Make sure that your bike is ready for use and is set up
for your body size.
Check the following:
•Positioning and secure fastening of saddle and
handlebar
•Installation and correct adjustment of the brakes
•Secure fastening of wheels in ame and fork
Adjust the handlebar and stem until you nd a safe
and comfortable riding position. Instructions on how
to adjust the handlebar are provided in
Chapter 9.3
"Adjusting the handlebar position".
Adjust the saddle until you nd a safe and comfort-
able riding position. Instructions on how to adjust the
saddle are provided in
Chapter 9.2 "Adjusting the
seat position".
Make sure the brake levers are always within easy
reach and that you know how to operate the right/
le brake levers and where to nd them. Make a note
of which brake lever operates the ont and which the
rear wheel brake.
Modern brake systems can have a far more powerl
and dierent braking eect than those you are already
familiar with. Before setting o, familiarise yourself
with the eects of the brakes on a safe trac-ee
area.
If you are using a bike with carbon-bre rims, bear
in mind that the braking behaviour of this material is
much poorer than aluminium rims.
Make sure that the wheels are securely fastened in the
ame and forks. Check that the quick-release device
and all important fastening screws and nuts are se-
curely fastened.
Chapter 9.2.2 "Operating the quick-release device"
contains instructions on how to operate quick-release
devices safely and
Chapter 30 "Technical data" con-
tains a table of the tightening torques for important
screws and nuts.
Check the tyre pressure. Information on the pre-
scribed tyre pressure appears on the tyre sidewall.
Never inate the tyres to less than the minimum or
more than the maximum specied tyre pressure. As a
rule of thumb, e.g. when on the road, you can check
the tyre pressure as follows: If you press your thumbs
into the inated tyre, there should not be much give
in the tyre even if you press hard.
Check the tyres and rims for damage, foreign bodies,
e. g. glass agments or sharp stones and deformation.
If cuts, cracks or holes are visible, do not ride o. In-
stead, take your bike to a professional bike workshop
and have it checked.
