General Warning; A Special Note For Parents - MARIN Bicycle Owner's Manual

GENERAL WARNING:

Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury and damage. By choosing
to ride a bicycle, you assume the responsibility for that risk, so you need to
know — and to practice — the rules of safe and responsible riding and of
proper use and maintenance. Proper use and maintenance of your bicycle
reduces risk of injury.
This Manual contains many "Warnings" and "Cautions" concerning the
consequences of failure to maintain or inspect your bicycle and of failure to
follow safe cycling practices.
•The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word WARNING
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in serious injury or death.
•The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word CAUTION
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury, or is an alert against unsafe practices.
•The word CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a
situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious damage to the bicycle
or the voiding of your warranty.
Many of the Warnings and Cautions say "you may lose control and fall".
Because any fall can result in serious injury or even death, we do not
always repeat the warning of possible injury or death.
Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition which can
occur while riding, this Manual makes no representation about the safe use
of the bicycle under all conditions. There are risks associated with the use
of any bicycle which cannot be predicted or avoided, and which are the
sole responsibility of the rider.
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A Special Note for Parents:

As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety of
your minor child, and that includes making sure that the bicycle is properly
fitted to the child; that it is in good repair and safe operating condition; that
you and your child have learned and understand the safe operation of the
bicycle; and that you and your child have learned, understand and obey not
only the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle and traffic laws, but also the
common sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling. As a parent, you
should read this manual, as well as review its warnings and the bicycle's
functions and operating procedures with your child, before letting your child
ride the bicycle.
WARNING: Make sure that your child always wears an approved
bicycle helmet when riding; but also make sure that your child
understands that a bicycle helmet is for bicycling only, and must be
removed when not riding. A helmet must not be worn while playing, in
play areas, on playground equipment, while climbing trees, or at any
time while not riding a bicycle. Failure to follow this warning could
result in serious injury or death.
Chapter 1: First
NOTE: We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its entirety before your
first ride. At the very least, read and make sure that you understand each
point in this section, and refer to the cited sections on any issue which
you don't completely understand. Please note that not all bicycles have all
of the features described in this Manual. Ask your dealer to point out the
features of your bicycle.
A. Bike Fit
1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see Section 3.A. If your bicycle is
too large or too small for you, you may lose control and fall. If your new
bike is not the right size, ask your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.
2. Is the saddle at the right height? To check, see Section 3.B. If you adjust
your saddle height, follow the Minimum Insertion instructions in Section
3.B.
3. Are saddle and seat post securely clamped? A correctly tightened saddle
will allow no saddle movement in any direction. See Section 3.B.
4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you?
If not, see Section 3.C.
5. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not, you may be able to
adjust their angle and reach. See Section 3.D and 3.E.
6. Do you fully understand how to operate your new bicycle?
If not, before your first ride, have your dealer explain any functions or
features which you do not understand.
B. Safety First
1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the
helmet manufacturer's instructions for fit, use and care.
2. Do you have all the other required and recommended safety equipment?
See Section 2. It's your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of
the areas where you ride, and to comply with all applicable laws.
3. Do you know how to correctly secure your front and rear wheels? Check
Section 4.A.1 to make sure. Riding with an improperly secured wheel
can cause the wheel to wobble or disengage from the bicycle, and cause
serious injury or death.
4. If your bike has toeclips and straps or clipless ("step-in") pedals, make
sure you know how they work (see Section 4.E). These pedals require
special techniques and skills. Follow the pedal manufacturer's instructions
for use, adjustment and care.
5. Do you have "toe overlap"? On smaller framed bicycles your toe or
toeclip may be able to contact the front wheel when a pedal is all the way
forward and the wheel is turned. Read Section 4.E. to check whether you
have toeclip overlap.
6. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check Section 4.F. Suspension
can change the way a bicycle performs. Follow the suspension
manufacturer's instructions for use, adjustment and care.
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