Check That Both Wheels Are Secured; Check The Handlebar And Stem For Signs Of Fatigue Or Increased Tension; Check The Adjustment Of The Suspension; Check The Lighting System - Orbea ALMA Instruction And Maintenance Manual

- Coaster brakes: the braking action is carried out by pedaling backwards.
Follow the inspection instructions for the type of brakes on your bike. If your brake system does
not pass the inspection specified in the "Inspection, adjustment and lubrication of your bike"
chapter, take your bike to your authorized dealer.
WARNING If your brakes are not working correctly, you may lose control and fall. Carefully inspect
the brake system before each ride. Do not use the bike until any problem that may arise with the
brake system has been resolved.

Check that both wheels are secured

For a safer ride, your bike wheels must be firmly secured to the fork and frame. The wheels are
secured by way of bolts or quick-release mechanisms, which allow you to install and remove
wheels without tools.

Check the handlebar and stem for signs of fatigue or increased tension

Carefully inspect the handlebar and stem for signs of fatigue: scratches, cracks, dents, deformi-
ties and discoloring. If any part shows signs of fatigue or damage, change it before riding your
bike. Likewise, check that the handlebar ends and extensions are plugged.

Check the adjustment of the suspension

Make sure that the suspension components are adjusted to your preference, and that no sus-
pension element is at its limit. The suspension system affects your bike's performance; there-
fore, proper adjustment is very important. If the suspension system is compromised to a point
where the fork is blocked, you could lose control. For more information about how to adjust the
suspension system, see the chapter on "Inspection adjustment and lubrication of your bike" or
the manual for the suspension system that may have come with your bike.

Check the lighting system

Inspect the angles and function of the front and rear lighting and signaling systems. These
should be kept clean to work properly.

Check the handlebar

Make sure the stem and the handlebar are correctly positioned and tightened, and that the bell
is working properly.

Check the saddle

The saddle must be positioned at the proper height for your use and height. Moreover, you must
also check that the seatpost and seat are correctly positioned and tightened.

3. RIDING SAFELY

Wear a helmet

You must ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, and when riding on public roadways, you must use the
SIGNALING SYSTEMS provided with your bike.
An unprotected head is very fragile, even in the event of a minor bump, but wearing a helmet
that complies with EC safety regulations or other recognized legislation could reduce that risk.
Eye protection and proper clothing are also recommended.

Be aware of local traffic laws for bicycles

Most states have specific laws for cyclists. Cycling clubs or the Department of Transportation (or
its equivalent) in your area should be able to provide you information in that regard. Some of
the most important regulations are:
- Use the appropriate hand signals
- When riding with other cyclists, form a single-file line
- Ride on the correct side of the road; never against traffic
- Expect the unexpected and ride defensively. Cyclists are difficult to see, and many drivers are
unaccustomed to recognizing the rights of cyclists.

Do not perform stunts or other unsafe activities with your bike

Many cycling accidents can be avoided by using common sense. Some examples:
- Do not ride "no hands": the slightest imperfection in the road could cause a vibration or su-
dden turn of the front wheel.
- Do not ride with objects hanging from the handlebars or any other part of the frame: they
could get stuck in the spokes and cause the handlebars to jerk suddenly, making you lose con-
trol of your bicycle.
- Do not ride under the effects of alcohol or medicines that cause drowsiness. Bicycles require
good coordination of movements, and your must always be alert to your surroundings.
- Do not carry anyone on your bicycle. Standard bikes are not designed to hold the additional
weight of a second rider. Moreover, the extra weight makes the bicycle much harder to turn and
stop.

Ride defensively

To pedestrians, drivers and other cyclists, you are not as visible as a car. You must always
beware of dangerous situations and be prepared to stop.

Watch the road

Be prepared to avoid potholes, sewer grates or shoulders, since they could cause your wheels to
skid. When maneuvering around an obstacle, try to do so at a 90º angle, and if you are unsure
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