarter turn and try
again.
C) BRAKES
WARNING:
• Riding with incorrectly adjusted brakes or worn brake pads is
dangerous and can result in injury.
• Applying brakes too hard or too suddenly can lock up one or both
wheels, which, in turn, could cause you to lose control of the bicycle
and fall. Sudden or excessive application of the front brake may pitch
the rider over the handlebars, which may result in injury.
• Some brake systems, such as disc brakes (fig. 11) and V-brakes (fig.
12), are very powerful. Use them with extra care, especially at the
beginning, until you become accustomed to them.
• Disc brakes can get extremely hot when used, especially during
prolonged or heavy braking. Do not touch the brake disc or calliper,
until the system has cooled down.
• You can find a detailed description and recommendations on disc
brake installation, adjustment and care in the brake manufacturer’s
manual. If the manufacturer’s manual is unavailable, please consult
your dealer or manufacturer directly.
1. HOW BRAKES WORK
It’s very important for your safety that you learn and remember which
brake lever controls which brake on your bike. New bicycles come with
the right lever controlling the rear brake, and the left lever, the front
brake. The braking action is a function of the friction between the brake
surfaces—usually the brake pads and the wheel rim.
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