2. Some bicycles come equipped with pedals that have sharp and
potentially dangerous surfaces. These surfaces are designed to
increase the cyclist’s shoe grip on the pedal, thereby improving
safety in case of aggressive and extreme riding. If your bicycle is
equipped with such pedals, exercise extra caution to avoid serious
injury. Based on your riding style or skill level, you may prefer a less
aggressive pedal design. In this case, ask your dealer to help you
choose more suitable pedals.
3. Some bicycles come equipped with pedal toe clips and straps.
This is a conventional fixture used to keep the cyclist’s feet strapped
to the pedals in the right position. The toe clip positions the ball of
the foot over the pedal spindle, which gives maximum pedalling
power. The strap, when tightened, keeps the foot engaged
throughout the rotation cycle of the pedal crank. While toe clips and
straps give some benefit with any kind of shoe, they work most
effectively with cycling shoes designed for use with toe clips. Your
dealer can explain how toe clips and straps work.
WARNING: Getting quickly into and out of toe clips
requires skill, which can only be acquired with practice. At first,
this technique requires concentration which can distract the
rider’s attention and lead to loss of control and a fall. Practice
riding with toe clips in a safe place, where there are no
obstacles or traffic. Don’t over tighten the straps until your
technique and confidence warrants that you can quickly loosen
them. Never ride in traffic with your toe straps tight.
4. Clipless pedals are another means designed to keep the cyclist’s
feet in the right position for maximum pedalling power. In a way they
can be compared to ski bindings—a special plate (a “cleat”) on the
shoe sole clicks into a mating spring-loaded fixture on the pedal.
Clipless pedals can only be used with special shoes compatible with
certain pedal makes and models. Many clipless pedals are designed
to allow the rider to adjust the amount of force needed to engage or
disengage the shoe. Your dealer can explain how you adjust your
pedals. We recommend using the easiest setting until you get used to
clipless pedals. Always make sure that there is sufficient tension to
prevent unintended release of your foot from the pedal.
WARNING: Clipless pedals are intended for use with shoes
specifically made to fit them and are designed to keep the foot
firmly engaged with the pedal. Using them safely requires skill,
which can only be acquired with practice. At first, this technique
requires concentration which can distract your attention and
cause you to lose control and fall. Practice riding in clipless
pedals in a safe place where there are no obstacles or traffic.
F) BICYCLE SUSPENSION
Some mountain bicycles come equipped with wheel suspension
systems designed to smooth out the roughness of the off-road terrain.
There exists a considerable number of different suspension types, too
many to describe them all in this manual. If your bicycle is equipped
with a suspension system, ask your dealer to explain how it is
adjusted and how to maintain it in good working order.
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