Inspect the frame and fork carefully for
damage after any crash, drop, impact to the
frame, or other harsh treatment. Riding a
cracked frame or fork could lead to
complete bicycle failure. Like other high-
performance structures, this frame and fork
should be inspected periodically for cracks.
DO NOT RIDE a bike with any crack, even a
small one. If you discover a crack, see your
authorized Cannondale retailer or call one of
our customer service lines listed on the
back page. A crack will weaken the frame or
fork and could lead to failure, with risk of
serious injury or death to the rider.
FUNDAMENTAL RISK
There is an area that is growing and evolving within mountain biking. Call it
Freeriding, Dirt Jumping, Hucking or a new name a magazine writer is typing
this minute, it is very dangerous. Downhill or Slalom riding is also very
dangerous. To engage in this type of riding, riding widely shown in print and
video, is to voluntarily assume a very large risk of serious injury, paralysis, or
death. The fact that this type of riding is exciting to watch and commonly shown
does not mean that it is safe, commonly practiced, or that you should try to
copy the riders you see.
How do you avoid this significant hazard?
Do not do it!
Read the Cannondale Owner's Manual, particularly Section B.
The riders you see doing such stunts are experienced professionals or
daredevils who have chosen to accept or ignore the risks.
You see NASCAR drivers risking death on TV. Would you copy them when you
drive? Would you allow a lawyer to say that you are so weak-willed and have
WARNING CONCERNING "FREERIDING"
WARNING FOR ALL CANNONDALE FRAMES
such poor judgement that you copy what you see in the media without thought
of the serious risks?
Cannondale does not seek to "promote" dangerous activities. Cannondale
sponsors professional riders with fantastic skills. Some of these riders engage
in these exciting, dangerous new areas of riding. These riders have free will.
These riders do not ask Cannondale for clearance to ride in any particular way.
These riders rely on skills developed through years of progressive learning and
practice to ride in ways that you cannot and must not copy.
PRODUCT LIMITATIONS
Cannondale designs bicycles that may be used for Freeriding, Hucking, etc. Our
engineers anticipate and test for hard use. However, the circumstances of any
stunt or jump can be very different. The judgement, lack of judgement, or insanity
of a rider that may ride a Cannondale bicycle cannot be completely predicted.
Say we design a bike to withstand a particular six foot drop off. There are no
industry "jumping" standards. We cannot label a bike as "OK for a six foot drop"
because the many circumstances of takeoff, landing, speed, rider technique, etc.
are unique and make such a rating misleading and meaningless.
Any product has its limitations. Think about a lifetime warranty. Read the
Cannondale lifetime warranty (section G of the Owner's Manual). A lifetime
warranty does not mean that the bicycle cannot be broken or will last forever. It
certainly does not mean the bicycle can in any way protect you from injury. It
means the bicycle may be replaced subject to the terms of the warranty.
Think twice if you see a bike, from any manufacturer, marketed as
"unbreakable" or "bulletproof". There is no such thing.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Have you chosen the right tools for the job? Some bicycles are not designed or
intended for this type of riding. Some bicycles were designed before this type of
riding evolved! Common sense tells you that a lightweight cross country bike is not
intended for Freeriding, Downhill, or Slalom riding. Common sense tells you that
you need a heavier, stronger, longer travel bicycle for Freeriding, Dowhill, or Slalom
riding. We urge you to consult with a bicycle retailer about which bike models and
safety equipment will be most appropriate for your riding style, terrain, body weight,
experience, etc. Work with a retailer to make informed choices for your needs.
Do you know your limitations? Practice and learn to stay in control. Carefully,
progressively learn to expand your limits, but always ride within them.
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