Inflate or deflate the tyre as necessary. Are your tyres in good
condition? Turn each wheel slowly, examining the tread and the side
walls. The tyres will have to be replaced if they show any cracks or
other damage. Are the wheels “true”? Turn each wheel and make
sure that there is no horizontal or vertical wobble. If the wheel has
the slightest wobble, or is touching the brake pads, take the bike to a
certified repair shop to have the rims trued.
ATTENTION: The wheels must be “true” for the brakes to
work properly. Wheel truing is not an easy task and requires
special skills and tools. Do not try to true the wheels yourself if
you do not have the necessary knowledge, experience, or tools.
Brakes: check that the brakes are working properly (see chapter 4,
section C). Squeeze the brake levers. Are the quick-release levers
closed? Are the cables and sleeves properly fastened? Do the brake
pads touch the surface of the rim if the levers are squeezed half
way? Can you apply the maximum braking force without the levers
touching the handlebar? If not, your brakes need adjustment. Do not
ride your bike with poorly adjusted brakes.
Quick release skewers: make sure that your front and rear wheel
quick-release skewers and the seatpost skewer are properly
tightened and are in the “Locked” position (see chapter 4, section A).
Handlebar and saddle: make sure that the saddle and the stem are
in line with the bike and firmly secured. Otherwise, adjust and tighten
them.
Handlebar: make sure that the grips are in good condition and are
firm on the handlebar. Otherwise, replace them. Make sure that you
have handlebar end plugs fitted. If not, insert the plugs before going
for a ride. Make sure that any bar ends fitted to the handlebar are
tight.
WARNING: Loose or damaged grips can cause you to
lose control and fall. Handlebar ends without plugs have very
sharp edges and can cause a serious injury even in a minor
accident.
D) SOME ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS
• Take a good pump, puncture repair kit, and a spare tube. Learn
how to fix a punctured tyre. For detailed information, see chapter 5,
section B-1. Attend a bicycle running repair and maintenance
course or carefully read a good manual recommended by your
ALPINE ELEMENT dealer. Your ride can be ruined by a long walk
home with a broken bike.
• Take a full bottle of water and some food depending on how far
you are going. Your body is the engine. Without fuel you will be
going nowhere.
• Wear comfortable cycling clothing. A good pair of shorts, gloves
and glasses can make both long and short trips significantly more
comfortable, and you will not tire so easily. For detailed
information, see chapter 6, section A.
• Think positive! We don’t ride a bike because we are in a hurry to
get somewhere. Find your own pace and ride according to your
fitness. Meet other cyclists and learn various riding techniques. This
will help you use your energy more efficiently.
E) FIRST RIDE
Find a quiet spot to try your new bike, away from cars, other
cyclists, obstacles, and other hazards. Ride carefully to get used to
the controls and how the bike rides and its various capabilities.
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