Figure 28 Figure 29
The Presta valve has a smaller diameter than the Schraeder and can only be found on bicycle tires. To inflate a Presta valve tube, you need a pump equipped with a Presta head. Remove
the cap, unscrew its small retaining nut and press down the small pin to set it free. Insert your pump head on the valve end and just inflate the tube. However, if you wish to inflate a tube
using a compressor, you are going to need a Presta adaptor. Ask your authorized Devinci dealer for one. The adaptor can be screwed on the valve end once the small retaining nut is
loosened. To diminish the pressure inside your Presta valve tube, unscrew the retaining nut and press it down until you have reached the desired pressure. Tighten the retaining nut and
place your cap back before using your bike.
7.6 Toe-clips
Toe-clips are intended to help cyclists maintain their feet in place on their pedals. Furthermore, the toe-clip allows you to adequately position your foot on the pedal, providing the best
pedaling power Cyclists can tighten the straps to maintain their feet on the pedals during the whole pedaling cycle. The main advantage of this mechanism is to allow the use of any kind of
shoes, even though results are optimal with adapted shoes. Ask your authorized Devinci dealer for more details.
WARNING: You need to have specific skills to get on and off a bike that has toe-clips. These skills are earned through practice. Before becoming a reflex, this technique is
likely to require all your concentration. Practice using the toe-clips in a safe place where there is no traffic, obstacles or any other risk. Make sure you learn to
use them with loose pedal straps and do not tighten them before mastering the technique. Never ride in traffic with tightened straps.
7.7 Clipless pedals
The clipless pedals are used by most experienced cyclists and competitive riders. The pedals offer the advantage of maintaining the feet in the optimal pedaling positioning. Their behavior
is similar to those of alpine ski bindings. A rigid plate on the shoe sole gets clamped into the binding. Clipless pedals require specific shoes adapted to the brand and model.
Most models allow for adjusting the clamping and the retaining forces required to operate the pedals. Your authorized Devinci dealer can show you how to do it. Use small clamping forces
until you are familiar with the engaging and disengaging techniques.
WARNING: The clipless pedals bind your foot to the pedal. You need a certain amount of experience to engage and disengage your feet safely from the pedals. Before it
becomes a reflex, experience to engage and disengage your feet safely from the pedals. Before it becomes a reflex, this technique is likely to require all your
concentration. Practice using clipless pedals in a safe place where there is no traffic, obstacles or any other risk. Carefully follow the instructions provided with
your pedals and seek advice, if necessary, from your authorized Devinci dealer.
7.8 Suspension
All all-terrain bikes have suspension systems. These are designed to help absorb the shocks and impacts encountered while riding off-road. There are many suspension models on the
market and to elaborate on each of them would be futile and too exhaustive for this manual. If your bike is equipped with a suspension system, refer to your authorized Devinci dealer for
details regarding its maintenance and tuning.
A suspension improves the comfort, stability and maneuverability of your bike. This helps you ride faster on the mountain biking trails. But do not rely only on your bike’s superior ability to
attack difficult courses. Make sure you also know your own limits. You need to spend lots of time and sweat to increase your riding skills.
WARNING: If your suspension is maladjusted or poorly maintained, it could malfunction and that could result in a loss of control and a fall.
CAUTION: By adjusting a suspension, you risk affecting your bike braking and handling capacities. Never try to adjust suspension settings without having previously
studied the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. Test your new setting carefully by doing a short ride in safe spot.
CAUTION: Your bike is not meant to be equipped with any suspension models. You should check with your authorized Devinci dealer which suspension systems are
compatible.
WARNING: When equipped with a suspension, your bike is likely to become more dangerous at high speeds. Indeed, braking makes the front suspension compress and
that could result in loss of control and a fall. You should learn to master the behavior of your suspension before try ing to ride on steep terrain and/or at high
speeds.
7.9 Component upgrades
There are tons of components out there that are meant to improve your bike’s performance, comfort or look. Consult your authorized Devinci dealer in order to receive assistance when
choosing new parts.
WARNING: A bad installation or use of a replacement part could damage your bike and result in loss of control that could cause serious injury or even death.
7.9.1 Comfort improvement
As soon as your bike is well set-up (seat height, positioning and tilt or handlebar adjustments), you can look at some others things that can raise your comfort.
A. Seat
The comfort of a seat is more linked to your morphology than to the thickness of its padding. Devinci has chosen seats that are adequate for most cyclists in your category. However, the
seat could be incompatible with your body and feel quite uncomfortable. Your authorized Devinci dealer has many seat models that are likely to suit your needs. If you don’t like your seat,
consult your authorized Devinci dealer for helping finding better-adapted models.
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B. Cycling gloves
If you plan to ride for more than one hour, you should equip yourself with cycling gloves. Their padded palms help prevent the hand numbness caused by the handlebars’ vibrations. This
feeling, known as carpal tunnel syndrome, can become painful after awhile. Moreover, the gloves will protect you from scratches in case of a fall.
C. Sportswear
In order to improve your comfort and performance, cycling shorts and jerseys are very important accessories. Two types of cycling shorts are available on the market, the loose-fit model
and the tight-fit model in Lycra. These are meant to reduce friction and the wear it tends to cause. Make sure you wear them without underpants for optimal comfort as well as to avoid
fabric rubbing. Cycling clothes are equipped with back pockets that can carry small objects without having them wobbling as you pedal. Most jerseys are made from special fabrics which
elp the evacuation of the heat and perspiration and which improve comfort.
D. Hydratation
During any physical activity, your body needs to stay hydrated and you should therefore drink a lot of water. The best and simple solution is still the water bottle. When your bike model
allows it, it is strongly recommended that you install a bottle holder where it belongs.
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