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Tech
cont'd
follow the terrain. This enhanced capability may allow you to ride faster; but you must not
confuse the enhanced capabilities of the bicycle with your own capabilities as a rider.
Increasing your skill will take time and practice. Proceed carefully until you have learned
to handle the full capabilities of your bike.
WARNING
: Not all bicycles can be safely retrofitted with some types of suspension
systems. Before retrofitting a bicycle with any suspension, check with the bicycle's
manufacturer to make sure that what you want to do is compatible with the bicycle's
design. Failing to do so can result in catastrophic frame failure.
G. Tires and Tubes
Tires
Bicycle tires are available in many
designs and specifications, ranging from
general-purpose designs to tires designed to
perform best under very specific weather or
terrain conditions. If, once you've gained
experience with your new bike, you feel that
a different tire might better suit your riding
needs, a certified bike mechanic can help
you select the most appropriate design.
The size, pressure rating, and on
some high performance tires the specific
recommended use, are marked on the
sidewall of the tires (see fig. 17). The part
of this information which is most important
to you Tire Pressure.
WARNING
: Never inflate a tire beyond the maximum pressure marked on the tire's
sidewall. Exceeding the recommended maximum pressure may blow the tire off the
rim, which could cause damage to the bike and injury to the rider and bystanders.
The best and safest way to inflate a bicycle tire to the correct pressure is with a
bicycle pump which has a built-in pressure gauge.
WARNING
: There is a safety risk in using gas station air hoses or other air
compressors. They are not made for bicycle tires. They move a large volume of air
very rapidly, and will raise the pressure in your tire very rapidly, which could cause the
tube to explode.
Tire pressure is given either as maximum pressure or as a pressure range. How a
tire performs under different terrain or weather conditions depends largely on tire
pressure. Inflating the tire to near its maximum recommended pressure gives the lowest
rolling resistance; but also produces the harshest ride. High pressures work best on
smooth, dry pavement.
Very low pressures, at the bottom of the recommended pressure range, give the
best performance on smooth, slick terrain such as hard-packed clay, and on deep, loose
surfaces such as deep, dry sand.
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