Cannondale Bicycle Owner's Manual - page 67
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Product limitations
Problems of pilot error aside, hard-core riding also beats the heck out of your equipment. Although
we build and test our bikes to make them tough, there’s no way that we can guarantee they’ll
survive your umpteenth six-foot drop. For starters, there is no industry “jumping” standard. The many
circumstances of takeoff, landing, speed, rider technique, etc. are unique. The judgment, lack of
judgment or insanity of a rider who may ride a Cannondale bicycle cannot be completely predicted,
so it’s flat-out impossible to predict how anyone’s equipment is going to hold up.
Let’s get another thing straight. Buying a Freeride bike does not make you any better. Do not confuse
the built-in capabilities of equipment with your own capabilities, which must be learned.
Keeping your bike and all its components in good working order is critical, and it’s up to you to
maintain and inspect it. Even so, your sweet rig isn’t going to last forever. Nothing does, particularly
bikes and parts that are built to minimize weight and then are subjected to abuse. Cannondale frames
carry a warranty, but that’s to cover issues with workmanship and/or materials. (See the Cannondale
Limited Warranty in this manual). The warranty doesn’t mean that they’re going to last forever. They’re
not. The warranty certainly doesn’t mean that the bicycle can in any way protect you from injury.
Use of specialized Protective Gear
Cannondale has long urged the use of helmets. As riskier, extreme downhill and freeriding became
part of the sport we communicated frankly about the risks in this freeride warning. We have recently
become aware of neck braces, designed for mountain biking and motocross riding, fitted between
the rider and helmet, that can decrease the risk of paralysis, spinal cord and neck injuries. As the
manufacturer clearly states, these braces cannot prevent all injuries. We urge riders, particularly riders
into challenging and risky riding, to investigate and consider prophylactic neck braces (For example,
see http://www.leatt-brace.com/). A prophylactic neck brace might save your life or keep you out of
a wheelchair.
in Conclusion
If you’re going hard-core, be smart about it. Always wear a full face helmet, state-of-the-art neck
brace, body armor, full-finger gloves, and protective clothing. Choose a bike that’s right for you, your
riding and terrain, and check it often for signs of fatigue or other trouble. (Your dealer can help you
on both fronts.) Read PART II, SECTION B. MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING. And most importantly, know your
limitations. Practice. Stay in control, and carefully, gradually expand your limits – but ride within
them.
yoU Can Be seveRely inJURed, PaRalyzed, oR killed if yoU iGnoRe this WaRninG.