Operation Manual

7
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 SECTION
4.C). Squeeze the brake levers. Are the brake quick-
releases closed? All control cables seated and securely
engaged? Do the brake pads contact the wheel rim
squarely and make full contact with the rim? Do the
brake pads touch the wheel rim 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 4.A
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 4.B.
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
SECTION 3.B and 3.C.
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, 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.
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 PART II, SECTION D.
INSPECT FOR SAFETY.