Verso KC720-220, KC720-550 User Manual

Verso
®
Cologne
Folding Bike
Model KC720-220 (Gloss Black)
Model KC720-550 (Gloss White)
Picture Similar
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE! Contact KETTLER Parts and Service for replacement parts,
Adjustment Tools
KETTLER® International, Inc.
1355 London Bridge Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23453 USA
www.KETTLERusa.com
parts@KETTLERusa.com / 866-804-0440
Introduction
Additional safety information is available in the KETTLER® Bike Manual supplied separately from this bicycle. Contact our Parts Department to obtain a comprehensive KETTLER® Bike Manual. NOTE— This manual is only meant to act as a guide. KETTLER recommends that your bike be regularly serviced by a qualified bike mechanic
2
Parts Checklist
A
F
Q
D
H
I
B
O
P
N
C
E
J
A. Saddle
B. Quick Release Levers
C. Double-Lock Quick Release Frame Lock
D. Handlebar Assembly (includes: headset, ad-
justable handlebars, handlebar stem, grips,
shifter and brake levers)
E. Folding Pedals
F. Luggage Rack
G. Carrying/Storage Bag
H. Reflectors (1 red/1 white)
I. Seat Post
L
M
J. Rear Wheel
K. Front Wheel
L. Rear Derailleur
M. Crank Set
N. Fork
O. Brake (front)
P. Fender (front)
Q. Bell
R. Hook & Loop
Fastening Strap
(not pictured)
G
K
NOTE — This manual is only meant to act as a guide. KETTLER recommends that your bike be regularly serviced by a qualified bike mechanic
3
Unfolding For Riding
As Easy as 1—2—3!
1. Unfold and lock the frame
First position the secondary safety lock is in the upright position (1a). Standing on the chain side of the bike, bring the front and rear halves of the bike together into the closed position.
Then, pull back the frame locking lever so the clasp engages the rear half frame (1b). With the clasp engaged, pivot the frame locking lever forward until it “snaps” shut. (1c)
With the frame locking lever in the closed position, bring down the secondary safety lock to secure the frame locking lever (1d).
Note — Always ensure the frame connection is properly and tightly secured before riding. Check Frame Locking Lever regularly and if loose, adjust as needed. To adjust frame locking lever, slowly turn the adjustment bolt in the frame locking lever using an Allen wrench in 1/16 increments. Failure to effectively adjust the lever could result in the Frame Locking Lever being too tight or too loose.
1a
1b
1c
DO NOT RIDE IFLOCKING LEVER IS NOT SECURELY CLOSED AND LOCKED TIGHTLY!
NOTE — This manual is only meant to act as a guide. KETTLER recommends that your bike be regularly serviced by a qualified bike mechanic
1d
4
Unfolding For Riding
2. Fold and lock the handlebar assembly
Swing the handlebar assembly and stem locking lever into the up position (2a), then “snap” the locking lever closed (2b).
With the stem locking lever in the closed position, rotate the secondary safety lock counter clockwise to secure the stem locking lever (2c).
Note — Always ensure the stem connection is properly and tightly secured before riding. Check locking lever and ensure it is properly secured before riding. Adjust for proper tightness when neces­sary. To adjust frame locking lever, slowly turn the ad­justment bolt in the stem locking lever using a Phillips head screwdriver in 1/16 increments. Failure to effectively adjust the lever could result in the Stem Locking Lever being too tight or too loose. If the stem locking lever does not “snap” closed, it is in need of adjustment.
2a
2b
2c
3. Unfold and lock the pedals
The folded pedal is held in position by a spring loaded locking mechanism (3a).
Simply unfold the pedal and ensure it locks into its riding position (3b).
Release the pedal assembly making sure it locks into position to secure the pedal (3c). Repeat for other pedal. Adjust the seat assembly for comfortable rider position as described in this manual, never extending the seat post past the Minimum Insertion mark. Always ensure the seat clamp is securely tightened before riding.
3a
NOTE — This manual is only meant to act as a guide. KETTLER recommends that your bike be regularly serviced by a qualified bike mechanic
3b
3c
5
Folding For Storage
As Easy As 3—2—1!
3. Unlock and fold the pedals
Using your thumb, compress and hold the spring loaded pedal assembly (3a).
Fold the pedal into its folded position (3b).
Release the pedal assembly making sure it locks into position to secure the pedal (3c). Repeat for other pedal.
3a
3b
2. Unlock and fold the handlebar assembly
With the stem locking lever in the closed position, rotate the secondary safety lock to unsecure the stem locking lever (2a).
Pull stem locking lever away from the stem and fold down the handlebar assembly (2b-2c).
Note — Always ensure the stem connection is properly secured before riding. Check and Adjust Stem Locking Lever regularly. To ad­just frame locking lever, slowly turn the adjustment bolt in the stem locking lever using a Phillips head screwdriver in 1/16 increments. Failure to effectively adjust the lever could result in the Stem Locking Lever being too tight or too loose.
2a
3c
2b
NOTE — This manual is only meant to act as a guide. KETTLER recommends that your bike be regularly serviced by a qualified bike mechanic
2c
6
Folding For Storage
1. Unfold and lock the frame
With the frame locking lever in the closed position, bring up the secondary safety lock to unsecure the frame locking lever (1a).
The secondary safety lock should now be in the upright position (1b).
Then, pull back the frame locking lever so the clasp disengages the rear half frame (1c). With the clasp disengaged, swing the frame locking lever forward until it opens. (1d)
Then swing the front half of the bike away from the rear half of the bike.
Note To save additional space, you can lower the seat assembly all the way down to the frame or completely remove it from the frame. Pull up the quick release seat lever and flip over.
A l l o w t h e s e a t assembly to slide all the way down to the frame or remove it completely. Note — Always ensure the frame connection is properly secured before riding. Check and Adjust Frame Locking Lever regularly. To adjust frame locking lever, slowly turn the adjustment bolt in the frame locking lever using an Allen wrench in 1/16 increments. Failure to effectively adjust the lever could result in the Frame Locking Lever being too tight or too loose.
1a
1b
1c
1d
NOTE — This manual is only meant to act as a guide. KETTLER recommends that your bike be regularly serviced by a qualified bike mechanic
7
Basic Adjustments
Seatpost
You can easily and quickly adjust the height of the seatpost to fit almost any rider Locate the Quick Release seat lever. Lift the lever and flip open. Adjust the seatpost as desired. Flip the lever back over to tighten. Make sure lever is always completely tightened before riding.
Caution: If the Seat Assembly can still turn from side
to side or slide up and down, tighten the tension adjusting nut on the other side of the Quick Release lever before securing. DO NOT EXPAND THE SEAT POST PAST THE “MINIMUM INSERTION” LINE.
Stem
You can easily and quickly adjust the height of the stem to fit almost any rider Locate the Quick Release seat lever. Lift the lever and flip open. Adjust the stem as desired. Flip the lever back over to tighten. Make sure lever is always completely tightened before riding.
Caution: If the stem can still slide up and down,
tighten the tension adjusting nut on the other side of the Quick Release lever before securing.
Hook & Loop Fastening Strap
Your Cologne should come packaged with the two bike frame pieces held together by a Hook & Loop Fastening Strap , see below. You can use this strap when storing your Cologne and can easily be wrapped around the frame when using the bike.
NOTE — This manual is only meant to act as a guide. KETTLER recommends that your bike be regularly serviced by a qualified bike mechanic
8
Basic Adjustments cont’d
Direct-pull Cantilever Brakes
Adjust Brake Arm Tension
Now check your brake arm tension. The brake arms should have good spring tension, which makes them release when you let go of the brake lever. If there isn’t much tension, you may have to increase it on both sides. Undo both bolts one at a time, but don’t remove them completely. You’ll notice a small piece of metal poking out the backside of the brake. This is the spring, and it slides into one of three holes on your frame or fork. Most brakes work fine in the middle hole. To increase your brake tension, move the spring into the top hole. To decrease the brake tension, move the spring into the bottom hole. Then tighten the mounting bolt.
Lever Adjustment
First you’ll need to loosen off your brake cable bolt. You don’t need to remove it completely. This will allow you to adjust the brake lever’s reach. On the lever you should see a screw or bolt on the inside close to the handlebar. This is the reach adjustment screw. As you turn this screw you’ll notice the lever move closer to the handlebar grip. Turn it just enough so the rider can easily reach the lever, but not too far, as it still needs to be able to move enough to pull the brake.
Now re-adjust and tighten your brake cable. This is where the 4th hand tool comes in handy, as it will grip and pull the cable for you while you tighten the bolt.
Reach Adjustment
Once the reach is set up and the brakes are working, your child may find the lever is close enough but hard to pull. This is caused by high spring tension on the back of the brake caliper. To relieve some of this tension, you can push the spring in toward the wheel on both sides. I use an old screwdriver that I’ve ground down to a have a concave end just for this purpose, so it doesn’t slip and gouge my knuckles. Push just enough so it gives a tiny bit. You don’t want to push the springs too much as they still need some tension to pull the brakes back outward.
NOTE — This manual is only meant to act as a guide. KETTLER recommends that your bike be regularly serviced by a qualified bike mechanic
9
Basic Adjustments cont’d
Derailleur Adjustment
Limit Screws
There are 3 adjustment screws – the B-Screw (B-tension adjustment), the H-Screw (high gear limit stop) and the L-Screw (low gear limit stop). Adjustments on these screws should always be made in 1/4 turn increments.
B-Tension Adjustment
The B-Screw controls the derailleur body’s angle in relation to the sprocket­set. Shift to the largest sprocket and check the distance between the guide pulley and the large sprocket. If the guide pulley is rubbing on the sprocket, tighten the B-screw clockwise to increase tension and move the pulley away from the sprocket. If there is a large gap between the pulley and sprocket, loosen the B-screw until the pulley rubs the sprocket, and then tighten it until it just clears.
High Gear Limit Stop
The H-Limit screw high gear limit stop prevents the guide pulley from shifting any further past the highest gear and into the axle. In order to adjust it properly there must be no tension on the lower inner cable. If you feel tension, loosen the cable adjuster until there is none. Now check from behind how the chain is riding on the smallest sprocket. If it looks like it wants ride off into the axle, tighten the H-screw clockwise until it lines up. If it looks like it is rubbing on the next gear, loosen the screw until the chain is nicely centered on the sprocket. Now re-adjust the cable tension until the derailleur shifts smoothly down to the next gear.
Low Gear Limit Stop
The L-Limit screw prevents the guide pulley from shifting any further past the lowest gear and into the wheel spokes. Shift down to the lowest gear, step behind the bike, and check how the chain rides on the sprocket. If it looks like it wants to ride into the spokes, tighten the L-screw clockwise until it is centered on the sprocket. If it looks like it wants to shift down, loosen the screw until it lines up. As an extra precaution you can use your thumb to gently push the derailleur body and make sure the chain will not run into the spokes, as this could obviously have a nasty effect on both you and your bike.
Cable Adjustment
The cable tension adjuster defines how far up or down the derailleur moves. Step back so you can see the chain and sprocket alignment, and then through the gears in both directions, first shifting up two and down one, and then down two and up one. The chain should look centered on each sprocket. If it is rubbing on a larger gear it means there is too much tension on the cable. Loosen the tension by turning the adjuster clockwise. If it wants to jump down to a smaller gear it needs more tension. Increase the tension by turning the adjuster counter-clockwise. You can also use sound to check the adjustment. There is always a base-level of noise that can be heard in every gear. This noise will increase in a slightly different way depending on which way the tension is out of adjustment. If there is too much tension you will hear a metallic rubbing sound, but if there is too little tension you will hear a clicking noise as the chain tries to jump to a smaller sprocket. There is usually a cable tension adjuster on your shift lever. With practice you will be able to make small cable tension adjustments while you are riding.
10
Additional Information
Warning: This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair or
maintenance manual.
Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury and damage. By choosing to ride a bicycle, you assume the responsibility for that risk, so you need to know—and practice—the rules of safe and responsible riding and of proper use and maintenance of your bicycle. Proper use and maintenance of your bicycle reduces risk of injury. This manual contains many “Warnings” and “Cautions” concerning the consequences of failure to maintain or inspect your bicycle and of failure to follow safe bicycling practices.
 The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word WARNING indicates a
potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or
death.
 The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word CAUTION indicates a
potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided may result in minor or moderate
injury, or is an alert against unsafe practices.
 The word CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a situation which, if
not avoided, could result in serious damage to the bicycle or the voiding of your
warranty. Many of the Warnings and Cautions say “you may lose control and fall”. Because any fall can result in serious injury or even death, we do not always repeat the warning of possible injury or death. Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition which can occur while riding, this Manual makes no representation about the safe use of the bicycle under all conditions. There are risks associated with the use of any bicycle which cannot be predicted or avoided, and which are the sole responsibility of the rider.
A Special Note for Parents:
As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety of your minor
child, and the includes making sure that the bicycle is properly fitted to the child; that it is in good repair and safe operating condition; that you and your child have learned and understand the safe operation of the bicycle and that you and your child have learned , understand and obey not only the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle and traffic laws, but also the common sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling. As a parent, you should read this manual, as well as review its warnings and the bicycle’s functions and operating procedures with your child, before letting your child ride the bicycle
WARNING: Make sure that your child always wears an approved bicycle helmet
when riding.
11
Additional Information cont’d
WARNING: We strongly urge you to read the Manual in its entirety before your first
ride. At the very least, read and make sure that you understand each point in this
section, and refer to the cited sections on any issue which you do not completely under­stand. Please note that not all bicycles have all of the features described in this Manual
A. Bike Fit
 Is your bike the right size? If your bicycle is too large or too small for you, you may
loose control and fall. Always refer to the sizing chart supplied by KETTLER prior to purchasing your new bicycle.
 Is the saddle at the right height? If you adjust you’re your saddle height, follow the
Minimum Insertion instructions.
 Are saddle and seat post securely clamped? A correctly tightened saddle will allow no
saddle movement in any direction.
 Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you?  Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not, you may be able to adjust their angle
and reach.
 Do you fully understand how to operate your new bike? If not, before your first ride,
please contact KETTLER’s Parts & Service Department, parts@KETTLERusa.com / 866-804-0440, with any questions and/or concerns that you may have.
B. Safety First
 Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the helmet
manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and care.
 Do you have all the other required and recommended safety equipment? It’s your
responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of the areas where you ride, and to comply with all applicable laws.
 Do you know how to correctly secure your front and rear wheels? Riding with an
improperly secured wheel can cause the wheel to wobble or disengage from the bicycle, cause serious injury or death.
 If your bike has toeclips and straps or clipless (Step-in) pedals, make sure you know
how they work. These pedals require special techniques and skills. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and care.
 Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles your toe or toeclip may be
able to contact the front wheel when a pedal is all the way forward and the wheel is turned.
 Does your bike have suspension? If so, follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions
for fit, use and care.

C. Mechanical Safety Check
Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before every ride
 Nuts, bolts, screws and other fasteners: Because manufacturers use a wide variety of
fastener sizes and shapes made in a variety of materials, often differing by model and component, the correct tightening force or torque cannot be generalized. To make sure that the many fasteners on your bicycle are correctly tightened, refer to the Fastener Torque Specifications section of this catalog or to the torque specifications in
12
Additional Information cont’d
the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the component in question. Correctly tightening a fastener requires a calibrated torque wrench. A professional bicycle mechanic with a torque wrench should torque the fasteners on your bicycle. If you choose to work on your own bicycle, you must use a torque wrench and the correct tightening torque specifications from the bicycle or component manufacturer. If you need to make an adjustment at home or in the field, we urge you to exercise care, and to have the fasteners you worked on checked by a accredited bicycle mechanic as soon as possible.
WARNING: Correct tightening force on fasteners—nuts, bolts, screws—on your
bicycle is important. Too little force, and the fastener may not hold securely. Too much force, and the fastener can strip threads, stretch, deform or break. Either way, incorrect tightening force can result in component failure, which can cause you to loose control and fall.
 Make sure nothing is loose. 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 visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Any loose parts or accessories? If so, secure them. If not sure, ask someone with experience to check
 Tires & Wheels: Make sure tires are correctly inflated. Check by putting one hand on
the saddle one on the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the bike while looking at the tire deflection. Compare what you see with how it looks when you know the tires are correctly inflated; adjust if necessary.
 Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the thread and
sidewall. Replace damaged tires before riding the bike.
 Wheels true? Spin each wheel and check for brake clearance and side-to-side wobble.
If a wheel wobbles side to side even slightly, or rubs against or hits the brake pads, take the bike to a qualified bike shop to have the wheel trued.
 Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the rims are clean and undamaged at
CAUTION: Wheels must be true for rim brakes to work effectively. Wheel trueing
is a skill which requires special tools and experience. Do not attempt to true a
wheel unless you have the knowledge, experience and tools needed to do the job correctly.
the tire bead and, if you have rim brakes, along the braking surface. Check to make sure that any rim wear indicator marking is not visible at any point on the wheel rim.
WARNING: Bicycle wheel rims are subject to wear. Ask a certified bike mechanic
about wheel rim wear. Some wheel rims have a rim wear indicator which becomes visible as the rim’s braking surface wears. A visible rim wear indicator on the side of the wheel rim is an indication that the end of its usable life can result in wheel failure, which can cause you to loose control and fall
13
Additional Information cont’d
 Brakes: Check the brakes for proper operation. Squeeze the brake levers. Are the
brake quick-releases closed? All control cables seated and securely engaged? If you have rim brakes, do the brake pads contact the wheel rim squarely and make full contact with the rim? Do the brakes begin to engage within an inch of brake lever movement? Can you apply full braking force at the levers without having them touch the handlebar? If not, your brakes need adjustment. Do not ride the bike until the brakes are properly adjusted by a professional bike mechanic.
 Wheel retention system: Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured.  Seat post: If your seat post has an over-center cam action fastener for easy height
adjustment, check that it is properly adjusted and in the locked position
 Handlebar and saddle alignment: Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem are
parallel to the bike’s center line and clamped tight enough so that you cannot twist them out of alignment.
 Handlebar ends: Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition. If
not, replace them as soon as possible. Make sure the handlebar ends and extensions are plugged. If not, plug them before you ride. If the handlebars have bar end extensions, make sure they are clamped tight enough so you cannot twist them.
WARNING: Loose or damaged handlebar grips or extensions can cause you to
loose control and fall. Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut you and cause injury in an otherwise minor accident.
VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Please also read and become thoroughly familiar with the important information on the Lifespan of Your Bicycle & its Components section of this manual.
D. First Ride
be sure to pick a controlled environment, away from cars, other cyclists, obstacles or other hazards. Ride to become familiar with the controls, features and performance of your new bike. Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the bike. Test the brakes at slow speed, putting your weight toward the rear and gently applying the brakes, rear brake first. Sudden or excessive application of the front brake could pitch you over the handlebars. Applying brakes too hard can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to loose control and fall. Skidding is an example of what can happen when a wheel locks up. If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals, practice getting in and out of the pedals. If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how the suspension responds to brake application and rider weight shifts. Practice shifting the gears. Remember to never move the shifter while pedaling backward, nor pedal backwards immediately after having moved the shifter. This could jam the chain and cause serious damage to the bike. Checkout the handling and response of the bike; and check the comfort. If you have any questions, or if you feel anything about the bike is not as it should be, contact KETTLER’s Parts & Service Department, parts@KETTLERusa.com / 866-804-0440, with any questions and/or concerns that you may have before you ride again.
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your first familiarization ride on your new bike,
14
Safety
A. The Basics
WARNING: The area in which you ride may require specific safety devices. It is
your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of the area where you ride
and to comply with all applicable laws, including properly equipping yourself and your bike as the law requires. Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations. Observe regulations about bicycle lighting, licensing of bicycles, riding on sidewalks, laws regulating bike path and trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws, special bicycle traffic laws. Its your responsibility to know and obey the laws.
 Always wear a cycling helmet which meets the latest certification standards and is
appropriate for the type of riding you do. Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s instruction for fit, use and care of your helmet. Most serious bicycle injuries involve head injuries which might have been avoided if the rider had worn an appropriate helmet.
 Always do the Mechanical Safety Check before you get on a bike to ride.
WARNING: Failure to wear a helmet when riding may result in serious injury or
death.
 Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your bicycle: brakes, pedals, shifting.  Be careful to keep body parts and other objects away from the sharp teeth of
chainring, the moving chain, the turning pedals and cranks, and the spinning wheels of your bicycle.
 Always wear:
 Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip the pedals. Make sure that show
laces cannot get into moving parts, and never ride barefoot or in sandals.
 Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that it can be tangled in the bicycle
or snagged by objects at the side of the road or trail.
 Protective eyewear, to protect against airborne dirt, dust and bugs—tinted
when the sun is bright, clear when its not.
 Don’t jump with your bike. Jumping a bike, particularly a BMX or mountain bike, can
be fun; but it can put huge and unpredictable stress on the bicycle and its compo­nents. Riders who insist on jumping their bikes risk serious damage, to their bicycles as well as to themselves. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with your bike, read and understand the Extreme, Stunt or Competition Riding section of this manual.
 Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions. Higher speed means higher risk.
B. Riding Safety
 Obey all rules of the road and all local laws.  You are sharing the road or the path with others—motorists, pedestrians and other
cyclists. Respect their rights.
 Ride defensively. Always assume that others do not see you.  Look ahead, and be ready to avoid:
15
Safety cont’d

Vehicles slowing or turning, entering the road or your lane ahead of you, or coming up behind you.
 Parked car doors opening.  Pedestrians stepping out.  Children or pets playing near the road.  Potholes, sewer grating, railroad tracks, expansion joints, road or sidewalk
construction, debris and other obstructions that could cause you to swerve into traffic, catch your wheel or cause you to have an accident.
 The many other hazards and distractions which can occur on a bicycle ride.
 Ride in designated bike lanes, on designated bike paths or as close to the edge of the
road as possible, in the direction of traffic flow or as directed by local governing laws.
 Stop at stop signs and traffic lights; slow down and look both ways at street
intersections. Remember that a bicycle always loses in a collision with a motor vehicle, so be prepared to yield even if you have the right of way.
 Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping.  Never ride with headphones. They mask traffic sounds and emergency vehicle sirens,
distract you from concentrating on what's going on around you, and their wires can tangle in the moving parts of the bike, causing you to lose control and fall.
 Never carry a passenger, unless it is a small child wearing an approved helmet and
secured in a correctly mounted child carrier or a child-carrying trailer
 Never carry anything which obstructs your vision or your complete control of the
bicycle, or which could become entangled in the moving parts of the bicycle.
 Never hitch a ride by holding on to another vehicle.  Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you intend to do stunts, wheelies, jumps or go
racing with your bike despite KETTLER’s advice not to, read the Extreme, Stunt or Competition Riding section of this manual, now. Think carefully about your skills before deciding to take the large risks that go with this kind of riding.
 Don’t weave through traffic or make any moves that may surprise people with whom
you are sharing the road.
 Observe and yield the right of way.  Never ride your bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  If possible, avoid riding in bad weather, when visibility is obscured, at dawn, dusk or in
the dark, or when extremely tired. Each of these conditions increases the risk of accident.
C. Off-Road Safety
We recommend that children not ride on rough terrain unless they are accompanied by an adult.
 The variable conditions and hazards of off-road riding require close attention and
specific skills. Start slowly on easier terrain and build up your skills. If your bike has suspension, the increased speed you may develop also increases your risk of losing control and falling. Get to know how to handle your bike safely before trying to increased speed or more difficult terrain.
 Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan to do.  Don’t ride alone in remote areas. Even when riding with others, make sure that
someone knows where you're going and when you expect to be back
 Always take along some kind of identification, so that people know who you are in
case of an accident; take along some food, a cool drink or an emergency phone call.
16
Safety cont’d

Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride in a way that does not frighten or endanger them, and give them room so that their unexpected moves don’t endanger you.
 Be prepared. If something goes wrong while you're riding off-road, help may not be
close.
 Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with your bike, read and
understand the Extreme, Stunt or Competition Riding section of this manual.
Off-Road Respect Obey the local laws regulating where and how you can ride off-road, and respect private property. You may be sharing the trail with others—hikers, equestrians, other cyclists. Respect their rights. Stay on the designated trail. Don’t contribute to erosion by riding in mud or with unnecessary sliding. Don’t disturb the ecosystem by cutting your own trail or shortcut through vegetation or streams. It is your responsibility to minimize your impact on the environment. Leave things as you found them; always take out everything you brought in.
D. Wet Weather Riding
WARNING: Wet weather impairs traction, braking and visibility, both for the bicyclist
and for other vehicles sharing the road. The risk of an accident is dramatically
increased in wet conditions.
Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your brakes (as well as the brakes of other vehicles sharing the road) is dramatically reduced and your tires don’t grip nearly as well. This makes it harder to control speed and easier to lose control. To make sure that you can slow down and stop safely in wet conditions, ride more slowly and apply your brakes earlier and more gradually than you would under normal, dry conditions.
E. Night Riding
Riding a bicycle at night is much more dangerous than riding during the day. A bicyclist is very difficult for motorists and pedestrians to see at night. Therefore, children should never ride at dawn, at dusk or at night. Adults who chose to accept the greatly increased risk of riding at dawn, at dusk or at night need to take extra care both riding and choosing specialized equipment which helps reduce that risk. Consult an accredited bicycle shop about night riding safety equipment.
WARNING: Reflectors are not a substitute for required lights. Riding at dawn, at
dusk, at night or at other times of poor visibility without an adequate bicycle lighting system and without reflectors is dangerous and may result in serious injury or death.
Bicycle reflectors are designed to pick up and reflect car lights and street lights in a way that may help you to be seen and recognized as a moving bicyclist.
WARNING: Check reflectors and their mounting brackets regularly to make sure
that they are clean, straight, unbroken and securely mounted. Have an accredit­ed bike mechanic replace damaged reflectors and straighten or tighten any that are
bent or loose.
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