What To Know Before Your First Ride - Charge City Owner's Manual

Charge Bicycle Owner's Manual

What to Know Before Your First Ride

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 See Technical Information, "Brakes." 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 toeclips or clipless pedals, practice getting in and out of the pedals. See Technical
Information, "Pedals."
If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how the suspension responds to brake
application and rider weight shifts. See Technical Information, "Suspension."
Practice shifting the gears. See Technical Information, "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 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 with
a professional bicycle mechanic before you ride again.
The Charge XC model is an ASTM Condition 2
intended use bike.
For starters, it is almost certain you will fall off.
Get training! Join a club and find experienced
people to teach you. Practice and learn to
stay in control. Carefully, progressively, learn
to expand your limits, but always ride within
them.
137381 Rev 1 (02/20)
What to Know Before Your First Ride
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Riding Safety