Checks To Be Conducted Before Every Use; Periodic Checks; Safety Rules And Practical Advice To Minimize Known Risks Of Cycling - BeTOUGH RIDLEY Manual Del Propietário

5. CHECKS TO BE CONDUCTED BEFORE EVERY USE

WARNING! Remember that for each of the following steps you must read attentively,
and abide strictly by the Manual and/or instructions provided by the manufacturer of the
component in question, which are given to you at the time of purchase of your bicycle and/
or are available on its manufacturer's website. If the other manuals we not given to you, we
advise you to request them from your AUTHORIZED RIDLEY DEALER and/or consult their
manufacturers' websites which feature such manuals, before using your new bicycle.
What we provide below is exclusively a number of recommendations based on our many
years of experience with competitive cycling, but in no way do they constitute an implicit or
explicit assumption on our part of any liability for components that we have not
manufactured.
1. FRAME AND FORK. A clean bicycle, with its mechanical parts well-oiled and greased
and the frame and forks' surfaces glossy, is beneficial not only from the esthetic
point of view, but it also allows all its parts to be visible. Possible signs of fatigue
or wear cannot escape notice, and removing any accumulation of abrasive material
or deposits of corrosive substances (e.g., formed because of sweating) contributes
among other things to prolonging the life of your bicycle as well as to preservation
of its high commercial value.
2. TIRES. Abide by the pressure values that are recommended by the tire manufacturer
provided on the tire beads and always make sure that your tires are intact, not too
worn, and do not have cuts or scratches that can compromise tightness when the
tires are inflated.
3. WHEELS. The wheels should not oscillate up and down, or left to right, once they
start turning. The wheel rim should pass close to the brake pads without any
deviations. If this is not the case, bring back your bicycle to your AUTHORIZED
RIDLEY DEALER for wheel alignment before hitting the road.
4. BRAKES. Integrity of the brake system is of paramount importance for your safety.
Therefore you should check it and/or have it checked. More specifically, the pads
should not become too thin from wear. They should be aligned with the rim and
spaced apart from it at a distance of 1 to 2 mm. Conduct a careful practical test
before mounting the bike by operating the brake levers, which should move freely
without coming too close to the handlebar.
5. WHEEL RELEASE DEVICES. The wheels should be securely attached to the fork. The
quick-release system allows wheel installation to be done without tools. While the
locking lever is in lock position the wheel axle should be inserted into its bearing,
and the wheel should be perfectly aligned with the structural members of the front
fork and rear fork. Lock by hand, applying moderate force to the quick-release lever,
which should be set to a position where it is easy to grasp if release is desired.
6. HANDLEBAR AND STEM. Careful inspection of the handlebar and its stem should be
conducted regularly, and it should be aimed at finding possible signs of fatigue such
as scratches, grooves, buckling or cracks. Be thorough because sudden yielding
of the stem or bending of the handlebar may have serious consequences for the
person riding the bicycle.
7. SEAT AND SEAT POST. The weight of the body is supported by the seat. The seat
and seat post define a fulcrum with respect to which the muscular level of the legs
perform their work. For this reason, inspect frequently both the seat and seat post.
More especially, inspect on a regular basis the screws and the seat post head. When
you hold the seat with your hands at both ends and check for safety, trying to twist
or swing it, it should not give squeaks or move awkwardly.
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6. PERIODIC CHECKS

Checking your bicycle is necessary, primarily to prevent possible problems that can have
an adverse effect on your safety. Just using the bicycle can cause events which, if they
are neglected, may result in future damage. The most striking example of what we are
talking about here is hitting an obstacle, which apparently may leave no trace. Or, it can be
a fall that did not cause "anything but some scratches on the frame paint." This is why you
must conduct ordinary maintenance at your AUTHORIZED RIDLEY DEALER. Inadequate
maintenance accelerates wear. A bicycle that is worn and has been knocked cannot be as
functional and reliable as it should be.

7. SAFETY RULES AND PRACTICAL ADVICE TO MINIMIZE KNOWN RISKS OF CYCLING

1. HELMET USE. Any time we mount a bicycle, we must wear a helmet that should be
securely attached and that should fit our head well. An unprotected head is very
vulnerable. The constant use of a helmet that meets the safety standards will help
you avoid injuries.
2. CLOTHING / GLASSES. It is also recommended to wear protective glasses and
clothing specially designed for cycling.
3. OBSERVING TRAFFIC RULES. You must know and observe the regulations governing
bicycle riding. These regulations vary from country to country, but there are some
uniform traffic rules that we would like to emphasize:
• In a group of cyclists, move in a single line;
• Never ride on the wrong side of the road;
• Use correct and repeating hand signals every time it is required;
• Try to anticipate unexpected events, being aware that it is harder to see a cyclist
than other traffic participants, and that many drivers neither know nor respect
cyclists' rights;
• Use light-reflecting signals and light-colored clothing that reflects light best;
and
• In general, ride your bicycle defensively because you are vulnerable when riding
the bicycle on the road, and for this reason you must try and anticipate events
and act on the principle of self-protection, which is often achieved by foreseeing
potentially dangerous behavior of others.
4. TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR RIDING.
• Avoid pedaling when moving slowly and on narrow turns. Racing bicycles have
short wheelbases, and your toes may touch the front wheel. At normal speeds
the handlebar is never turned far enough for this to happen;
• If it is raining and the road is wet, or generally under any conditions that reduce
the tire's grip on the pavement, use maximum caution and not only move at low
speed, but also avoid braking hard. When it is raining and cloudy, visibility is poor
for you and for others, and braking time and braking distance increase;
• Pay particular WARNING to pedestrian crossings and to wet leaves on the road
because it is there that the cohesion is almost totally lost.
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