Operation Manual
p. 22
e. peDAls
1. Some bicycles come equipped with pedals that have sharp and potentially dangerous surfaces. These
surfaces are designed to add safety by increasing grip between the rider’s shoe and the pedal. If your bicycle
has this type of high- performance pedal, you must take extra care to avoid serious injury from the pedals’
sharp surfaces. Your dealer can show you a number of options and make suitable recommendations.
2. Toeclips and straps are a means to keep feet correctly positioned and engaged with the pedals. The toe strap,
when tightened, keeps the foot engaged throughout the rotation cycle of the pedal. While toeclips and straps
give some benefit with any kind of shoe, they work most effectively with cycling shoes designed for use with
toeclips. Your dealer can explain how toeclips and straps work.
WARNING: Getting into and out of pedals with toeclips and straps requires skill which can only be
acquired with practice. Until it becomes a reflex action, the technique requires concentration which
can distract your attention and cause you to lose control and fall. Practice the use of toeclips and
straps where there are no obstacles, hazards or traffic. Keep the straps loose, and don’t tighten them
until your technique and confidence in getting in and out of the pedals warrants it. Never ride in traffic
with your toe straps tight.
3. Clipless pedals (sometimes called “step-in pedals”) are another means to keep feet securely in the correct
position for maximum pedaling efficiency. They have a plate, called a “cleat,” on the sole of the shoe, which
clicks into a mating spring-loaded fixture on the pedal. They only engage or disengage with a very specific
motion which must be practiced until it becomes instinctive. Clipless pedals require shoes and cleats which
are compatible with the make and model pedal being used. Many clipless pedals are designed to allow the
rider to adjust the amount of force needed to engage or disengage the foot. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s
instructions, or ask your dealer to show you how to make this adjustment.
WARNING: Clipless pedals are intended for use with shoes specifically made to fit them and are
designed to firmly keep the foot engaged with the pedal. Do not use shoes which do not engage the
pedals correctly.
Practice is required to learn to engage and disengage the foot safely. Until engaging and disengaging the foot
becomes a reflex action, the technique requires concentration which can distract your attention and cause
you to lose control and fall. Practice engaging and disengaging clipless pedals in a place where there are no
obstacles, hazards or traffic; and be sure to follow the pedal manufacturer’s setup and service instructions.
F. BiCyCle suspension
Manybicyclesareequippedwithsuspensionsystems.Therearemanydifferenttypesofsuspensionsystems—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 instruc-
tions, see your dealer or contact the manufacturer.