D) First Ride - Kona bicycle Owner's Manual

Brakes: Check the brakes for proper operation [see
Sections 4.C]. Squeeze the brake levers. Are the brake
quick-releases closed? All control cables seated and
securely engaged? Do the brake pads touch the wheel rim
within an inch of brake lever movement? Can you apply full
braking force at the levers without having them touch the
handlebar? If not, your brakes need adjustment. Do not
ride the bike until the brakes are properly adjusted
by a professional bicycle mechanic.
Wheel retention system: Make sure the front and
rear wheels are correctly secured. See Section 4.A
Seat post: If your seat post has an over-center cam action
fastener for easy height adjustment, check that it is properly
adjusted and in the locked position. See Section 4.B.
Handlebar and Saddle Alignment: Make sure the
saddle and handlebar stem are parallel to the bike's
center line and clamped tight enough so that you can't
twist them out of alignment [see Sections 3.B and 3.C].
If not, align and tighten them.
Handlebar Ends: Make sure the handlebar grips are
secure and in good condition. If not, replace them. Make
sure the handlebar ends and extensions are plugged. If
not, plug them before you ride. If the handlebars have
bar end extensions, make sure they are clamped tight
enough so you can't twist them.
WARNING: Loose or damaged handlebar grips
or extensions can cause you to lose control and fall.
Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut your
body, and can cause serious injury in an otherwise
minor accident.
VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Please also read
and become thoroughly familiar with the important
information on the lifespan of your bicycle and its
components in Appendix B on Page 35.

D) 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 Section 4.C]. Test the brakes at slow speed, put-
ting 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 Section 1.B.4 and
Section 4.E].
If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how
the suspension responds to brake application and rider
weight shifts [see Section 1.B.5 and Section 4.F].
Practice shifting the gears [see Section 4.D]. Remember
to never move the shifter while pedaling backward,
nor pedal backwards after having moved the shifter.
This could jam the chain and cause serious damage to
the bicycle.
Check out 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, take the bike
back to your dealer for advice.
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