Owner's Manual - Diamondback Bicycles

3. Before you ride the bike, first check that the seatpostis securely clamped.Adjusting The Seatpost Quick Release MechanismThe action of the quick release cam squeezes the seatcollar around the seat post to hold the seat post securelyin place. The amount of clamping force is controlled bythe tension adjusting nut. Turning the tension adjustingnut clockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotatingincreases clamping force; turning it counterclockwisewhile keeping the cam lever from rotating reducesclamping force. Less than half a turn of the tensionadjusting nut can make the difference between safeand unsafe clamping force.! WARNING: The full force of the cam action is neededto clamp the seatpost securely. Holding the nut with onehand and turning the lever like a wing nut with the otherhand until everything is as tight as you can get it will notclamp the seatpost safely.! WARNING: If you can fully close the quick releasewithout wrapping your fingers around the seat post or aframe tube for leverage, and the lever does not leavea clear imprint in the palm of your hand, the tension isinsufficient. Open the lever; turn the tension adjusting nutclockwise a quarter turn; then try again.C. Brakes! WARNING:1. Riding with improperly adjusted brakes or worn21brake pads is dangerous and can result in serious injuryor death.2. Applying brakes too hard or too suddenly can lockup a wheel, which could cause you to lose control andfall. Sudden or excessive application of the front brakemay pitch the rider over the handlebars, which mayresult in serious injury or death.3. Some bicycle brakes, such as disc brakes (fig. 11)and linear-pull brakes (fig.12), are extremely powerful.Take extra care in becoming familiar with these brakesand exercise particular care when using them.4. Disc brakes can get extremely hot with extendeduse. Be careful not to touch a disc brake until it has hadplenty of time to cool.5. See the brake manufacturer’s instructions forinstallation, operation and care of your brakes. If you donot have the manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealeror contact the brake manufacturer.1. Brake Controls And FeaturesIt’s very important to your safety that you learn andremember which brake lever controls which brake onyour bike.Make sure that your hands can reach and squeezethe brake levers comfortably. If your hands are toosmall to operate the levers comfortably, consult yourdealer before riding the bike. The lever reach maybe adjustable; or you may need a different brakelever design.Most brakes have some form of quick-releasemechanism to allow the brake pads to clear the tirewhen a wheel is removed or reinstalled. When the brakequick release is in the open position, the brakes are