9
MEC BIKE MANUAL
8
WARNING Loose or damaged handlebar grips or extensions can cause you
to lose control and fall. Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut you and
cause serious injury in an otherwise minor accident.
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.
D First ride
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your first familiarization ride on
your new bicycle, be sure to pick a controlled environment, away from cars,
other cyclists, obstacles or other hazards. Ride to become familiar with the
controls, features and performance of your new bike.
Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the bike (see Section 4C).
Test the brakes at slow speed, putting your weight toward the rear and gently
applying the brakes, rear brake first. 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 bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals, practice getting in and out of the
pedals. See paragraph B4 and Section 4E4.
If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how the suspension
responds to brake application and rider weight shifts. See paragraph B6 above
and Section 4F.
Practice shifting the gears (see Section 4D). Remember to never move the shifter
while pedaling backward, nor pedal backwards immediately after having moved the
shifter. This could jam the chain and cause serious damage to the bicycle.
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 dealer before you ride again.
CAUTION Wheels must be true for rim brakes to work eectively. Wheel trueing
is a skill which requires special tools and experience. Do not attempt to true a
wheel unless you have the knowledge, experience and tools needed to do the
job correctly.
Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the rims are clean and
undamaged at the tire bead and, if you have rim brakes, along the braking
surface. Check to make sure that any rim wear indicator marking is not visible
at any point on the wheel rim.
WARNING Bicycle wheel rims are subject to wear. Ask your dealer about wheel
rim wear. Some wheel rims have a rim wear indicator which becomes visible as
the rim’s braking surface wears. A visible rim wear indicator on the side of the
wheel rim is an indication that the wheel rim has reached its maximum usable
life. Riding a wheel that is at the end of its usable life can result in wheel failure,
which can cause you to loose control and fall.
Brakes Check the brakes for proper operation (see Sections 4C). Squeeze the
brake levers. Are the brake quick-releases closed? All control cables seated
and securely engaged? If you have rim brakes, do the brake pads contact the
wheel rim squarely and make full contact with the rim? Do the brakes begin to
engage within an inch of brake lever movement? Can you apply full braking force
at the levers without having them touch the handlebar? If not, your brakes
need adjustment. Do not ride the bike until the brakes are properly adjusted by
a professional bicycle mechanic.
Wheel retention system Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly
secured. See Section 4A.
Seat post If your seat post has an over-center cam action fastener for easy
height adjustment, check that it is properly adjusted and in the locked position.
See Section 4B.
Handlebar and saddle alignment Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem
are parallel to the bike’s center line and clamped tight enough so that you can’t
twist them out of alignment. See Sections 3B and 3C.
Handlebar ends Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good
condition. If not, have your dealer replace them. Make sure the handlebar ends
and extensions are plugged. If not, have your dealer 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.
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