Cannondale Bicycle Owner's Manual - Section 1. First
5
seCtion 1. fiRst
note: We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its
entirety before your first ride. At the very least, read
and make sure that you understand each point in this
section, and refer to the cited sections on any issue
which you don’t completely understand. Please note
that not all bicycles have all of the features described
in this manual. Ask your dealer to point out the
features of your bicycle.
1.a - Bike fit
1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see SECTION
3.A. If your bicycle is too large or too small for you,
You may lose control and fall. If your new bike is
not the right size, ask your dealer to exchange it
before you ride it.
2. Is the saddle at the right height? To check, see
SECTION 3.B. If you adjust your saddle height,
follow the Minimum Insertion instructions in
SECTION 3.B.
3. Are saddle and seat post securely clamped? A
correctly tightened saddle will allow no saddle
movement in any direction. See SECTION 3.B.
4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height
for you? If not, see SECTION 3.C.
5. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not,
you may be able to adjust their angle and reach.
See SECTION 3.D and 3.E.
6. Do you fully understand how to operate your
new bicycle? If not, before your first ride, have
your dealer explain any functions or features
which you do not understand.
1.B - safety fiRst
1. Always
wear
an
approved
helmet
when riding your bike, and follow the
helmet
manufacturer’s
instructions
for fit, use and care.
2. Do you have all the other required and
recommended safety equipment? See SECTION 2.
It’s your responsibility to familiarize yourself
with the laws of the areas where you ride, and to
comply with all applicable laws.
3. Do you know how to correctly operate your
wheel quick releases? Check SECTION 4.A.1 to
make sure. Riding with an improperly adjusted
wheel quick release can cause the wheel to
wobble or disengage from the bicycle, and cause
serious injury or death.
4. If your bike has toeclips and straps or clipless
(“step-in”) pedals, make sure you know how they
work (see SECTION 4.E). These pedals require
special techniques and skills. Follow the pedal
manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment
and care.
5. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed
bicycles your toe or toeclip may be able to
contact the front wheel when a pedal is all
the way forward and the wheel is turned. Read
SECTION 4.E. If you have toeclip overlap.
6. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check
SECTION 4.F. Suspension can change the way
a bicycle performs. Follow the suspension
manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment
and care.