First Ride - Priority Bicycle Owner's Manual

WARNING: Bicycle wheel rims are subject to wear. Ask your dealer about wheel rim wear. Some wheel rims have a rim
wear indicator which becomes visible as the rim's braking surface
rim is an indication that the wheel rim has reached its maximum usable life. Riding a wheel that is at the end of its usable life
can result in wheel failure, which can cause you to loose control and fall.
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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? If you have rim brakes, do the brake pads contact the wheel rim squarely and
make full contact with the rim? Do the brakes begin to engage 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.
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Wheel retention system: Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured. See Section 4.A
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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.
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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.
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Handlebar ends: Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition, with no cuts, tears, or worn out areas. If not,
have your dealer replace them. Make sure the handlebar ends and extensions are plugged. If not, have your dealer 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 you and 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 41.
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, putting 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 paragraph B.4 above and Section 4.E.4.
If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how the suspension responds to brake application and rider weight shifts. See
paragraph B.6 above and Section 4.F.
Practice shifting the gears (see Section 4.D). Remember to never move the shifter while pedaling backward, nor pedal backwards
immediately 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, consult your dealer before you ride again.
See Section 4.B.
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wears. A visible rim wear indicator on the side of the wheel
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