Using your Brakes
Always ride with a safe distance between you and other vehicles or objects; use your brakes.
Adjust speed, braking distances, and braking force based on the conditions in which you ride.
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WARNING |
| Fig 6. Using too much braking pressure on the front wheel can cause you to lose control | |
Fig 6. Using too much braking pressure on the front wheel can cause you to lose control
Apply pressure to both brakes at the same time. Overuse or incorrect use of a front brake
could cause the rear wheel to lift from the ground which can cause an accident (Fig 6).
Many models of modern brakes are very powerful; they are made to stop a bicycle
in wet or muddy conditions. If you think your brakes are too powerful, transport
your bicycle to your dealer for adjustment or replacement of the brake system.
Note: In most countries around the world, including the U.S.A., the left brake lever
operates the front brake, and the rear brake lever operates the rear brake (note: bicycles
manufactured for the United Kingdom and some other countries switch these and the left brake
lever operates the rear brake and the right brake lever operates the front brake).
Changing Gears Correctly
The multi-gear system provides a means of maintaining a constant pedaling rate, regardless
of road level conditions.
The gears are activated by cables connecting the shift levers located
on the handlebar to the derailleurs.
If your bicycle is equipped with twist shifters, rotating the twist shifters towards
you moves the chain from one chainwheel (or sprocket) to the next larger chainwheel
(or sprocket). Rotating the twist shifters away from you moves the chain from one chainwheel
(or sprocket) to the next smaller chainwheel (or sprocket).
If your bicycle is equipped with shift levers, pushing the thumb shift lever away from you
moves the chain from one chainring (or sprocket) to the next larger chainring. Pulling the
index finger shift lever towards you moves the chain to the next smaller chainring.
The left shifter controls the front derailleur and the right shifter lever controls the
rear derailleur. To shift, continue pedaling at a steady pace while operating the shifters
and engage the gear you find most comfortable.
For easiest pedaling (while going uphill), position the chain over the smallest
chainring in front and the largest sprocket in back. For hardest pedaling (while going
down-hill, or quickly), position the chain over the largest chainring in front and the smallest
sprocket in back.
Pedals and wheels must be turning forward while shifting gears. Never pedal backward while
shifting gears and never force the twist shifters or shift levers.
If your bicycle is shifting incorrectly, please review
Derailleur Adjustment or take the bike to your local dealer.
Descending
The keys to safely and effectively descending a hill are speed control, weight distribution,
and steering control.
Speed control
Your speed is controlled through experience and good braking, (covered earlier).
Weight distribution
Keep your weight correctly in balance between the wheels on a steep downhill by moving your
weight rearward on the bicycle and as low as possible, just like when braking. Keep your feet on
the pedals and keep the crankarms horizontal and parallel to the ground (unless you are
cornering as you descend; see the next section). Keep your knees and elbows bent to allow your
body to absorb some of the bumps and impacts during the descent. For extra stability, squeeze
the seat between your thighs (some folks even like to squeeze the top tube with their legs).
Avoid a "death grip" on your brakes, instead using them as outlined in the Braking section.
Steering control
When cornering, do the majority of your braking before you make your turn. Hard braking
during the turn can cause your wheels to skid, which could cause you to lose control. Make
sure your speed is reasonable, then ease off the brakes when you're about halfway through the
turn.
To avoid catching the inside pedal on the ground, make sure that your outside pedal is down
and your weight is on the outside pedal. Lean your bicycle in the direction of the turn, but
slightly angle your upper body in the opposite direction, keeping your body and head more
upright.
Obstacles and Impacts
Always look well down the road to help you anticipate upcoming obstacles. This distance
will vary according to your speed, but remember that the closer you get to an obstacle, the
less time you have to react to it.
Use caution when you encounter obstacles in the road, whether its a sewer grate, speed bump,
gravel, or any other hazard. If you are going fast, even a small obstacle can create a
significant impact to your bicycle. If you are unsure of your ability to safely ride over an
object, it is best to either ride around it or dismount and walk around it.
Your body and bicycle will have a natural tendency to go where you are looking. If you focus
on an obstacle, you may go through it when you really wanted to avoid it. Focus on the part of
the road where you want to go, not on the obstacles.
