Conditions of Use

Each model of bicycle is designed for, and intended to be used in, a specific set of conditions. These conditions are numbered from 0 to 5 to indicate more stressful conditions, with 5 as the most stressful.

Riding in a manner other than the bicycle's intended use (higher stress) can lead to a loss of control and can cause the bicycle to to fatigue or break from stress. Determine the type of bicycle you have purchased, and avoid conditions more stressful than the intent of your bicycle. Also remember that your skill level must be adequate for a given condition; regardless of the intent of the bicycle design, riding above your skill level is dangerous.

Warning  A bicycle or its parts can be damaged or broken by riding in a manner more stressful than the intended use of the bicycle. If the bicycle has damage, it could break prematurely and cause you to lose control and fall. Do not ride beyond the design limits of the bicycle. If you are unsure of the limits of the bicycle, consult your dealer.

Condition of Use

Bicycle Type

 

weight limit

Unless specified, weight limits are for the rider without the bicycle or equipment

Condition 0: Children's bicycles

Children riding where parental supervision is always required.

Riders shall avoid areas used by automobiles, as well as inclines, curbs, stairs, or areas near dropoffs or pools.

Generally, bicycles with 16" or 20" wheels. Maximum seat height of 680mm.

Children's bicycles do not have quick-release wheel fastening systems.

Also including children's tricycles

 

· Tricycle: 50 lbs (22.7 kg)

· All others: 80 lbs (36 kg)

Condition 1

Riding on a paved surface where the tires do not lose ground contact

Bicycles with drop-type handlebars, including these bike types:

· Standard road bike

· Touring bicycle or Urban road bicycle

· Triathlon, time trial, or speed bicycle

· but not a cyclocross bicycle, which is Condition 2

In addition, some 'street' bicycles with other handlebar styles:

· Cruiser with wide, 26" tires and swept-back handlebar

· Tandem of any design

· Trailer bike, towed behind another bicycle

· RIDE+ pedelec, or electric pedal-assist cycle

· Road, cruiser, triathlon or time trial: 275 lbs (125 kg)

· Tandem: 550 lb (250 kg)

· RIDE+ pedelec: 300 lbs (136 kg)

· Touring or urban bicycle: 275 lbs (125 kg) rider weight plus 55 lb (25 kg) equipment

· Transport model: 300bs (136kg) rider weight plus 200 lb (90kg) cargo

· Trailer bike: not more than the lighter weight of two limits:

· Not more than half the weight of the lead bicycle rider

· 80 lbs (36 kg)

 

Condition 2

Condition 1 riding plus smooth gravel roads and improved trails with moderate grades where the tires do not lose ground contact

A hybrid bicycle or DuoSport bicycle with 700c wheels, tires wider than 28c, and flat handlebar. Also including these bicycle types:

· City bicycle- a specially-equipped hybrid bicycle

· "Comfort" bicycle with wide 26" tires and mountain-bike style handlebar, but smoother tires designed for riding on pavement. Trek comfort bicycles include the Navigator series.

· Cyclocross bicycle- with drop-type handlebar, knobby 700c tires, and cantilever or disc brakes

· 24" wheel "mountain" bicycle-  a smaller version of an adult mountain bike with 24" knobby tires.

but not a RIDE+ pedelec electric-assist bicycle, which is Condition 1.

300 lbs (136 kg)

· 24" wheel "mountain" bicycle: 170 lbs (77kg)

 

Condition 3

Condition 1 and 2 riding plus rough trails, small obstacles, and smooth technical areas, including areas where momentary loss of tire contact with the ground may occur.

Although Condition 3 bicycles can withstand a limited amount of riding over drops and jumps, they are  NOT intended as jumping bikes.

"Standard,"  "cross-country," or "race" mountain bicycle with wide, knobby, 24, 26, or 29" tires. Any mountain bike that does not have rear suspension is Condition 3.

Also including Fisher Collection mountain bikes with 24" wheels and light-weight, short-travel, rear suspension models, such as "Race" or "Trail" models:

· Top Fuel

· Superfly 100.

300 lbs (136 kg)

Condition 4

Conditions 1, 2, and 3 riding plus rough technical areas, moderately sized obstacles, and small jumps up to 24" (60 cm).

"Heavy-duty"  or "All-mountain" mountain bike with wide, knobby, 26 or 29" tires; plus medium-travel rear suspension. Condition 4 bicycles:

· Fuel EX

· Scratch

· Remedy

· HiFi 29

· Rumblefish

· Roscoe

· Session 8

 

300 lbs (136 kg)

Condition 5

Jumping, hucking, high speeds, or aggressive riding on rougher surfaces, or landing on flat surfaces.

"Freeride" or "jumping" bicycle with heavy-duty frame, fork, and components:

· Session 88

 

300 lbs (136 kg)

 

Continue reading: Chapter 1