Electra Bicycle - Manual (Page 18)

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WARNING: Never inflate a
tire beyond the maximum
pressure marked on
the tire’s sidewall. Exceeding
the recommended maximum
pressure may blow the tire off
the rim, which could cause
damage to the bike and injury to
the rider and bystanders.
The best and safest way to inflate a
bicycle tire to the correct pressure
is with a bicycle pump which has a
built-in pressure gauge.
WARNING: There is a safety risk in using gas station air hoses or
other air compressors. They are not made for bicycle tires. They
move a large volume of air very rapidly, and will raise the pressure in
your tire very rapidly, which could cause the tube to explode.
Tire pressure is given either as maximum pressure or as a pressure range.
How a tire performs under different terrain or weather conditions depends largely
on tire pressure. Inflating the tire to near its maximum recommended pressure
gives the lowest rolling resistance; but also produces the harshest ride. High
pressures work best on smooth, dry pavement.
Very low pressures, at the bottom of the recommended pressure range, give
the best performance on smooth, slick terrain such as hard-packed clay, and on
deep, loose surfaces such as deep, dry sand.
Tire pressure that is too low for your weight and the riding conditions can
cause a puncture of the tube by allowing the tire to deform sufficiently to pinch
the inner tube between the rim and the riding surface.
CAUTION: Pencil type automotive tire gauges can be inaccurate and
should not be relied upon for consistent, accurate pressure readings.
Instead, use a high quality dial gauge.
Ask your dealer to recommend the best tire pressure for the kind of riding you
will most often do, and have the dealer inflate your tires to that pressure. Then,
check inflation as described in Section 1.C so you’ll know how correctly inflated
tires should look and feel when you don’t have access to a gauge. Some tires
may need to be brought up to pressure every week or two, so it is important to
check your tire pressures before every ride.
Some special high-performance tires have unidirectional treads: their tread
pattern is designed to work better in one direction than in the other. The sidewall
marking of a unidirectional tire will have an arrow showing the correct rotation
direction. If your bike has unidirectional tires, be sure that they are mounted to
rotate in the correct direction.
F. Bicycle Suspension
Many bicycles are equipped with suspension systems. There are many
different types of suspension systems — too many to deal with individually in
this Manual. If your bicycle has a suspension system of any kind, be sure to
read and follow the suspension manufacturer’s setup and service instructions. If
you do not have the manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealer or contact the
manufacturer.
WARNING: Failure to maintain, check and properly adjust the
suspension system may result in suspension malfunction, which may
cause you to lose control and fall.
If your bike has suspension, the increased speed you may develop also
increases your risk of injury. For example, when braking, the front of a suspended
bike dips. You could lose control and fall if you do not have experience with this
system. Learn to handle your suspension system safely. See also Section 4.C.
WARNING: Changing suspension adjustment can change the
handling and braking characteristics of your bicycle. Never change
suspension adjustment unless you are thoroughly familiar with the
suspension system manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations,
and always check for changes in the handling and braking characteristics
of the bicycle after a suspension adjustment by taking a careful test ride in
a hazard-free area.
Suspension can increase control and comfort by allowing the wheels to better
follow the terrain. This enhanced capability may allow you to ride faster; but
you must not confuse the enhanced capabilities of the bicycle with your own
capabilities as a rider. Increasing your skill will take time and practice. Proceed
carefully until you have learned to handle the full capabilities of your bike.
WARNING: Not all bicycles can be safely retrofitted with some types
of suspension systems. Before retrofitting a bicycle with any
suspension, check with the bicycle’s manufacturer to make sure that
what you want to do is compatible with the bicycle’s design. Failing to do
so can result in catastrophic frame failure.
G. Tires and Tubes
1. Tires
Bicycle tires are available in many designs and specifications, ranging from
general-purpose designs to tires designed to perform best under very specific
weather or terrain conditions. If, once you’ve gained experience with your new
bike, you feel that a different tire might better suit your riding needs, your dealer
can help you select the most appropriate design.
The size, pressure rating, and on some high-performance tires the specific
recommended use, are marked on the sidewall of the tire ( see fig. 17). The part
of this information which is most important to you is Tire Pressure.