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Riding a bicycle can be dangerous. Keep this in mind and be cautious at all times. See and be seen. Use lights
and reflective clothing in low light conditions. Wearing a helmet when riding can protect the head and save
a life. Always conduct a pre-ride check (detailed information can be found further in this manual).
Never ride the bicycle if you observe any technical problems or have any doubts about the proper functioning of
any elements in the bicycle. Keep the bike clean and well maintained. It is strongly recommended to carry a pump,
spare inner tube, patch kit, and a basic tool kit. It could be required in case of a flat tire or other common mechani
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cal problem. If any doubts or questions ask a bicycle dealer for advice on that issue. If the bicycle is equipped with
gears and user can choose a gear combination that is the most comfortable for riding conditions. Gears will allow
a rider to maintain a constant rate of pedalling. Use lower gears for going uphill and higher gears for going down-
hill. Ease up on your pedalling pressure when you shift gears. Ask a bicycle dealer to give more advice on that issue
if needed.
Pay attention to the brakes - they can be powerful and if activated too aggressively, may cause a crash. You should
spend some time to get a better feel of the brakes on a side road or empty parking lot before the first ride. Avoid
riding too fast, especially downhill. It is easy to lose control of the bicycle and crash at high speeds, and also you
will find it very difficult to slow down especially if the hill is steep.
If a bike has been equipped with suspension, the increased speed a rider may develop will also increase the risk
of injury. For example, the front of the bike may dive on the suspension fork while hard braking. A Rider can eas
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ily lose control and fall if he is not prepared for this. Please, learn how to operate your suspension system safely.
Thanks to the suspension the wheels can follow the terrain better, which improves control and comfort.
This improved capacity may provide an opportunity for riding faster, but riders should be careful, not to mis
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take the enhanced capabilities of the bicycle for their riding skills. Improving skills takes time and practice.
It is highly recommended to use locks to protect a bicycle from theft. Even if you are planning to be away from
a bicycle for just a few minutes never leave your bike unlocked while unattended.
2. GENERAL RIDING INFORMATION
