Cannondale Bicycle Corp. 2000 OM Page 25
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Pedals: (See also Section 6.E and 6.F.) Some higher performance model bicycles
come equipped with pedals that have sharp and potentially dangerous surfaces.
These surfaces are designed to add safety by increasing adhesion between the
rider's shoe and the bicycle pedal. If your bicycle has this type of high-perfor-
mance pedal you must take extra care to avoid serious injury from the pedals'
sharp surfaces. Based on your riding style or skill level, you may prefer a less
aggressive pedal design. Your dealer can show you a number of options and
make suitable recommendations.
Eye protection: Any kind of riding, but particularly off-road riding, involves air-
borne dirt, dust and bugs, so it's a good idea always to ride with protective eye-
wear -- tinted when the sun is bright, clear when it's not. Most bike shops carry
protective fashion eyewear, some with interchangeable lens systems.
C. MECHANICAL SAFETY CHECK
Here is a simple, sixty-second mechanical safety check which you should get in
the habit of making
every time
you're about to get on a bike.
Nuts, bolts & straps: Lift the front wheel off the ground by two or three inches,
then let it bounce on the ground. Anything sound, feel or look loose? Do a quick
visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Any loose parts or accessories? If
so, secure them. If you're not sure, ask someone with experience to check.
