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of the conditions, get off your bike.
Watch the cars you are going to pass
If a car suddenly crosses your path or someone suddenly opens the door of a parked car you
are going to pass, you could have a serious accident. Install a bell on your bike to alert others of
your presence.
Be careful when riding in low-light conditions
Your bike is equipped with a complete range of reectors. Keep them clean and properly positio-
ned. Though reectors help you to be seen, they do not provide emit light. Use a front and rear
light when riding in low light.
Also, you should wear light-colored, shiny and reective clothing, especially at night, to make
you more visible.
WARNING A cyclist without the proper lighting equipment may not have adequate visibility, and
others may not see him/her either. This could cause accidents with severe consequences for the
cyclist. Avoid these situations by installing a front and rear light, in addition to wearing light-colored,
easily-visible clothing.
Avoid letting water enter any bearings
Your bike’s bearings allow the various parts of the bike to move smoothly. Corrosion occurs
when water comes into contact with metal; therefore, it should be avoided.
Avoid cleaning your bike with power washing systems like those used for cars.
Use caution when braking
Always maintain a safe distance from vehicles and other objects. Adjust the distance to your
braking capacity.
If your bike has two brake levers, squeeze them at the same time. Excessive use of the front
lever, and braking with the front brake lever alone, could cause the rear wheel to lose contact
with the ground and make you lose control.
Many new brake models are very powerful and are able to stop the bike on wet or muddy terra-
in. If you notice that your brakes are too strong for your needs, take your bike to your authori-
zed dealer for adjustment or to change the braking system.
WARNING If you apply excessive force, the rear wheel could lose contact with the ground, or the
front wheel could slip, making you lose control and fall. Brake with both sides at the same time and
shift your weight to the back of the bike when braking.
Be careful when riding in wet conditions
There is no brake, regardless of design, that is as efcient in wet conditions as in dry. Though
the brakes are trued, lubricated and in good operating conditions, in wet conditions, the braking
system requires greater force in the levers and braking distance.
Rain reduces both visibility and traction. Ride at lower speeds around curves, manhole covers
and crosswalks in rainy or wet conditions.
Be especially careful when riding off the asphalt
- Ride in marked areas.
- Avoid rocks, branches and dips.
- Never ride on an unpaved road or path with a road or urban bike.
- Wear proper clothing and protection, such as a helmet, glasses and gloves.
- When nearing a descent, slow down, and keep your weight back and low. Use the rear brake
more than the front.
Keep your bicycle in perfect conditions
Bicycles are not indestructible: like any machine, each part of the bike has a service life limited
to tension and fatigue. Fatigue refers to minor tensions that, when repeated a nite number
of cycles, can compromise the integrity of the material. The service life varies according to its
design, material, use and maintenance. Lighter frames generally have a longer service life than
heavier frames, and premium bikes need greater care and more frequent inspections.
Be careful
It is preferable that you always ride accompanied. Your companion will be able to help you
immediately in the event you have any trouble or an accident. Also, you should never forget to
take a puncture repair kit or a spare inner tube and tire levers with you on all of your rides.
You should also consider taking a multi-tool specic to your bike and a rst aid kit if you are
planning to ride long distances.
4. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Keep your bike clean
In order for your bike to work properly, it must be kept clean.
Store your bike in an appropriate place
When you are not using your bike, keep it in an area where it is protected from the rain, snow
and sun. Rain and snow can cause the metal to corrode. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can disco-
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