RIDLEY Bicycle Use And Maintenance Booklet page 39

9.1. Comfort and Convenience Accessories
Once the bike fit (frame size, saddle position and angle, stem length
and rise) is correct, the saddle becomes the single most important
comfort accessory.
The comfort of a bicycle saddle depends much more on how the
saddle shape relates to the rider's body than on the thickness or
material of the padding. Bicycle manufacturers select a saddle shape
based on their best guess of what's likely to be comfortable for most
buyers of that particular bicycle model. But that doesn't mean it's
going to be the most comfortable shape for you. That's why your
dealer stocks saddles which offer a variety of shapes, padding,
covering materials and prices. If the saddle on your new bike is
uncomfortable, ask your dealer to suggest an alternative.
If you're planning to spend an hour or more at a time on your bike,
get a pair of cycling gloves. Their padded palms help keep your
hands from getting numb from the vibration of the handlebars (the
numbness, called carpal tunnel syndrome, can become quite painful
if not taken care of), and they'll provide some abrasion protection for
your hands if you fall.
Cycling shorts and cycling jerseys are both performance and comfort
accessories. There are two kinds of cycling shorts: the traditional
skintight Lycra shorts and loose-fit cycling shorts. Both are designed
to reduce friction and chafing. The washable pod in the crotch of the
shorts both cushions and protects against chafing. Wear them
without underwear to avoid the undergarment's bunching up and
chafing. Also available are undergarments designed to reduce
chafing when worn with regular street clothes. The jerseys have
pockets in the back, so that the things you carry don't bang around
when you ride. Many are made of special materials with properties
that improve riding comfort and performance.
It's important to drink plenty of liquids before and during exercise.
A water bottle is an essential companion on a longer ride.
Some basic tools are also useful. The minimum tool kit you will need
to make adjustments, perform maintenance and handle emergency
repairs should include:
• a set of Alien wrenches in 2mm, 4mm, 5mm and 6mm sizes
• a set of tire levers
• a 6-inch adjustable wrench
• a No. 1 Phillips screwdriver and a ¼-inch flat blade screwdriver
• a tire pump
• a tire patching kit and a spare tire tube.
9.2. Performance Upgrades
CAUTION: Changing the components on your bike may void the
warranty. To avoid voiding your warranty, check with your dealer
before changing the components on your bike.
The most popular way to improve the performance of a bicycle is to
substitute higher priced drivetrain or brake components.
Before attempting to upgrade your drivetrain or brakes, make sure
that the components you plan to install are fully compatible with the
rest of the components on your bike. Your Authorized Dealer can
help you determine
compatibility conflicts.
Another popular way to improve the performance of a bicycle is to
substitute lighter weight "racing" components. Lighter wheels, tires,
handlebars and so on can enhance the performance of your bike, but
you must always keep in mind that light weight racing components
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component compatibility and resolve