CHAPTER 2. BEFORE YOU GO
NOTICE: Read this manual thoroughly before your first ride
and keep it within reach for future reference. If you have any
questions, please contact your bicycle shop for assistance.
А) SETTING UP YOUR BICYCLE
1. Is the bicycle the right size for you? To check the size, please refer
to chapter 3, section A. Having a bicycle that is too small or too big for
you can make riding uncomfortable and cause you to lose control and
fall. Ask your dealer for an appropriate bicycle size before you go on
your first ride.
2. Is the saddle at the correct height? To check the saddle height,
please refer to chapter 3, section B. When adjusting the saddle height,
please make sure that the seatpost does not protrude excessively
from the frame (see chapter 3, section C, for details).
3. Are the saddle and seat post tightened? A correctly tightened
saddle will not swivel (chapter 3, section C).
4. Are the handlebar and handlebar stem at a comfortable height for
you? If not, please see the adjustment procedure in chapter 3, section
D.
5. Can you operate the brakes comfortably? If not, you may need to
change the angle and the distance of the brake levers from the
handlebar (chapter 3, section E).
6. Do you understand how all the bicycle systems operate? If you are
in any doubt, please contact your dealer for assistance before your
first ride.
B) SAFETY FIRST!
1. Always wear a protective helmet and follow its manufacturer’s
maintenance instructions.
2. Are all essential and recommended safety groupsets installed on
your bicycle? See chapter 2.
3. Check if you can use wheel quick release skewers properly. Read
chapter 4, section А-1. Cycling with incorrectly tightened quick
release skewers may be dangerous due to wheel play and possible
wheel drop-out.
4. If your bicycle is equipped with toe clips or clipless pedals, make
sure that you familiarise yourself with how they work (see chapter 4,
section E). Using these pedals requires special skills.
5. Is your bicycle equipped with shock absorbers? If it is, please see
chapter 5, section F. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and
recommendations for maintenance, set-up, and adjustment of front
suspension forks and rear shock absorbers.
6. Does your foot or pedal come into contact with the front wheel
when turning the handlebar? This may happen, particularly on small
frames (chapter 4, Section E-1).
C) MECHANICAL SAFETY CHECK
Make a rule of checking your bike’s condition before each ride.
Nuts, bolts, clamps: make sure that there are no loose components
on your bike. This is very easy to do—just lift the front wheel
5−10 cm off the ground and release it. You will feel, see, or hear if
something is loose. Make sure that all parts and components are
secure. If you are in any doubt, ask someone more experienced to
help you.
Tyres and wheels: make sure that your tyre pressure is OK. You can
use a pressure gauge or, by placing one hand on the saddle and the
other hand on the stem, you can push down on the bike. Watch the
tyres deform and compare it with what it looks like when you know
that the pressures are correct.
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