3.5.3 Brakes
Visually inspect the brakes for proper cable routing (see fig. 14a).
Squeeze the brake levers. Brake levers should engage brake shoes at approximately half way through their arc, or within about 2.5 cm. (an inch) of handlebar grip. To check proper brake lever travel, encircle the hand grip with your thumb and forefinger, then squeeze the brake lever with the remaining three fingers of each hand. If you can squeeze the levers so that they touch your forefinger, you should have a qualified service centre adjust your brakes.
Make sure that the brake’s brake shoes are contacting the rim’s braking surface fully (see fig. 14b). Also check that the shoes are not coming into contact with the tyre’s side wall whilst applying the brake. Riding the bike with brake shoes contacting the side wall can cause the tyre to be damaged and the inner tube to puncture, which may cause you to lose control and fall. Do not ride the bike until the brakes are properly adjusted. See section 6.4: “Brakes” for details.
WARNING:
Riding with improperly adjusted brakes or worn brake shoes is dangerous and can result in serious injury.
3.5.4
Check to see that the front wheel
WARNING:
Riding with an improperly adjusted wheel
3.5.5 Handlebar and saddle alignment
Are the saddle and handlebar stem correctly in line with the bike’s top tube and tight enough so that you can’t twist them out of alignment?
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