Raleigh 2008 manual First, Bike fit, Safety first, Mechanical Safety Check

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1. First

NOTE: All operators must read and understand all sections of this owner’s manual before their initial operation of the bicycle. If after reading this manual in its entirety you have any questions, please contact your authorized dealer for clarification or an explanation of specific topics that you are unsure about. 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 specific bicycle.

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, make sure that you follow the Minimum Insertion instructions in Section 3.B.

3.Are saddle and seatpost securely clamped? A correctly tightened saddle will allow no saddle movement in any direction. See Section 3.B for details.

4.Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you? If not, see Section 3.C on what you can do about it.

6.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 for details.

7.Do you fully understand how to operate your new bicycle? If not, before you ride, have your dealer explain any functions or features which you do not understand.

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 of your helmet.

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.If your bike has wheel quick releases, do you know how to correctly operate them? Check Section Appendix B 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 clipless (“step-in”) pedals, make sure you know how they work (see Section 4.C.3). These pedals require special techniques and skills. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment and care.

5.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.

6.Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles your toe may be able to contact the front wheel when a pedal is all the way forward and the wheel is turned.

See section 4.C.1.

C.Mechanical Safety Check

Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before every ride.

Nuts, bolts & straps: Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel off the ground by two or three inches, then let it bounce on the ground. Anything sound, feel or look loose? Do a quick visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Any loose parts or accessories? If so, secure them. If you’re not sure, ask someone with experience to check.

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Contents For single-speed bicycles Read it before you take the first ride On your new bicycleGeneral Warning Special note for parentsContents Safety first Mechanical Safety CheckFirst Bike fitHandlebar and saddle alignment Make sure the saddle First rideSafety Riding SafetyWear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan Wet Weather Riding Night RidingBicycling in Traffic Downhill, Stunt or Competition BikingChanging Components or Adding Accessories FitStandover height Saddle positionHandlebar height and angle Brake reach TechBrakes Coaster Brake How the coaster brake works Adjusting your coaster brakeHand Brakes How hand brakes work Page Wheels Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices Removing a Bolt‑On Front WheelInstalling a Bolt‑On Rear Wheel with Hand Brake Installing a Bolt‑On Front WheelRemoving a Bolt‑On Rear Wheel with Hand Brake Installing a Bolt‑On Rear Wheel with Coaster Brake PedalsWhich may cause you to lose control and fall Tires and Tubes Service Tire ValvesService Intervals Before every ride Mechanical Safety CheckIf your bicycle sustains an impact Appendix a LessonsDriveway Rideout Turning Without WarningFollowing the Leader SummaryAppendix 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