Bicycle Owner’s Manual 21
WARNING: Not all bicycles can be safely retrotted
with some types of suspension systems. Before
retrotting a bicycle with any suspension, check
with the bicycle’s manufacturer to make sure that what
you want to do is compatible with the bicycle’s design.
Failing to do so can result in catastrophic ame failure.
G. Tires and Tubes
WARNING: Some bicycles intended for competition
are tted with tires which are glued on to specially
made rims. These are called “sew-up” or “tubular”
tires. Properly mounting these tires requires specialized
knowledge and skills. Ask your dealer to teach you how to
mount tubulars before you attempt it on your own. An
incorrectly installed tubular tire can come o the rim,
causing you to loose control and fall.
1. Tires
Bicycle tires are available in many designs and
specications, ranging om general-purpose designs to
tires designed to perform best under very specic weather
or terrain conditions. If, once you’ve gained experience
with your new bike, you feel that a dierent tire might
better suit your riding needs, your dealer can help you
select the most appropriate design.
The size, pressure rating, and on some high-
performance tires the specic recommended use, are
marked on the sidewall of the tire (see g. 17). The part of
this information which is most important to you is Tire
Pressure. But some wheel rim manufacturers also speci
maximum tire pressure with a label on the rim.
WARNING: Never inate a tire beyond the maximum
pressure marked on the tire’s sidewall or the wheel
rim. If the maximum pressure rating for the wheel
rim is lower than the maximup pressure shown on the tire,
always use the lower rating. Exceeding the recommended
maximum pressure may blow the tire o the rim or dmage
the wheel rim, which could cause damage to the bike and
injury to the rider and bystanders.
Practice is required to learn to engage and disengage
the foot safely. Until engaging and disengaging the
foot becomes a reex action, the technique requires
concentration which can distract your attention and
cause you to lose control and fall. Practice engaging and
disengaging clipless pedals in a place where there are no
obstacles, hazards or trac; and be sure to follow the
pedal manufacturer’s setup and service instructions. If
you do not have the manufacturer’s instructions, see your
dealer or contact the manufacturer.
F. Bicycle Suspension
Many bicycles are equipped with suspension systems.
There are many dierent types of suspension systems
— too many to deal with individually in this manual.
If your bicycle has a suspension system of any kind,
be sure to read, understand and follow the suspension
manufacturer’s setup and service instructions. If you do
not have the manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealer
or contact the manufacturer.
WARNING: Failure to maintain, check and properly
adjust the suspension system may result in
suspension malnction, which may cause you to
lose control and fall.
If your bike has suspension, the increased speed
you may develop also increases your risk of injury.
For example, when braking, the ont of a suspended
bike dips. You could lose control and fall if you do not
have experience with this system. Learn to handle your
suspension system safely. See also Section 4.C.
WARNING: Changing suspension adjustment can
change the handling and braking characteristics of
your bicycle. Never change suspension adjustment
unless you are thoroughly familiar with the suspension
system manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations,
and always check for changes in the handling and braking
characteristics of the bicycle aer a suspension
adjustment by taking a carel test ride in a hazard-ee
area.
Suspension can increase control and comfort by
allowing the wheels to better follow the terrain. This
enhanced capability may allow you to ride faster; but you
must not conse the enhanced capabilities of the bicycle
with your own capabilities as a rider. Increasing your skill
will take time and practice. Proceed carelly until you
have learned to handle the ll capabilities of your bike.
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