Specialized BICYCLE Owner's Manual page 45

a full-face helmet, pads, and body armor.
• INTENDED: For riding that includes the most difficult terrain that only very skilled
riders should attempt. Gravity, Freeride, and Downhill are terms which describe
hardcore mountain, north shore, slopestyle. This is "extreme" riding and the terms
describing it are constantly evolving.
Gravity, Freeride, and Downhill bikes are: (1) heavier and have more suspension
travel than All-Mountain bikes, allowing them to be ridden in more difficult terrain,
over larger obstacles and larger jumps, (2) the longest in suspension travel and use
components that fit heavy duty intended use. While all that is true, there is no guarantee
that extreme riding will not break a Freeride bike.
The terrain and type of riding that Freeride bikes are designed for is inherently
dangerous. Appropriate equipment, such as a Freeride bike, does not change this reality.
In this kind of riding, bad judgment, bad luck, or riding beyond your capabilities can easily
result in an accident, where you could be seriously injured, paralyzed or killed.
• NOT INTENDED: To be an excuse to try anything. Read Section 2. F, p. 10.
• TRADE OFF: Freeride bikes are more rugged than All-Mountain bikes, for riding
more difficult terrain. Freeride bikes are heavier and harder to ride uphill than All-
Mountain bikes.
Gravity, Freeride, and Downhill
• CONDITION 5: Bikes designed for jumping, hucking, high
speeds, or aggressive riding on rougher surfaces, or landing on
flat surfaces. However, this type of riding is extremely hazardous
and puts unpredictable forces on a bicycle which may overload
the frame, fork, or parts. If you choose to ride in Condition 5
terrain, you should take appropriate safety precautions such as
more frequent bike inspections and replacement of equipment.
You should also wear comprehensive safety equipment such as
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