Cannondale Bicycle Corp. 2000 OM Page 90
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safety checks and very important to help prevent accidents, bodily injury
to the rider and shortened product life. (see section 7.A.4 and A)
Note that generally speaking, lightweight frames and components have
shorter lives. For example, all aspects of use being
identical, a light-
weight CAAD4 frame will have a shorter life than a heavier CAAD1 frame.
In selecting lightweight frames and components you are making a trade-
off, favoring the higher performance that comes with light weight over
longevity. So, If you choose lightweight, high performance equipment,
be sure to frequently inspect it as described above.
Riding a cracked frame could lead to complete bicycle failure. Like other
high-performance structures, this frame should be inspected periodically
for cracks. Pay particular attention to the underside of the downtube
where it intersects the head tube (See fig. A, left). Wipe the tube clean
and carefully examine the surface. Inspect mountain bikes with particu-
lar care, since they are routinely subjected to demanding conditions. DO
NOT ride a bike with any crack, even a small one. See your authorized
retailer or call 1-800-BIKE-USA. Make inspections for fatigue-related
cracks a part of your normal service schedule.
Have all accessories mounted by your Authorized Cannondale Retailer.
Poorly or improperly mounted accessories can adversely affect the
performance of your bicycle. Be sure that any accessory your or your
authorized retailer fits to your bike does not block or interfere with
required CPSC reflectors.
Inspect this area.
fig. A
Downtube
Toptube
Headtube
