Operation Manual

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PART II
continued from previous page...)
Let’s get another thing straight. Buying a Freeride bike does not make you any better. Do not confuse the
built-in capabilities of equipment with your own capabilities, which must be learned.
Keeping your bike and all its components in good working order is critical, and it’s up to you to maintain and
inspect it. Even so, your sweet rig isn’t going to last forever. Nothing does, particularly bikes and parts that
are built to minimize weight and then are subjected to abuse. GT frames carry a warranty, but that’s to cover
issues with workmanship and/or materials. (See the GT Limited Warranty in this manual). The warranty
doesn’t mean that they’re going to last forever. They’re not. The warranty certainly doesn’t mean that the
bicycle can in any way protect you from injury.
Use of Specialized Protective Gear
GT has long urged the use of helmets. As riskier, extreme downhill and freeriding became part of the sport
we communicated frankly about the risks in this freeride warning. We have recently become aware of neck
braces, designed for mountain biking and motocross riding, tted between the rider and helmet, that can
decrease the risk of paralysis, spinal cord and neck injuries. As the manufacturer clearly states, these braces
cannot prevent all injuries. We urge riders, particularly riders into challenging and risky riding, to investigate
and consider prophylactic neck braces (For example, see http://www.leatt-brace.com/). A prophylactic neck
brace might save your life or keep you out of a wheelchair.
In Conclusion
If you’re going hard-core, be smart about it. Always wear a full face helmet, state-of-the-art neck brace, body
armor, full-nger gloves, and protective clothing. Choose a bike that’s right for you, your riding and terrain,
and check it often for signs of fatigue or other trouble. (Your dealer can help you on both fronts.) Read PART
II, SECTION B. MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING. And most importantly, know your limitations. Practice. Stay
in control, and carefully, gradually expand your limits – but ride within them.
YOU CAN BE SEVERELY INJURED, PARALYZED, OR KILLED IF YOU IGNORE THIS
WARNING.