Avoid off-road riding with road bikes.
Road bicycles with drop-style handlebars are not designed for off-road riding. These bicycles
are designed solely for riding on paved roads or bicycle paths. Do not attempt to ride these
bicycles on dirt or rock paths.
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.
7
ENGLISH
Wear a helmet.
An unprotected head is highly susceptible to injury, even from the
slightest contact. Wear a helmet that is comfortable, fits properly, and
meets ASTM, ANSI, or CPSC safety testing standards (Fig. 16). Eye pro-
tection and appropriate cycling clothing are also recommended. Helmets
should be removed when not riding to avoid entrapment in the straps.
Know and observe your local bicycle riding laws.
Most state and local areas have specific laws for cyclists. Local cycling
clubs or your state's Department of Transportation (or equivalent) should
be able to supply this information to you. A few of the more important
rules of riding:
· Use proper hand signals.
· Ride on the correct side of the road (never go against traffic).
· Ride single file when riding with other cyclists.
· Ride defensively (expect the unexpected). Remember: You are hard to see, and although
cycling is becoming more and more common, many drivers simply are not trained to recognize
the rights and special considerations of a bicycle rider.
Do not use unsafe riding practices.
While most cycling rules can be classified as common sense, it is still necessary to list a few
of the things you should
NOT
do on a bicycle.
· Do not ride `no hands'. Without a firm grip on the handlebars, the slightest road imperfection
could initiate a wheel shimmy or in other ways cause the front wheel to turn unexpectedly.
· Do not ride with loose objects attached to the handlebars as they could get caught in the
front wheel spokes, or could cause the handlebars to turn unexpectedly.
· Do not ride while intoxicated or while using medications which might
make you drowsy. Bicycles require good coordination to ride in control, and
riders must be alert for hazards.
· Do not `ride double'. Standard bicycles are not designed to carry the
additional load of a second rider. They also are much harder to balance,
steer and stop with the additional weight of a second rider.
Watch the road.
Watch for potholes, drain grates, soft or low shoulders, and other
deviations. When crossing railroad tracks or drain grates, do so carefully at
a 90° angle (Fig. 17). If you are not sure of conditions, walk your bike.
Watch the parked cars you are preparing to pass.
If a car you are passing suddenly enters your lane or someone opens a
car door unexpectedly, you could be involved in a serious accident. Mount
a horn or bell on your bicycle for defensive riding.
Ride defensively.
Always watch for hazardous situations. Remember, you are not as visible as a car to other
bicyclists, motorists, or pedestrians. Be ready to stop or take evasive action at all times.
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.
However, avoid using too much pressure on your front brake as it
may cause your rear wheel to lift off the ground or your front wheel
to slip out from under you.
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
dealer for service.
Use good shifting techniques.
When shifting, reduce the amount of pressure on your pedals. This provides quicker, smoother
shifting and will help avoid bent chains, derailleurs, and chainrings, and will also help avoid
excessive chain and gear wear.
6
Fig. 16
45
90
Fig. 17
WARNING
As with any mechanical device, every bicycle, and each part attached to
it, has a limited useful life due to wear and stress. The length of that life
varies according to its design, materials, maintenance, and use.
A crash can put extraordinary stress on a bicycle or its parts.
Jumping your bicycle, performing bicycle stunts, severe off road riding,
downhill riding, or any abnormal bike riding can be very dangerous
because they increase the stress on your frame. Industry pictures and
videos of these kinds of activities depict very experienced or
professional riders. Frames or components under high stress can
fatigue prematurely which can lead to premature or sudden failure of
your bicycle frame or components. Such failure could cause a loss of
control resulting in serious injury or death.
Regularly inspect your entire bicycle for signs of stress. If you choose
to jump your bicycle, use it for stunts, or use it in a severe offroad or
downhill environment, carefully inspect your frame and components for
signs of fatigue before and after each ride. Scratches, cracks, dents,
deformation, or discoloration are signs of stress-caused fatigue.
Although lighter frames or parts may in some cases have a longer life
than heavier ones, it should be expected that light weight, high
performance bicycles and parts require better care and more frequent
inspections.
Remember; it is much easier to have an accident resulting in
serious personal injury in these situations even if your bicycle
performs as intended. Use suitable protective gear, including a
certified bicycle helmet.
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 dealer to see what's available.
DURING EVERY RIDE
RIDE SAFELY
