Chapter 2: Guide To Safe On And Off-Road Operation; Use Common Sense When You Ride - Bontrager WHEEL Owner's Manual

Chapter 2—
Guide to Safe On and Off-Road Operation
This section explains some of the basics of how to use your wheelset safely. Also read your
bicycle owner's manual, which contains additional safety information.

Use Common Sense When You Ride

Many cycling accidents could be avoided by using common sense. Here are a few examples:
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Do not ride with 'no hands.'
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Do not 'ride double.'
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Do not ride with loose objects attached to the handlebar or any other part of the bicycle.
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Avoid objects that might get into the spokes.
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Do not ride while intoxicated or while using medications that might make you drowsy.
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For road bicycles, ride only on paved surfaces.
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Use special care when riding off-road. Ride only onthe trails. Avoid rocks, branches, or
depressions.
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When approaching a descent, reduce speed, keep your weight back and low, and use the
rear brake more than the front.
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Do not ride in an abusive manner.
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Avoid Riding Too Fast
Higher speeds create higher risks and greater forces in the event of a crash. At higher speeds,
it is more likely that wheels will slip or that a small bump can create a significant impact to your
frame, fork, or wheels. Keep your bicycle under control, at a reasonable speed, at all times.
Watch for Cars, Pedestrians, and Other Obstacles
A bicycle rider is hard to see, and many drivers do not know the rights and special
considerations of a bicycle rider. Ride defensively; watch for cars, pedestrians, and other trail
users. Be prepared for all situations. Watch for and avoid potholes, drain grates, soft or low
shoulders, and other deviations which could impact your wheels or cause them to slip. If you
are not sure of riding surface conditions, walk your bike.
Do Not Make Changes to the Wheelset
If you make a change to the wheelset, you will void the manufacturer's warranty. Also, this
is not safe. Do not install parts on this wheelset that do not have approval. Parts that lack
approval can cause damage to the wheelset and are not safe. If you are not sure if a part has
approval, speak to your Bontrager dealer.
WARNING
The following abusive riding practices increase your risk of injury:
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Jumping your bicycle
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Performing bicycle stunts
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Severe off-road riding
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Downhill riding
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Any abnormal bike riding
Each of these practices increases the stresson every part of your bicycle.
Bicycles or parts under high stress may fatigue prematurely, causing
them to malfunction or break, increasing the risk of injury to the rider. To
decrease your risk of injury, avoid these riding practices.
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