Raleigh 2008 manual Tech, Brake reach, Brakes

Page 13

your legs and attempt to twist the handlebar/stem assembly. If you can twist the stem in relation to the front wheel, turn the handlebars in relation to the stem, or turn the bar end extensions in relation to the handlebar, the bolts are insufficiently tightened. D. Control position adjustments

The angle of the controls and their position on the handlebars can be changed. Ask your dealer to make the adjustments for you.

E. Brake reach

Many bikes have brake levers which can be adjusted for reach. If you have small hands or find it difficult to squeeze the brake levers, your dealer can either adjust the reach or fit shorter reach brake levers.

!WARNING: The shorter the brake lever reach, the more critical it is to have correctly adjusted brakes, so that full braking power can be applied within available brake lever travel. Brake lever travel insufficient to apply full braking power can result in loss of control, which may result in serious injury or death.

4. Tech

It’s important to your safety, performance and enjoyment to understand how things work on your bicycle. We urge you to ask your dealer how to do the things described in this section before you attempt them yourself, and that you have your dealer check your work before you ride the bike. If you have even the slightest doubt as to whether you understand

something in this section of the Manual, talk to your dealer.

A. Brakes

Your bicycle is equipped either with a coaster brake (described in paragraph 1 below) or with hand brakes (described in paragraph 2 below). Be sure that you understand how your bicycle’s brakes work before you take your first ride, by reading and understanding paragraph 1 or 2 and paragraph 3 below.

!WARNING:

1.Riding with improperly adjusted brakes or worn brake pads is dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.

2.Applying brakes too hard or too suddenly can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Sudden or excessive application of the front brake may pitch the rider over the handlebars, which may result in serious injury or death.

3.Some bicycle brakes, such as disc brakes (fig. 6) and linear-pull brakes (fig. 7), are extremely powerful. Take extra care in becoming familiar with these brakes and exercise particular care when using them.

4.Disc brakes can get extremely hot with extended use. Be careful not to touch a disc brake

until it has had plenty of time to cool.

5. Please see the brake manufacturer’s instructions for operation and care of your disk brake. If you do not have the manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealer or contact the brake manufacturer.

13

Image 13
Contents Read it before you take the first ride On your new bicycle For single-speed bicyclesSpecial note for parents General WarningContents Mechanical Safety Check Safety firstFirst Bike fitFirst ride Handlebar and saddle alignment Make sure the saddleRiding Safety SafetyWear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan Night Riding Wet Weather RidingDownhill, Stunt or Competition Biking Bicycling in TrafficFit Changing Components or Adding AccessoriesSaddle position Standover heightHandlebar height and angle Brake reach TechBrakes Coaster Brake How the coaster brake works Adjusting your coaster brakeHand Brakes How hand brakes work Page Removing a Bolt‑On Front Wheel Wheels Front Wheel Secondary Retention DevicesInstalling a Bolt‑On Rear Wheel with Hand Brake Installing a Bolt‑On Front WheelRemoving a Bolt‑On Rear Wheel with Hand Brake Pedals Installing a Bolt‑On Rear Wheel with Coaster BrakeWhich may cause you to lose control and fall Tires and Tubes Tire Valves ServiceBefore every ride Mechanical Safety Check Service IntervalsIf your bicycle sustains an impact Lessons Appendix aDriveway Rideout Turning Without WarningSummary Following the LeaderAppendix B Page Appendix C Installing a Quick Release Front Wheel Removing a Quick Release Rear Wheel Seatpost Quick Release Raleigh America, Inc. Bicycle Limited Warranty