Operation Manual

62 63
PART II
SUSPENSION
Suspension will increase the handling capabilities and
comfort of your bicycle. This enhanced capability
may allow you to ride faster, particularly on rough or
bumpy surfaces. As common sense tells you, increased
speed brings increased risk.
WARNING
DO NOT CONFUSE THE BUILT-IN
CAPABILITIES OF A SUSPENSION BIKE
WITH YOUR OWN CAPABILITIES,
WHICH MUST BE LEARNED.
Increasing your skill will take time and practice.
Stay in control, and carefully, gradually learn the
feel and handling of your suspension bike.
When you apply the front brakes on a suspension
bike, the front of the bike will fall or dip as weight
shifts forward. This is normal. (The front of
your car dips when you apply the brakes.) You
must learn to anticipate this weight shift and
compensate by shifting your body weight back.
JUMPING
WARNING
JUMPING IS VERY RISKY. YOU COULD
HAVE A FALL LEADING TO SERIOUS
INJURY, PARALYSIS OR DEATH.
Jumping a mountain bike is fun, but it puts
extreme stress on your bike. Perhaps most
vulnerable to jumping-related damage is your
fork. Riders who insist on jumping their bikes
risk serious damage, to their bicycles as well as
themselves.
STAY IN CONTROL
WARNING
FAILURE TO RIDE IN CONTROL
COULD RESULT IN A FALL LEADING
TO SERIOUS INJURY, PARALYSIS, OR
DEATH.
While the risks inherent to this sport cannot be
eliminated, you can minimize the risks by riding
in control and wearing a helmet. The reality is
that simple, and that challenging.
DOWNHILL AND LIFT-
SERVICED RIDING
WARNING
TO RIDE DOWNHILL AT SPEED OR IN
COMPETITION IS TO VOLUNTARILY
ASSUME A VERY LARGE RISK. YOU
COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED,
PARALYZED, OR KILLED.
When riding downhill such as at a ski area, on
trails or access roads, or on dirt roads such as re
roads, you can reach speeds seen on motorcycles,
with similar hazards and risks.
Wear appropriate safety gear, including a full face
helmet, full nger gloves, protective clothing, and
body armor. Have your bicycle and equipment
carefully inspected by a qualied mechanic and
be sure it is in excellent condition. Consult with
expert riders and/or race ocials on conditions
and equipment advisable at any site where you
plan to ride downhill. Experienced riders often
pre-walk or carefully and slowly pre-ride a
downhill course before attempting it at any speed.