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Adjust the saddle to a comfortable height
(see illustration). Test that you have the right
height by sitting on the saddle with your heel
on the lower pedal and your leg fully extended.
Your leg should be almost straight, and if it is
too bent you need to raise the saddle. If it is dif-
cult to reach the lower pedal comfortably you
need to lower the saddle.
Before riding your bicycle you should perform
a safety check on level ground and away from
heavy trafc. It is important that you ensure
all parts are fastened and working properly
and that you are familiar with the controls and
features of your bike, such as the rear wheel
coaster brake and automatic gears. There are
two gears that shift automatically depending on
the speed at which you are cycling.
1. CHECK THE TYRES
Make sure that the tyres are inated to the
recommended pressure limit using a tyre pump
with a gauge. The pressure should not exceed
the recommended limit as stated on the tyre.
It is better to use a hand or foot pump rather
than a service station pump as over ination can
cause the tyre to blow out.
2. CHECK THE SADDLE
Make sure that the saddle is in line with the
centre of the bike and that the handlebar is at
90 degrees to the wheel. Check that it is tight-
ened sufciently so that it will not twist out of
alignment.
3. CHECK THE BRAKES
Check that the front wheel brake is working
properly. Ride the bike at slow speed and apply
the front wheel brake using the hand lever. The
bike should come to an immediate stop. Make
sure you can apply full braking force on the hand
brake without the brake lever touching the han-
dlebar. If not, your brakes may need adjusting.
Do not test the full braking force when riding at
fast speed since it can cause your front wheel to
stop turning and your bike to ip over.
Check that the rear wheel coaster brake is
working properly. Start with the pedal cranks in
an almost horizontal position, and apply pres-
sure downwards on the back pedal. The more
pressure you apply, the greater the braking
force.
Please note that the brake lever on the
handle bar controls the front wheel brake
and the coaster brake controls the rear
wheel brake.
4. CHECK REFLECTORS, LIGHTS AND
ACCESSORIES
Check that reectors are positioned correctly.
Make sure that your front and rear lights and
any other accessories are working properly. Test
the bell on the handlebar.
WARNING: As with all mechanical components,
the bicycle is subjected to wear and high stress.
Different materials and components may react
to wear or stress fatigue in different ways. If the
design life of a component has been exceeded, it
may suddenly fail possibly causing injuries to the
rider. Any form of cracks, scratches or change of
colouring in highly stressed areas indicate that
the life of the component has been reached and
it should be replaced.
4. TEST YOUR BIKE BEFORE RIDING
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