Types Of Bicycles And Recommendations For Use - BERG vertex series User Manual

TYPES OF BICYCLES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE

Berg Cycles offers different types of bicycles, designed for specific use, as shown in the following table. Using these bicycles in
situations contradictory to these recommendations may result in accidents and harm to oneself and property.
These bicycles have been designed for off the road use on trails and on the road and bicycle paths.
MOUNTAIN BICYCLES
They are equipped with a strengthened frame and other components, like wider tyres, with a
unique trail pattern and a wide gear range.
Maximum saddle height should be higher than 635mm.
These bicycles have been designed for amateur use on high-speed roads, fitted with a handlebar
that adapts to various positions (for an aerodynamic posture), with a wide gear range, maximum
ROAD BICYCLES
tyre length of 28mm and maximum weight of 12kg (when fully mounted).
Maximum saddle height should be higher than 635mm.
These bicycles are not built for trails and paths off the road.
These bicycles have mainly been designed for leisure and commuting on the road. Maximum sad-
CITY/TREKKING BICYCLES dle height should be higher than 635mm. These bicycles are not built for trails and paths off the
road.
These bicycles have been designed for road use and bicycle paths.
They are also suitable for acrobatics (on the ground and in the air).
BMX BICYCLES They are divided into two categories:
Category 1 – For cyclists weighing less than 45 kg.
Category 2 – For cyclists weighing more than 45 kg.
Maximum saddle height should be higher than 435mm.
These bicycles have been designed for road use by young adults weighing less than 40kg and a
JUNIOR ADULT BICYCLES saddle height between 635mm and 750mm.
These bicycles are not built for trails and paths off the road.
These bicycles have been designed for on the road and bicycle paths.
JUNIOR CHILDREN BICYCLES
These bicycles are not built for trails and paths off the road.
Saddle height should be between 435mm and 635mm.
TRAINING BICYCLES They are considered to be toys. They should not be used on roads or trails. They should always be
used under parental supervision. Maximum saddle height should be less than 435mm.
BEFORE USING THE BIKE
GENERAL WARNING
Cycling can be a hazardous activity even under the best of circumstances. Proper maintenance of your bicycle is your responsibility
as it helps reduce the risk of injury. This manual contains many "Warnings" and "Cautions" concerning the consequences of failure
to maintain or inspect your bicycle. Many of the warnings and cautions refer to the risk of falls or accidents. As any fall can result in
serious injuries, including death, we do not repeat the warning of possible injury or death whenever the risk of falling is mentioned.
USING A BABY CHAIR/CARRYING LUGGAGE/HARNESS:
Carriers, child safety seats and trailers may be used on city and trekking bicycles (compatibility will depend on the chosen transport
accessory).
Mountain bicycles may also be compatible with these transport accessories, although it will depend on each accessory.
Do not use any transport accessory (carriers, child safety seats and trailers) on bicycles built out of composite materials.
Always contact retailer to check your bicycles compatibility with the various transport accessories available on the market.
Using any transport accessory such as carriers, child safety seats and trailers can affect your bicycle's stability and ride.
You should check with your retailer how to mount these accessories; accessories mounted incorrectly could result in risk of personal
injury or property damage.
Before using your bicycle equipped with a transport accessory, check that it is functioning properly. Check the tightness of fasten-
ing bolts and ensure there are no gaps.
The weight limit indicated by manufacturers of these accessories should not be exceeded under any circumstances.
Note: City or trekking bicycles should cover all spring mechanisms (if applicable) when using a child safety seat to avoid physical injury
to the child.
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USING ACCESSORIES NOT ORIGINALLY MOUNTED ON THE BICYCLE
USING AERODYNAMIC EXTENSIONS ON ROAD BICYCLES
Using aerodynamic extensions on road bicycles could affect the steering by interfering with drive and braking behaviour.
You should test your mounted bicycle with aerodynamic extensions in a quiet area to familiarise yourself to steering. Always brake
in good time and avoid sudden movements when cycling.
MOUNTING ACCESSORIES NOT PROVIDED WITH THE BICYCLE
If you suspect your bicycle has been provided with a dismounted accessory, please contact your retailer. Visibility accessories
(lights, reflectors and bell) might not be mounted to your bicycle when delivered. Please contact your retailer to ensure these
accessories are correctly mounted. You should also request from your retailer replacement pieces (e.g. batteries or bulbs) in case
you may need them.
When mounting the pedals, please pay attention to the inscription indicating the correct mounting side (located on the pedals
thread). Inscription "L" refers to the left pedal, while inscription "R" refers to the right pedal.
Note: Correct mounting of pedals is essential to ensure your safety. Please ask your retailer to mount the pedals. Always check the
pedals are screwed on tightly before each use.
GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR USE
When riding a bicycle, comply with the same rules of transport for other vehicles, including giving way to pedestrians and stopping
at red lights and stop signs.
For more information, contact your country's road transit authority.
Ride your bicycle in a foreseeable manner and in a straight line. Never ride your bicycle on the wrong side of the road. Use correct
hand signals to indicate changes of directions or stops.
Ride cautiously whilst making yourself visible to others on the road as they may have difficulty seeing you.
Concentrate on the route ahead of you. Avoid potholes, gravel, wet areas along the route, oil slicks, edges of pavements, road
humps, sewer grates and other obstacles.
Pass railway tracks at a 90-degree angle or on foot and carry your bicycle on your arm.
Be prepared for the unexpected; car doors opening suddenly or cars reversing out of access paths not in your line of sight.
Be extra careful at intersections and when preparing to overtake other vehicles.
Familiarise yourself with all of the bicycle's features. Practise changing gears, braking and use of clipless pedals, if mounted.
If you wear long trousers, use hooks or elastic buckles around your legs to avoid them getting caught on the chain.
Wear appropriate clothing for cycling and avoid shoes that expose your toes.
Your bicycle has several mechanical components that might get caught on your clothing while riding (or during any type of use,
including maintenance work). Pay special attention when using your bicycle to prevent your clothes from getting caught on any of
these mechanical components.
Do not carry loads or passengers that will affect your visibility or control of the bicycle. Do not use objects that may restrict your
hearing.
Do not block the brakes. When braking, always use the rear brake first and then the front brake. The front brake is stronger and if
not used correctly may cause you to lose control and fall.
Keep a safe distance from other riders, vehicles and objects when braking. Distances and forces related to safe braking depend on
weather conditions.
COMPOSITE MATERIALS – USE AND NECESSARY CAUTION
Composite materials are increasingly used in the manufacturing of bicycles, as they possess very interesting mechanical properties.
However, these materials have some flaws and should be subject to frequent periodic inspections. Composite materials are sensi-
tive to high temperatures and may undergo structural changes if they are exposed to these high temperatures for extended periods
of time (e.g. temperatures resulting from sudden sharp braking on a composite wheel).
You should check the manufactured composite components regularly and look for signs of cracks or surface changes (scratches,
blisters and discolouration).
In regards to wheels made of composite materials, you should pay attention to any damage caused by impact and high temper-
atures.
Damaged wheels may be invisible when performing a visual check. You should always make the most of breaks to check and im-
mediately contact your retailer if you notice any change to the normal functioning of the wheels.
Note: Never attempt to repair a component made of composite material. This may lead to the component's malfunction and result in
physical injury and property damage.
If your bicycle has been supplied with tubular tyres, please contact your retailer for proper mounting.
Consult your retailer if you have questions on the use/maintenance of composite materials.
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