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MEC BIKE MANUAL
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WARNING Although many catalogs, advertisements and articles about bicycling
depict riders engaged in extreme riding, this activity is extremely dangerous,
increases your risk of injury or death, and increases the severity of any injury.
Remember that the action depicted is being performed by professionals with
many years of training and experience. Know your limits and always wear a
helmet and other appropriate safety gear. Even with state-of-the-art protective
safety gear, you could be seriously injured or killed when jumping, stunt riding,
riding downhill at speed or in competition.
WARNING Bicycles and bicycle parts have limitations with regard to strength
and integrity, and this type of riding can exceed those limitations.
We recommend against this type of riding because of the increased risks;
but if you choose to take the risk, at least:
–– take lessons from a competent instructor first
–– start with easy learning exercises and slowly develop your skills before
trying more dicult or dangerous riding
– use only designated areas for stunts, jumping, racing or fast downhill riding
– wear a full face helmet, safety pads and other safety gear
– understand and recognize that the stresses imposed on your bike by this kind of
activity may break or damage parts of the bicycle and void the warranty
– take your bicycle to your dealer if anything breaks or bends. Do not ride
your bicycle when any part is damaged.
–– if you ride downhill at speed, do stunt riding or ride in competition,
know the limits of your skill and experience. Ultimately, avoiding injury is
your responsibility.
G Changing components or adding accessories
There are many components and accessories available to enhance the comfort,
performance and appearance of your bicycle. However, if you change components
or add accessories, you do so at your own risk. The bicycle’s manufacturer
may not have tested that component or accessory for compatibility, reliability
or safety on your bicycle. Before installing any component or accessory,
including a dierent size tire, make sure that it is compatible with your bicycle
by checking with your dealer. Be sure to read, understand and follow the
instructions that accompany the products you purchase for your bicycle.
See also Appendix A and B.
If you choose to ride under conditions of poor visibility, check and be sure you
comply with all local laws about night riding, and take the following strongly
recommended additional precautions:
– purchase and install battery or generator powered head and tail lights
which meet all regulatory requirements and provide adequate visibility.
– wear light colored, reflective clothing and accessories, such as a reflective
vest, reflective arm and leg bands, reflective stripes on your helmet, flashing
lights attached to your body and/or your bicycle... any reflective device or
light source that moves will help you get the attention of approaching
motorists, pedestrians and other trac.
– make sure your clothing or anything you may be carrying on the bicycle
does not obstruct a reflector or light.
– make sure that your bicycle is equipped with correctly positioned and
securely mounted reflectors.
While riding at dawn, at dusk or at night:
– ride slowly.
– avoid dark areas and areas of heavy or fast-moving trac.
– avoid road hazards.
– if possible, ride on familiar routes.
If riding in trac:
– be predictable. Ride so that drivers can see you and predict your movements.
– be alert. Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.
– if you plan to ride in trac often, ask your dealer about trac safety
classes or a good book on bicycle trac safety.
F Extreme, stunt or competition riding
Whether you call it Aggro, Hucking, Freeride, North Shore, Downhill, Jumping,
Stunt Riding, Racing or something else: if you engage in this sort of extreme,
aggressive riding you will get hurt, and you voluntarily assume a greatly increased
risk of injury or death.
Not all bicycles are designed for these types of riding, and those that are may
not be suitable for all types of aggressive riding. Check with your dealer or the
bicycle’s manufacturer about the suitability of your bicycle before engaging in
extreme riding.
When riding fast down hill, you can reach speeds achieved by motorcycles,
and therefore face similar hazards and risks. Have your bicycle and equipment
carefully inspected by a qualified mechanic and be sure it is in perfect condition.
Consult with expert riders, area site personnel and race ocials on conditions
and equipment advisable at the site where you plan to ride. Wear appropriate
safety gear, including an approved full face helmet, full finger gloves, and body
armor. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to have proper equipment and to be
familiar with course conditions.
