1. BRAKE CONTROLS AND FEATURES
It is crucial for your safety that you learn and remember which brake lever
controls which brake on your bike. Traditionally, the right brake lever
controls the rear brake and the left brake lever controls the front brake.
However, to ensure that your bike's brakes are set up this way, squeeze
each brake lever individually and observe which brake, front or rear,
engages. Repeat this process with the other brake lever.
Ensure that your hands can comfortably reach and squeeze the brake
levers. If your hands are too small to operate the levers comfortably,
consult your dealer before riding the bike. The lever reach may be adjust-
able, or you may need a different brake lever design.
Most rim brakes have a quick-release mechanism that allows the brake
pads to clear the tire when a wheel is removed or reinstalled. When the
brake quick-release is in the open position, the brakes are inoperative. Ask
your dealer to explain how the brake quick-release works on your bike and
check each time to ensure that both brakes work correctly before you ride.
2. HOW BRAKES WORK
To ensure maximum friction and effective braking, it is important to keep
the wheel rims and brake pads, or the disc rotor and caliper, clean and free
from dirt, lubricants, waxes, or polishes.
When you apply the brakes, the bike starts to slow down, but your body
naturally wants to continue at the speed it was going. This results in a
transfer of weight to the front wheel. Under heavy braking, this weight
transfer could cause the bike to pitch forward, potentially causing you to
be thrown over the handlebars.
A wheel with more weight on it can handle greater brake pressure before
locking up, while a wheel with less weight will lock up with less brake
pressure. Therefore, as you apply the brakes and your weight shifts forward,
it is important to shift your body towards the rear of the bike to transfer
weight back to the rear wheel. At the same time, you need to decrease
rear braking force and increase front braking force. This becomes even
more crucial during descents, as descents shift weight further forward.
Two key factors in effective speed control and safe stopping are controlling
wheel lockup and weight transfer. Weight transfer is especially important if
your bike has a front suspension fork, as it affects the bike's stability during
braking. Practice braking and weight transfer techniques in a controlled
environment without any hazards or distractions.
However, everything changes when you ride on loose surfaces or in wet
weather. It takes longer to stop on loose surfaces or in wet conditions. The
tires have reduced traction, which means less cornering and braking
ability, and they can easily lock up with less brake force. Moisture or dirt on
the brake pads also reduces their ability to grip. To maintain control on
loose or wet surfaces, it's important to ride more slowly.
D. SHIFTING GEARS
A. SHIFTINGOEARS
There are various types and styles of shifting controls, such as levers, twist
grips, triggers, combination shift/brake controls, and push buttons. The
terminology of shifting can be confusing. An upshift refers to shifting to a
higher or faster gear, while a downshift refers to shifting to a lower or easier
gear. It's important to note that what happens at the front derailleur is
opposite to what happens at the rear derailleur.
Whether upshifting or downshifting, the bike's derailleur system requires
the drive chain to be moving forward and under tension. Never move the
shifter while pedaling backward or immediately after moving the chain in
the opposite direction. This could cause the chain to jam and potentially
damage the bike.
Shifting gears on a multi-speed bicycle requires understanding your bike's
drivetrain and gear mechanisms. This can include a rear cassette or a
three-wheel sprocket cluster, a front derailleur, shifters, and one, two, or
three front sprockets called chainrings.
E. PEDALS
Toe overlap is a common issue on small-framed bicycles, where the rider's
toe can touch the front wheel when turning the handlebars. To avoid this, it
is important to keep the inside pedal up and the outside pedal down
during sharp turns. This technique also prevents the inside pedal from
striking the ground.
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