Felt Bicycle - Page 5

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3. Are you familiar with the brake system? Check whether the lever of the front
brake is in the position you are used to (right or left). If this is not the case, you
will need to learn to get used to it, as inadvertent use of the front brake can throw
you off your bike! Or ask your FELT dealer to switch the brake levers.
Your new bike is equipped with modern brakes which may be far more powerful
than those you are used to! (a) Be sure to first practise using the brakes away
from public roads!
Please be aware that you cannot reach the brake levers as quickly as
usual, if you are riding with your hands e.g. on the bar ends of a MTB or
on the aerodynamic handlebar (b) of a time trial bike. The brake levers are
not always handy.
You will find more information about brakes in the chapter titled “The brake
system“.
4. Are you familiar with the type and functioning of the gears? If not, make yourself
familiar with the gears in a place free of traffic.
You will find more information about gears in the chapter titled “The gears”.
5. Are the saddle and handlebars properly adjusted? The saddle should be set to
a height from which you can just reach the pedal in its lowest position with your
heel. Check whether your toes reach to the floor (c) when you are sitting on the
saddle. Your FELT dealer will be pleased to help you, if you are not happy with
your seating position. You will find more information on this in the chapter titled
“Adjusting the bike to the rider“.
6. If your bike is equipped with clipless or step-in pedals: Have you ever tried the
shoes they go with? First practise locking one shoe into a pedal and disengag
-
ing it while standing on the other leg. You will find more information on this in the
chapter titled “Pedals and shoes“. Be sure to also read the enclosed operating
instructions for the pedals delivered by your FELT dealer.
A lack of practice when using clip-less pedals or too much spring tension
in the mechanism can lead to a very firm connection, from which you
cannot quickly step out. You might fall off the bike!
7. If you have bought a FELT suspension bike, you should ask your FELT dealer to
adjust the suspension mechanism to your needs
(d). Improperly adjusted sus-
pension components are liable to malfunction or become damaged. In any case
they will impair the performance of your bike as well as your safety whilst riding.
You will find more information on this in the chapters “The suspension fork”,
“The suspension seat post“ and “The rear shock”.
a b c d