User Guide

11
Use your brakes carefully.
Always keep a safe stopping distance between you and other vehicles or objects. Adjust
stopping distances and braking forces to suit riding conditions. If your bike has two hand
brakes, apply both brakes at the same time. Many models of modern brakes are designed
to stop a bike in wet or muddy conditions. Over-use of a powerful front brake, or use of
only the front brake in an emergency situation, could cause the rear wheel to lift from the
ground which could cause serious personal injury. If you feel your brakes are too powerful
for your riding needs, take your bike to your dealer for adjustment.
No brakes, whatever their design, work as effectively in wet weather as they do in
dry. Brakes, even when properly aligned, lubricated, and maintained, require greater lever
pressure and longer stopping distances in wet weather. Anticipate the extra time it will
take to stop. Also remember that wet weather causes reduced visibility (both for you and
for motorists) and reduced traction. Use slower cornering when traction is reduced. Wet
leaves and manhole covers are other wet weather hazards.
Do not submerge any bearings of your bicycle.
Bearings allow the parts of a bicycle to rotate smoothly, and water will make them
rust and lose their smoothness. If any bearings on your bicycle get submerged, take your
bicycle to your Fisher dealer for service.
Use special care when off-road riding.
• Never ride a road bike on unpaved trails or off road.
• Wear protective clothing including a helmet, eye protection, and gloves.
• Ride only on the trails.
• When approaching a descent, reduce your speed, keep your weight back and low,
and use the rear brake more than the front.
• Avoid rocks, branches, or depressions.
• Be considerate of other trail users. Mounting a bell on your bike will allow you to
sound a friendly warning as you approach others on the trail.
• Read and follow the IMBA Rules of the Trail (page 13).
(continued next page)
WARNING
Be careful when riding at night.
Your bicycle is equipped with a full set of reflectors; keep them clean and in position. As
useful as these reflectors are, remember that they do not help you see, nor do they help you
be seen unless light is directed on them. Use a working headlight and a tail light
when you ride at night. Also wear light, bright, and reflective clothing,
especially at night, to make yourself more visible. The important thing is to
see and be seen. A number of products will help you achieve this. If you do any amount of
night riding, visit your Fisher dealer to see what’s available.
ONE
Guide for
Safe Road
Riding
WARNING
Avoid mis-use of the front brake
Applying excessive stopping force with the front brake may cause your rear wheel to
lift off the ground, or your front wheel to slip out from under you, causing a loss of
control resulting in personal injury.