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 to practice — the rules of safe and responsible riding and of proper use and maintenance. 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 cycling practices. 

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 NOTE TO PARENTS

As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety of your minor child, and that 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; but also make sure that your child understands that a bicycle helmet is for bicycling only, and must be removed when not riding. A helmet must not be worn while playing, in play areas, on playground equipment, while climbing trees, or at any time while not riding a bicycle. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious injury or death.

NOTE: We strongly urge you to read this 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 don’t completely understand. Please note that not all bicycles have all of the features described in this Manual. Ask your retailer to point out the features of your bicycle.

1. Is your bike the right size? If your bicycle is too large or too small for you, you may lose control and fall. If your new bike is not the right size, ask your retailer to exchange it before you ride it. 

2. Is the saddle at the right height? If you adjust your saddle height, follow the Minimum Insertion instructions. 

3. Are saddle and seat post securely clamped? A correctly tightened saddle will allow no saddle movement in any direction. 

4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you? 

5. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not, you may be able to adjust their angle and reach. 

6. Do you fully understand how to operate your new bicycle? If not, before your first ride, have your retailer explain any functions or features which you do not understand. 

1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and care. 2. 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. 

3. 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, and cause serious injury or death. 

4. If your bike has toe clips 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 use, adjustment and care. 

5. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles your shoe or toe clip may be able to contact the front wheel when a pedal is all the way forward and the wheel is turned. 

Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before every ride. If the bicycle or any part thereof does not pass inspection, ensure this is fixed before riding. Consult your retailer if you have any questions. 

Nuts, bolts screws & 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 Torque Specifications of this manual or to the torque specifications in 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 you 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 or from your retailer. 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 your retailer 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 lose control and fall. 

• Check visually for any damage on your bicycle. If anything looks incorrect or suspicious please consult your retailer. 

• 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 you’re not sure, ask someone with experience to check. 

• 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 tire deflection. Compare what you see with how it looks when you know the tires are correctly inflated; and adjust if necessary.

• Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tires before riding the bike.

• Wheels true? Spin each wheel and check for brake clearance and sideto-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. 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.

• Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the rims are clean and undamaged at the tire bead and, if you have rim brakes, along the braking surface of the disc rotor.

• Brakes: Check brakes for proper operation. Squeeze the brake levers. Are the brake quick-releases closed? All control lines seated and securely engaged? If you have rim brakes, do the brake pads contact the wheel rim squarely, making 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 bicycle mechanic.

Wheel retention system: Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured. 

• 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 can’t twist them out of alignment, or move them up or down. Ensure no cables interfere or bind when the handlebar is rotated side to side.

• Handlebar ends: Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition. If not, have your retailer replace them. Make sure the handlebar ends and extensions are plugged. If not, have your retailer plug them before you ride. If the handlebars have bar end extensions, make sure they are clamped tight enough so you can’t twist them.

WARNING
Loose or damaged handlebar grips or extensions can cause you to lose control and fall. Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut you and cause serious injury in an otherwise minor accident.

Chain: Check that the chain is not kinked or rusted, and does not have broken plates, pins, or rollers. Ensure the tension is correct so that it does not fall off when the pedals are rotated. 

Pedals: Check that the pedals are tightened onto the crankarm. Ensure the pedals and shoes are clean and that debris will not interfere with the pedal system.

VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Please also read and become thoroughly familiar with the important information on the lifespan of your bicycle and its components.

When you buckle on your helmet and go for your first familiarization ride on your new bicycle, 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 lose control and fall. Skidding is an example of what can happen when a wheel locks up. 

If your bicycle has toe clips or clipless pedals, practice getting in and out of the pedals.

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 bicycle. 

Check out 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, consult your retailer before you ride again.

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. It’s your responsibility to know and obey the laws.

1. 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 instructions 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.

WARNING
Failure to wear a helmet when riding may result in serious injury or death.

2. Always do the Mechanical Safety Check before you get on a bike.

3.  Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your bicycle: brakes, pedals, shifting. 

4.  Be careful to keep body parts and other objects away from the sharp teeth of chain rings, the moving chain, the turning pedals and cranks, and the spinning wheels of your bicycle. 

5. Always wear: 

• Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip the pedals. Make sure that shoe 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 it’s not. 

6. Don’t jump with your bike. Jumping a 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. 

7. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions. Higher speed means higher risk. 

B.  Riding Safety 

1. Obey all Rules of the Road and all local traffic laws. 

2. You are sharing the road or the path with others — motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists. Respect their rights. 

3. Ride defensively. Always assume that others do not see you.

4. Look ahead, and be ready to avoid: 

• 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. 

• Pot holes, 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. 

5. 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. 

6. 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. 

7. Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping. 

8. 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 bicycle, causing you to lose control. 

9. Never carry a passenger. 

10. 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.

11. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another vehicle. 

12. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you intend to do stunts, wheelies, jumps or go racing with your bike despite our advice not to, read the section about Extreme, Stunt, or Competition riding, now. Think carefully about your skills before deciding to take the large risks that go with this kind of riding. 

13. Don’t weave through traffic or make any moves that may surprise people with whom you are sharing the road. 

14. Observe and yield the right of way. 

15. Never ride your bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

16. 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. 

17. Always take along some kind of identification, so that people know who you are in case of an accident; and take along a couple of dollars in cash for a candy bar, a cool drink or an emergency phone call.

We recommend that children not ride on rough terrain unless they are  accompanied by an adult. 

1. 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. Get to know how to handle your bike safely before trying increased speed or more difficult terrain. 

2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan to do. 

3. 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. 

4. Always take along some kind of identification, so that people know who you are in case of an accident; and take along some cash for food, a cool drink or an emergency phone call. 

5. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride in a way that does not frighten or endanger them, and give them enough room so that their unexpected moves don’t endanger you. 

6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong, help may not be close.  

7. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with your bike, read and understand this section. 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; and always take out everything you brought in.

Off-Road Riding

We recommend that children not ride on rough terrain unless they are  accompanied by an adult. 

1. 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. Get to know how to handle your bike safely before trying increased speed or more difficult terrain. 

2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan to do. 

3. 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. 

4. Always take along some kind of identification, so that people know who you are in case of an accident; and take along some cash for food, a cool drink or an emergency phone call. 

5. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride in a way that does not frighten or endanger them, and give them enough room so that their unexpected moves don’t endanger you. 

6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong, help may not be close.  

7. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with your bike, read and understand this section. 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; and always take out everything you brought in.

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. 

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. 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 your retailer 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.

CAUTION
Check reflectors and their mounting brackets regularly to make sure that they are clean, straight, unbroken and securely mounted.  Have your retailer replace damaged reflectors and straighten or tighten any that are bent or loose.

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.

If you choose to ride under conditions of poor visibility, check and be sure you comply with all local laws about night riding, and take the following strongly recommended additional precautions: 

• Purchase and install battery or generator powered head and tail lights which meet all regulatory requirements and provide adequate visibility. 

• Wear light colored, reflective clothing and accessories, such as a reflective vest, reflective arm and leg bands, reflective stripes on your helmet, flashing lights attached to your body and/or your bicycle ... any reflective device or light source that moves will help you get the attention of approaching motorists, pedestrians and other traffic. 

• Make sure your clothing or anything you may be carrying on the bicycle does not obstruct a reflector or light. 

• Make sure that your bicycle is equipped with correctly positioned  and securely mounted reflectors. While riding at dawn, at dusk or at night: 

•  Ride slowly.

If you choose to ride under conditions of poor visibility, check and be sure you comply with all local laws about night riding, and take the following strongly recommended additional precautions: • Purchase and install battery or generator powered head and tail lights which meet all regulatory requirements and provide adequate visibility. 

• Wear light colored, reflective clothing and accessories, such as a reflective vest, reflective arm and leg bands, reflective stripes on your helmet, flashing lights attached to your body and/or your bicycle ... any reflective device or light source that moves will help you get the attention of approaching motorists, pedestrians and other traffic. 

• Make sure your clothing or anything you may be carrying on the bicycle does not obstruct a reflector or light. 

• Make sure that your bicycle is equipped with correctly positioned  and securely mounted reflectors. 

While riding at dawn, at dusk or at night: 

• Ride slowly.

• Avoid dark areas and areas of heavy or fast-moving traffic.

• Avoid road hazards. 

• If possible, ride on familiar routes. If riding in traffic: 

• Be predictable. Ensure drivers can see you and predict your movements.

• Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the unexpected. 

• If you plan to ride in traffic often, ask your retailer about traffic safety classes or a good book on bicycle traffic safety.

WARNING
Although many catalogs, advertisements and articles about bicycling depict riders engaged in racing or competition, this activity can be extremely dangerous, increases your risk of injury, severity of an injury, or even death. Remember that the action depicted is being performed by professionals with many years of training and experience. Know your limits and always wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear. Even with state-of-the-art protective safety gear, you could be seriously injured or killed when riding at speed or in competition.

WARNING
Bicycles and bicycle parts have limitations with regard to strength and integrity, and riding in competition can exceed those limitations. In particular the following situations can exceed the design limits of your bicycle, and result in a loss of control and falling which could result in serious injury or death: Hopping/jumping your bicycle. Riding over curbs, sticks or debris.

Racing or Competition 

BRIDGE bicycles are designed for road riding, road racing, time-trialing, track racing, and triathlon competitions. However, without proper maintenance and regular inspection, or with substitution of inappropriate components, the safety and reliability of your bicycle can be compromised. When riding fast in competition or downhill, you can reach speeds achieved by motorcycles, and therefore face similar hazards and risks. Have your bicycle and equipment carefully inspected by a qualified mechanic and be sure it is in perfect condition. Consult with expert riders, area site personnel and race officials on conditions and equipment advisable at the site where you plan to ride. Wear appropriate safety gear. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to have proper equipment and to be familiar with course conditions. 

Situations the bicycle was not designed for:
• Hopping/jumping your bicycle 

• Riding over curbs, sticks or debris 

• Impacts or crashes

We also recommend the following before competing with your bike: 

• Start with easy learning exercises and slowly develop your skills 

• Use only designated or appropriate areas for racing or fast downhill riding 

• Always wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear 

• Understand and recognize that the stresses imposed on your bike by this kind of activity may break or damage parts of the bicycle and void the warranty

• Take your bicycle to your retailer if anything breaks or bends. Do not ride your bicycle when any part is damaged. If you ride downhill at speed, or ride in competition, know the limits of your skill and experience. Ultimately, avoiding injury is your responsibility. 

Extreme or Stunt Riding 

Whether you call it Aggro, Hucking, Freeride, North Shore, Downhill, Jumping, Stunt Riding, or something else: if you engage in this sort of extreme, aggressive riding you will get hurt, and you voluntarily assume a greatly increased risk of injury or death.

WARNING
BRIDGE bicycles are not designed for these types of riding under any circumstances. Refer to intended use of your bicycle. Engaging in any of these activities will increase your risk of injury or death, increases the severity of any injury, and will also void your warranty.

There are many components and accessories available to enhance the comfort, performance and appearance of your bicycle. However, if you change components or add accessories, you do so at your own risk. BRIDGE may not have tested that component or accessory for compatibility, reliability or safety on your bicycle. Before installing any component or accessory, including a different size tire, make sure that it is compatible with your bicycle by checking with your retailer or with BRIDGE Customer Service. Be sure to read, understand and follow the instructions that accompany the products you purchase for your bicycle.

WARNING
Changing the components on your bike with other than genuine replacement parts may compromise the safety of your bicycle and may void the warranty. Check with your retailer before changing the components on your bike. Failure to confirm compatibility, properly install, operate and maintain any component or accessory can result in serious injury or death.

WARNING
Technological advances have made bicycles and bicycle components more complex, and the pace of innovation is increasing. It is impossible for this manual to provide all the information required to properly repair and/or maintain your bicycle. In order to help minimize the chances of an accident and possible injury, it is critical that you have any repair or maintenance which is not specifically described in this manual performed by your retailer. Equally important is that your individual maintenance requirements will be determined by everything from your riding style to geographic location. Consult your retailer for help in determining your maintenance requirements.

If you want to learn to do major service and repair work on your bike: 

1. Ask your retailer for copies of the manufacturer’s installation and service instructions for the components on your bike, or contact the component manufacturer. 

2. Ask your retailer to recommend a book on bicycle repair. 

3. Ask your retailer about the availability of bicycle repair courses in your area. 

We recommend that you ask your retailer to check the quality of your work the first time you work on something and before you ride the bike, just to make sure that you did everything correctly. Since that will require the time of a mechanic, there may be a modest charge for this service. We also recommend that you ask your retailer for guidance on what spare parts, such as inner tubes, light bulbs, etc. it would be appropriate for you to have once you have learned how to replace such parts when they require replacement. 

A.  Service Intervals 

Some service and maintenance can and could be performed by the owner, and require no special tools or knowledge beyond what is presented in this manual. 

The following are examples of the type of service you should perform yourself. All other service, maintenance and repair should be performed in a properly equipped facility by a qualified bicycle mechanic using the correct tools and procedures specified by the manufacturer. 

1. Break-in Period: Your bike will last longer and work better if you break it in before riding it hard. Control cables and wheel spokes may stretch or “seat” when a new bike is first used and may require readjustment by your retailer. Your Mechanical Safety Check will help you identify some things that need readjustment. But even if everything seems fine to you, it’s best to take your bike back to the retailer for a checkup. Retailers typically suggest you bring the bike in for a 30 day checkup. Another way to judge when it’s time for the first checkup is to bring the bike in after three to five hours of hard off-road use, or about 10 to 15 hours of on-road or more casual off-road use. But if you think something is wrong with the bike, take it to your retailer before riding it again. 

2. Before every ride: Mechanical Safety Check

3.  After every long or hard ride; if the bike has been exposed to water or grit; or at least every 100 miles: Clean the bike and lightly lubricate the chain’s rollers with a good quality bicycle chain lubricant. Wipe off excess lubricant with a lint-free cloth. Lubrication is a function of climate. Talk to your retailer about the best lubricants and the recommended lubrication frequency for your area. 

4. After every long or hard ride or after every 10 to 20 hours of riding: 

• Squeeze the front brake and rock the bike forward and back. Everything feel solid? If you feel a clunk with each forward or backward movement of the bike, you probably have a loose headset. Have your retailer check it. 

• Lift the front wheel off the ground and swing it from side to side. Feel smooth? If you feel any binding or roughness in the steering, you may have a tight headset. Have your retailer check it. 

• Grab one pedal and rock it toward and away from the centerline of the bike; then do the same with the other pedal. Anything feel loose?  If so, have your retailer check it. 

• Take a look at the brake pads. Starting to look worn or not hitting the wheel rim squarely? Time to have the retailer adjust or replace them. 

• Carefully check the control cables and cable housings. Any rust? Kinks? Fraying? If so, have your retailer replace them. 

• Squeeze each adjoining pair of spokes on either side of each wheel between your thumb and index finger. Do they all feel about the same? If any feel loose, have your retailer check the wheel for tension and trueness. 

• Check the tires for excess wear, cuts or bruises.  Have your retailer replace them if necessary. 

• Check the wheel rims for excess wear, dings, dents and scratches. Consult your retailer if you see any rim damage.

• Check to make sure that all parts and accessories are still secure, and tighten any which are not. 

• Check the frame, particularly in the area around all tube joints; the handlebars; the stem; and the seatpost for any deep scratches, cracks or discoloration. These are signs of stress-caused fatigue and indicate that a part is at the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced.

WARNING
Like any mechanical device, a bicycle and its components are subject to wear and stress.  Different materials and mechanisms wear or fatigue from stress at different rates and have different life cycles. If a component’s life cycle is exceeded, the component can suddenly and catastrophically fail, causing serious injury or death to the rider. Scratches, cracks, fraying and discoloration are signs of stress-caused fatigue and indicate that a part is at the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. While the materials and workmanship of your bicycle or of individual components may be covered by a warranty for a specified period of time by the manufacturer, this is no guarantee that the product will last the term of the warranty. Product life is often related to the kind of riding you do and to the treatment to which you submit the bicycle. The bicycle’s warranty is not meant to suggest that the bicycle cannot be broken or will last forever. It only means that the bicycle is covered subject to the terms of the warranty. Please be sure to read Intended Use of Your Bicycle and The Lifespan of Your Bike & Its Components.

5. As required: If either brake lever fails the Mechanical Safety Check, don’t ride the bike. Have your retailer check the brakes. 

6.  If the chain won’t shift smoothly and quietly from gear to gear, the derailleur is out of adjustment. See your retailer.

7. Every 25 (hard off-road) to 50 (on-road) hours of riding: Take your bike to your retailer for a complete checkup. Fork inspection must include removal of the fork from the bicycle to permit inspection of the fork steerer as well as the fork blades and dropouts for any signs of damage. 

B.  If Your Bicycle Sustains An Impact: 

First, check yourself for injuries, and take care of them as best you can. Seek medical help if necessary. 

Next, check your bike for damage. 

After any crash, take your bike to your retailer for a thorough check. Carbon composite components, including frame and fork, wheels, handlebars, stems, cranksets, brakes, etc. which have sustained an impact must not be ridden until they have been disassembled and thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic. Fork inspection must include removal of the fork from the bicycle to permit inspection of the fork steerer as well as the fork blades and dropouts for any signs of damage. 

See also section Lifespan Of Your Bike & Its Components.

WARNING
A crash or other impact can put extraordinary stress on bicycle components, causing them to fatigue prematurely. Components suffering from stress fatigue can fail suddenly and catastrophically, causing loss of control, serious injury or death.