Wheel retention system: Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured.
See Section 4.A
Seat post: If your seat post has an over-centre cam action fastener for easy height
adjustment check that it is properly adjusted and in the locked position. See Section
4.B.
Handlebar and saddle alignment: Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem are
parallel to the bike’s centre line and clamped tight enough so that you can’t twist them
out of alignment. See Sections 3.B and 3.C.
Handlebar ends: Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition. If
not, ask your stockist to replace them. Make sure the handlebar ends and extensions
are plugged. If not, ask your stockist to plug them before you ride. If the handlebars
have bar end extensions, make sure they are clamped tight enough so you can’t
twist them.
WARNING : Loose or damaged handlebar grips, end plugs or extensions
should be replaced, as they can expose the ends of the handlebar, which have
been known to cause injury, and they can cause you to lose control and fall.
Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut you and cause serious injury in an
otherwise minor accident.
This warning is particularly important for children’s bikes, which should be
inspected regularly to ensure adequate protection for the ends of the handlebar
is in place.
VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:
Please also read and become thoroughly familiar with the important
information on the lifespan of your bicycle and its components in Appendix
B on Page 42.
D. First Ride
When you go for your rst ride on your new bike we recommend doing so away from
cars, other cyclists, obstacles or hazards. Aim to become familiar with the controls,
features and performance of your new bike. Familiarise yourself with the braking
action of the bike (see Section 4.C). Test the brakes at slow speed, putting your
weight toward the rear and gently applying the brakes, rear brake rst. Sudden or
excessive application of the front brake could pitch you over the handlebars. Applying
brakes too hard can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to lose control and fall.
Skidding is an example of what can happen when a wheel locks up.
If your bike has toeclips or clipless pedals, practice getting in and out of the pedals.
See paragraph B.4 above and Section 4.E.4. If your bike has suspension, familiarize
yourself with how the suspension responds to brake application and the position of
your body. See paragraph B.6 above and Section 4.F.
Practice shifting / changing the gears (see Section 4.D). Never shift/change gears
while pedaling backwards, nor pedal backwards immediately after having moved the
shifter. This could jam the chain and cause serious damage to the bike.
Check out the handling and response of the bike; and check the comfort. If you have
any questions, or if you feel anything about the bike is not as it should be, consult your
stockist before you ride again.
A. The Basics
WARNING : The area in which you ride may require specic safety devices. It is
your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the laws of the area where you ride
and to comply with all applicable laws, including properly equipping yourself and
your bike as the law requires.
Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations. Observe regulations about bicycle
lighting, licensing of bicycles, riding on pavements, laws regulating bike path
and trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws, special bicycle trac laws. It’s your
responsibility to know and obey the laws.
1. Always wear a cycling helmet which meets the latest certication standards and is
appropriate for the type of riding you do. Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s
instructions for t, use and care of your helmet. Many serious bike injuries involve
head injuries which might have been avoided if the rider had worn an appropriate
helmet.
WARNING : Failure to wear a helmet when riding may result in serious injury or
death.
2. Always do the Mechanical Safety Check (Section 1.C) before you get on a bike.
3. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your bike: brakes (Section 4.C.); pedals
(Section 4.E.); shifting (Section 4.D.)
4. Be careful to keep body parts and other objects away from the sharp teeth of
chain-rings, the moving chain, the turning pedals and cranks, and the spinning
wheels of your bike.
5. Always wear:
• Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip the pedals. Make sure that shoe
laces cannot get into moving parts, and never ride barefoot or in sandals.
• Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that it will get tangled in the bike or
snagged by objects at the side of the road or trail.
• Protective eyewear, to protect against dirt, dust and insects — tinted when the
sun is bright, clear when it’s not.
6. Don’t jump with your bike. Jumping a bike, particularly a BMX or mountain bike
can put huge and unpredictable stress on the bike and its components. Riders
who jump their bikes risk serious damage and injury. Before you attempt to jump,
perform stunts or race with your bike, read and understand Section 2.F.
7. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions. Higher speed means higher risk.
1/ INTRODUCTION 2/ SAFETY
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