GT Traffic User manual

Bicycle
Owner‘s Manual
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY,
PERFORMANCE AND SERVICE INFORMATION. Read it
before you take the first ride on your new bicycle, and
keep it for reference.
138692 Rev 0 (04/22)

Contact us
GT USA
Cycling Sports Group, Inc.
1 Cannondale Way,
Wilton CT, 06897, USA
1800726-BIKE (2453)
www.gtbicycles.com
CSG EUROPE
Cycling Sports Group Europe B.V.
Geeresteinselaan 57
3931JB Woudenberg
The Netherlands
[e-mail]
GT UK
Cycling Sports Group
Vantage Way, The Fulcrum,
Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NU
[phone]
sales@cyclingsportsgroup.
co.uk
Register Your New GT Bike
It only takes a minute to register your bike! We stand behind everything we make, which is why we offer a
limited lifetime warranty on our products.
Visit https://www.gtbicycles.com/usa_en/bike-registration to register your bike now!

Safety Messages
In this manual, particularly important information
is presented in the following ways:
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid
damage.
This manual meets: 16 CFR 1512 and EN Standards 14764, 14766, and 14781.
Vélo certifié conforme aux exigences du décret N 95-937 du 24 août 1995 norme NFR030
GT SUPPORT
Our online SUPPORT contains helpful resources
to consult about our bikes.
https://support.gtbicycles.com/hc/en-us

4
138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
About This
Owner’s Manual
This manual contains important information
affecting your safety and the proper use of
bicycles. It is a very important manual for every
bike we make. It is organized into three parts:
Part 1
Is a generic guide to the proper function and use
of bicycles. This generic information is used by
many bike companies. Most aspects of bicycles
are common or “generic.” PART I of this manual
is the 11th edition of the generic manual.
Some Content Published Under License from the
PeopleForBikes Coalition, LTD.
Part 2
Contains information specific to GT bicycles and
topics we feel you need to know and understand
about our bikes.
Part 3
Contains instructions on how to assemble a new
bike. Please read the Warning at the beginning of
this section. Please watch the assembly videos
noted in this Part.
A manual alone cannot teach you how to ride or
become a proficient mechanic, and a manual the
size of an encyclopedia could not cover every
combination of bicycle, rider and conditions.
Thus, as a reasonable person would expect, the
GT manuals and supplements focus on the
bicycle, not teaching you to ride.
GT Owner’s Supplements
GT Owner’s Manual Supplements are
“supplements” to this manual providing
important additional model specific safety,
maintenance, and technical information. GT
Owner’s Manual Supplements are not
replacements for this or any other manual for
your bike.
You can download Adobe Acrobat PDF versions
of any GT Owner’s Manual or Owner’s Manual
Supplements or Tech Notes from our website. Go
to: www.gtbicycles.com.
Authorized GT Retailer
Your local Authorized GT Retailer is your primary
contact for service and adjustment of your
bicycle, instruction in its use, and any warranty
questions.
As noted in Part 3, If you choose to assemble a
new bicycle yourself, to minimize risk, we
encourage you to consider bringing your bike to
a professional mechanic at a local bicycle
retailer. A professional mechanic can double
check the assembly and confirm your bike is
ready for many miles of trouble-free riding.
To find the GT retailer closest to you, call
1-800-THE-BIKE-USA, or use our website dealer
locator at www.gtbicycles.com.

5
Part 1
Table of Contents
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
Section 4 Bicycle Suspension. . . . .
4.A Wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.B Seat Post Cam Action Clamp . . . . 42
4.C Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Coaster Brakes . . . . . . . . . . 48
4.D Shifting Gears. . . . . . . . . . . 49
4.E Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
4.F Bicycle Suspension . . . . . . . . 56
4.G Tires and Tubes. . . . . . . . . . 57
Section 5. Service . . . . . . . . 60
5.A Service Intervals . . . . . . . . . 62
5.B Impact Damage . . . . . . . . . . 65
Appendix A. Teaching Your
Child the Rules . . . . . . . . .66
Part 2
Section A.
Important Safety Information. . . . 69
A Wide Range of Injuries
Are Possible . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Bicycles Cannot Protect You. . . . . . . 69
Bicycling Inherent Risk . . . . . . . . . 70
Warning Label . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Riding in Traffic, Commuting . . . . . . 71
Riding at Night, Dusk, Dawn. . . . . . 72-73
Understanding E-Bikes . . . . . . . . . 74
E-Bike Drive System ID . . . . . . . . . 75
Operating an E-Bike . . . . . . . . . 76-79
E-Bike Batteries
and Chargers . . . . . . . . . . . . 80-82
Table of Contents
Part 1
General Warning . . . . . . . 9
A Special Note for Parents 10
Section 1. First . . . . . . . . .10
1.A Bike Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.B Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.C Mechanical Safety Check . . . . . . 12
1.D First Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Section 2. Safety. . . . . . . . . 17
2.A The Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.B Riding Safety . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.C Off-Road Safety . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.D Wet Weather Riding . . . . . . . . 21
2.E Night Riding . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.F Extreme, Stunt,
or Competition Riding . . . . . . . . . 23
2.G Changing Components
Adding Accessories . . . . . . . . . . 24
Section 3. Fit . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.A Stand Over Height . . . . . . . . . 25
3.B Saddle Position . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.C. Handlebar Height and Angle. . . . . 30
3.D Control Position Adjustments . . . . 32
3.E Brake Reach . . . . . . . . . . . 32

6
Part 2
138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Table of Contents
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
E-Bike Drive Maintenance. . . . . . . . 82
E-Bikes - Restricting Use . . . . . . . . 83
Required Safety Devices . . . . . . . . 83
No Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Following Laws &
Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Kickstands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Trailers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Child Carriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Distracted Attention . . . . . . . . . . 87
Foreign Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Be- Seen Bike Lights . . . . . . . . . . 89
Maximum Fork Length . . . . . . . . . 90
Rear Tire
Clearance (Full suspension). . . . . . . 91
Refinishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Sharp Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Bar Ends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Installing Accessories . . . . . . . . . 93
Aerodynamic Handlebars . . . . . . . 94-95
About Shimmy . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Toe Overlap . . . . . . . . . . . .96-97
Tire Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Tire & Rim Compatibility . . . . . . . . 97
Checking Wheel Rim Wear . . . . . . . 98
Understanding Disc
Brakes on Road Bikes . . . . . . . . . 98
Brake Power Modulators . . . . . . . . 99
Aftermarket Brake Systems . . . . . . . 100
Aftermarket Power Systems . . . . . .100
Riding Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . 101-102
About Bicycle Suspension . . . . . . .102
Bicycle Reflectors . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Carbon Fiber Seat Posts . . . . . . . . 104
Periodic Seat Post Inspection . . . . . . 105
Seat Post Insert Limit . . . . . . . . . 106
Frame Minimum
Seat Post Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Carbon Fiber Forks & Stems . . . .109-114
Section B. Intended Use . . . . . 115
This section also includes weight limit
information.
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
CONDITION 1
High-Performance Road . . . . . . . . 117
CONDITION 2
General Purpose Riding . . . . . . . .119
CONDITION 3
Cross-Country, Mararthon,
Hardtails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
CONDITION 4
All-Mountain, Overmountain. . . . . . . 122
CONDITION 5
Gravity, Freeride, Downhill,
Dirt Jump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

7
Part 2
Table of Contents
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
Section C.
Mountain Bike Riding . . . . . . 125
Off-Road Riding . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Bike Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
Freeriding & Downhill riding . . . .126-127
Suspension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Jumping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Stay In Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Downhill and Lift-Serviced Riding . . . . 128
Section D.
Inspect for Safety . . . . . . . 129
Understanding Metals . . . . . . . 130-136
Understanding
Composites(Carbon Fiber) . . . . . 137-140
Understanding Components . . . .141-144
Bicycle Lifespan. . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Useful Life of
Light-weight Frames . . . . . . . . . . 144
Section E.
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . 145
Importance of a
Maintenance Routine. . . . . . . . . . 145
Basics of a Good
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 146
Cleaning Your Bike . . . . . . . . . .149
Tightening Torques . . . . . . . . . . 150
Bicycle Repair/
Workstands . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Section F. . . . . . . . . . . 152
Water Bottles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Carbon Bikes/
Temperature Extremes . . . . . . . . . 152
Riding Through Water . . . . . . . . . 153
Shifting Gears
While Pedaling . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Bicycle Car Racks . . . . . . . . . 154-156
Using Bicycle Trainers . . . . . . . . . 157
Applying Frame Protection . . . . . 158-160
Limited Warranty . . . . . 216--218

8
Part 3 - Assembly
138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Table of Contents
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
Part 3 - Assembly
STEP 1.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . 161
STEP 2.
Consulting Resources. . . . . . 161
STEP 3.
Tools And Working Area. . . . . 162
STEP 4
Getting Your Bike Ready
For Assembly . . . . . . . . . 163
STEP 5.
Installing Seatpost
And Saddle . . . . . . . . 164-166
STEP 6.
Installing Handlebar
And Stem. . . . . . . . . 167-173
STEP 7.
Bikes With Disc Brakes-
Install Rotor To Hub . . . . 174-175
STEP 8.
Install Front Wheel . . . . 176-196
STEP 9.
Front Brake Assembly
And Adjustment . . . . . . 196-204
STEP 10.
Install Pedals . . . . . . . 205-207
STEP 11.
Security Checks . . . . . . 208-209
STEP 12.
Mountain Bike
Components And Set Up . . 210-211
STEP 13.
Electric Bikes . . . . . . . . . 212
STEP 14.
Other Types Of Bikes,
Special Components . . . . . . 213
STEP 15.
Final Inspection . . . . . . . . 213
STEP 16.
Test Ride And
50 Mile Tune Up . . . . . . 214-215
WARNING: This product contains chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. (California
requires this warning to be given to customers in the
State of California under Proposition 65.)

9
PART 1
Part 3 - Assembly
General Warning
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
PART 1
General Warning
Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury
and damage. By choosing to ride a bicycle, you
assume the responsibility for that risk, so you
need to know — and to practice — the rules of
safe and responsible riding and of proper use
and maintenance. Proper use and maintenance
of your bicycle reduces risk of injury.
This Manual contains many “Warnings” and
“Cautions” concerning the consequences of
failure to maintain or inspect your bicycle and of
failure to follow safe cycling practices.
WARNING
The combination of the safety alert symbol
and the word WARNING (shown above) indicates
a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION
The combination of the safety alert symbol
and the word CAUTION (shown above) indicates
a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury,
or is an alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION
The word CAUTION used without the safety alert
symbol indicates a situation which, if not
avoided, could result in serious damage to the
bicycle or the voiding of your warranty.
Many of the Warnings and Cautions say “you
may lose control and fall”. Because any fall can
result in serious injury or even death, we do not
always repeat the warning of possible injury or
death.
Because it is impossible to anticipate every
situation or condition which can occur while
riding, this Manual makes no representation
about the safe use of the bicycle under all
conditions. There are risks associated with the
use of any bicycle which cannot be predicted or
avoided, and which are the sole responsibility of
the rider.

10
PART 1
A Special Note For Parents
138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Section 1. First
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
A Special Note For Parents
WARNING
This manual does not cover Juvenile or BMX
bicycles.
As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for
the activities and safety of your minor child, and
that includes making sure that the bicycle is
properly fitted to the child; that it is in good
repair and safe operating condition; that you and
your child have learned and understand the safe
operation of the bicycle; and that you and your
child have learned, understand and obey not
only the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle
and traffic laws, but also the common sense
rules of safe and responsible bicycling. As a
parent, you should read this manual, as well as
review its warnings and the bicycle’s functions
and operating procedures with your child, before
letting your child ride the bicycle.
WARNING
Make sure that your child always wears an
approved bicycle helmet when riding; but
also make sure that your child understands
that a bicycle helmet is for bicycling only, and
must be removed when not riding.
A helmet must not be worn while playing, in
play areas, on playground equipment, while
climbing trees, or at any time while not riding
a bicycle. Failure to follow this warning could
result in serious injury or death.
Section 1. First
NOTE: We strongly urge you to read this Manual
in its entirety before your first ride. At the very
least, read and make sure that you understand
each point in this section, and refer to the cited
sections on any issue which you don’t completely
understand. Please note that not all bicycles
have all of the features described in this manual.
Ask your dealer to point out the features of your
bicycle.

11
PART 1
1.A - Bike Fit
Section 1. First
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
1.A - Bike Fit
1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see
SECTION 3.A. If your bicycle is too large or
too small for you, You may lose control and
fall. If your new bike is not the right size, ask
your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.
2. Is the saddle at the right height? To check,
see SECTION 3.B. If you adjust your saddle
height, follow the Minimum Insertion
instructions in SECTION 3.B.
3. Are saddle and seat post securely clamped?
A correctly tightened saddle will allow no
saddle movement in any direction. See
SECTION 3.B.
4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right
height for you? If not, see SECTION 3.C.
5. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If
not, you may be able to adjust their angle
and reach. See SECTION 3.D and 3.E.
6. Do you fully understand how to operate your
new bicycle? If not, before your first ride,
have your dealer explain any functions or
features which you do not understand.
1.B - Safety First
1. Always wear an approved helmet when
riding your bike, and follow the helmet
manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and
care.
2. Do you have all the other required and
recommended safety equipment?
See SECTION 2. It’s your responsibility to
familiarize yourself with the laws of the
areas where you ride, and to comply with all
applicable laws.
3. Do you know how to correctly operate your
wheel quick releases? Check SECTION 4.A.1
to make sure. Riding with an improperly
adjusted wheel quick release can cause the
wheel to wobble or disengage from the
bicycle, and cause serious injury or death.
4. If your bike has toeclips and straps or
clipless (“step-in”) pedals, make sure you
know how they work (see SECTION 4.E).
These pedals require special techniques and
skills. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s
instructions for use, adjustment and care.

12
PART 1
1.C - Mechanical Safety Check
138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Section 1. First
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
5. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller
framed bicycles your toe or toeclip may be
able to contact the front wheel when a pedal
is all the way forward and the wheel is
turned. Read SECTION 4.E. If you have
toeclip overlap.
6. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check
SECTION 4.F. Suspension can change the
way a bicycle performs. Follow the
suspension manufacturer’s instructions for
use, adjustment and care.
1.C - Mechanical Safety Check
Routinely check the condition of your bicycle
before every ride.
Nuts, Bolts Screws & Other Fasteners
Because manufacturers use a wide variety of
fastener sizes and shapes made in a variety of
materials, often differing by model and
component, the correct tightening force or
torque cannot be generalized. To make sure that
the many fasteners on your bicycle are correctly
tightened. See page 78.
Always refer to the torque specifications in the
instructions provided by the manufacturer of a
component in question.
Correctly tightening a fastener requires a
calibrated torque wrench.
A professional bicycle mechanic with a torque
wrench should torque the fasteners on you
bicycle. If you choose to work on your own
bicycle, you must use a torque wrench and the
correct tightening torque specifications from the
bicycle or component manufacturer or from your
dealer.

13
PART 1
Tires & Wheels
Section 1. First
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
If you need to make an adjustment at home or in
the field, we urge you to exercise care, and to
have the fasteners you worked on checked by
your dealer as soon as possible.
Note that there are some components which
require special tools and knowledge.
In Sections 3 and 4, we discuss the items which
you may be able to adjust yourself. All other
adjustments and repairs should be done by a
qualified bike mechanic.
WARNING
Correct tightening force on fasteners –nuts,
bolts, screws– on your bicycle is important.
Too little force, and the fastener may not hold
securely. Too much force, and the fastener can
strip threads, stretch, deform or break. Either
way, incorrect tightening force can result in
component failure, which can cause you to
loose control and fall.
Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel
off the ground by two or three inches, then let it
bounce on the ground. Anything sound, feel or
look loose? Do a visual and tactile inspection of
the whole bike. Any loose parts or accessories?
If so, secure them. If you’re not sure, ask
someone with experience to check.
Tires & Wheels
Make sure tires are correctly inflated (see
SECTION 4.G.1). Check by putting one hand on
the saddle, one on the intersection of the
handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight
on the bike while looking at tire deflection.
Compare what you see with how it looks when
you know the tires are correctly inflated; and
adjust if necessary.
Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and
look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace
damaged tires before riding the bike.
Wheels true? Spin each wheel and check for
brake clearance and side-to-side wobble. If a
wheel wobbles side-to-side even slightly, or rubs
against or hits the brake pads, take the bike to a
qualified bike shop to have the wheel trued.
CAUTION
Wheels must be true for the brakes to work
effectively. Wheel trueing is a skill which
requires special tools and experience. Do not
attempt to true a wheel unless you have the
knowledge, experience and tools needed to do
the job correctly.

14
PART 1
Brakes
138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Section 1. First
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure
the rims are clean and undamaged at the tire
bead and, if you have rim brakes, along the
braking surface. Check to make sure that any rim
wear indicator marking is not visible at any point
on the wheel rim.
WARNING
Bicycle wheel rims are subject to wear.
Ask your dealer about wheel rim wear. Some
wheel rims have a rim wear indicator which
becomes visible as the rim’s braking surface
wears. A visible rim wear indicator on the side
of the wheel rim is an indication that the
wheel rim has reached its maximum usable
life. Riding a wheel that is at the end of its
usable life can result in wheel failure, which
can cause you to loose control and fall.
Brakes
Check the brakes for proper operation (see
SECTION 4.C). Squeeze the brake levers. Are the
brake quick-releases closed? All control cables
seated and securely engaged? Do the brake pads
contact the wheel rim squarely and make full
contact with the rim? Do the brake pads touch
the wheel rim within an inch of brake lever
movement?
Can you apply full braking force at the levers
without having them touch the handlebar? If not,
your brakes need adjustment.
Do not ride the bike until the brakes are properly
adjusted by a professional bicycle mechanic.
Can you apply full braking force at the levers
without having them touch the handlebar? If not,
your brakes need adjustment.
Do not ride the bike until the brakes are properly
adjusted by a professional bicycle mechanic.
Wheel Retention System
Make sure the front and rear wheels are
correctly secured. See SECTION 4.A
Seat Post
If your seat post has an over-center cam action
fastener for easy height adjustment, check that it
is properly adjusted and in the locked position.
See Section 4.B.
Handlebar and Saddle
Alignment
Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem are
parallel to the bike’s center line and clamped
tight enough so that you can’t twist them out of
alignment. See SECTION 3.B and 3.C.

15
PART 1
Handlebar Ends
Section 1. First
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
Handlebar Ends
Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in
good condition. If not, have your dealer replace
them. Make sure the handlebar ends and
extensions are plugged. If not, plug them before
you ride. If the handlebars have bar end
extensions, make sure they are clamped tight
enough so you can’t twist them.
WARNING
Loose or damaged handlebar grips or
extensions can cause you to lose control and
fall.
Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut
you and cause serious injury in an otherwise
minor accident.
VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY
NOTE:
Please also read and become thoroughly familiar
with the important information on the lifespan of
your bicycle and its components in PART 2,
SECTION D. INSPECT FOR SAFETY.

16
PART 1
1.D - First Ride
138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Section 1. First
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
1.D - First Ride
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your
first familiarization ride on your new bicycle, be
sure to pick a controlled environment, away from
cars, other cyclists, obstacles or other hazards.
Ride to become familiar with the controls,
features and performance of your new bike.
Familiarize yourself with the braking action of
the bike (see SECTION 4.C). Test the brakes at
slow speed, putting your weight toward the rear
and gently applying the brakes, rear brake first.
Sudden or excessive application of the front
brake could pitch you over the handlebars.
Applying brakes too hard can lock up a wheel,
which could cause you to lose control and fall.
Skidding is an example of what can happen when
a wheel locks up.
If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals,
practice getting in and out of the pedals. See
paragraph B.4 above and SECTION 4.E.4.
If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself
with how the suspension responds to brake
application and rider weight shifts. See
paragraph B.6 above and SECTION 4.F.
Practice shifting the gears (see SECTION 4.D).
Remember to never move the shifter while
pedaling backward, nor pedal backwards
immediately after having moved the shifter. This
could jam the chain and cause serious damage to
the bicycle.
Check out the handling and response of the bike;
and check the comfort.
If you have any questions, or if you feel anything
about the bike is not as it should be, consult your
dealer before you ride again.

17
PART 1
2.A - The Basics
Section 2. Safety
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
Section 2. Safety
WARNING
Many states require specific safety devices. It
is your responsibility to familiarize yourself
with the laws of the state where you ride and
to comply with all applicable laws, including
properly equipping yourself and your bike as
the law requires.
Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations.
Observe regulations about bicycle lighting,
licensing of bicycles, riding on sidewalks, laws
regulating bike path and trail use, helmet
laws, child carrier laws, special bicycle traffic
laws.
It’s your responsibility to know and obey the
laws.
2.A - The Basics
1. Always wear a cycling helmet which meets
the latest certification standards and is
appropriate for the type of riding you do.
Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s
instructions for fit, use and care of your
helmet. Most serious bicycle injuries involve
head injuries which might have been avoided
if the rider had worn an appropriate helmet.
Figure 1. Bicycle Helmet
Your helmet should be:
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) certified (look for the label on the
helmet)
• Properly Sized for You
• Properly Fitted to You
• Properly Attached to Your Head!
• Undamaged
ASK YOUR RETAILER FOR HELP
WARNING
Failure to wear a helmet when riding may
result in serious injury or death.

18
PART 1
2.B - Riding Safety
138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Section 2. Safety
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
2. Always do the Mechanical Safety Check
(SECTION 1.C) before you get on a bike.
3. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of
your bicycle: brakes (SECTION 4.C.); pedals
(SECTION 4.E.); shifting (SECTION 4.D.)
4. Be careful to keep body parts and other
objects away from the sharp teeth of
chainrings, the moving chain, the turning
pedals and cranks, and the spinning wheels
of your bicycle.
5. Always wear:
• Shoes that will stay on your feet and will
grip the pedals. Never ride barefoot or in
sandals.
• Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose
that it can be tangled in the bicycle or
snagged by objects at the side of the road or
trail.
• Protective eye wear, to protect against
airborne dirt, dust and bugs —tinted when
the sun is bright, clear when it’s not.
6. Unless you bicycle was specifically designed
for jumping, don’t jump with your bike.
Jumping a bike, particularly a BMX or
mountain bike, can be fun; but it can put
huge and unpredictable stress on the bicycle
and its components. Riders who insist on
jumping their bikes risk serious damage, to
their bicycles as well as to themselves.
Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding
or race with your bike, read and understand
SECTION 2.F.
7. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions.
Increased speed means higher risk.
2.B - Riding Safety
1. Obey all rules of the road and all local traffic
laws.
2. You are sharing the road or the path with
others — motorists, pedestrians and other
cyclists. Respect their rights.
3. Ride defensively. Always assume that
others do not see you.
4. Look ahead, and be ready to avoid:
• Vehicles slowing or turning, entering the
road or your lane ahead of you, or coming
up behind you.
• Parked car doors opening.
• Pedestrians stepping out.• Children or pets
playing near the road.
• Pot holes, sewer grating, railroad tracks,
expansion joints, road or sidewalk
construction, debris and other obstructions
that could cause you to swerve into traffic,
catch your wheel or otherwise cause you to
lose control and have an accident.
• The many other hazards and distractions
which can occur on a bicycle ride.

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PART 1
2.B - Riding Safety
Section 2. Safety
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
5. Ride in designated bike lanes, on designated
bike paths or as close to the edge of the road
as possible, in the direction of traffic flow or
as directed by local governing laws.
6. Stop at stop signs and traffic lights; slow
down and look both ways at street
intersections. Remember that a bicycle
always loses in a collision with a motor
vehicle, so be prepared to yield even if you
have the right of way.
7. Use approved hand signals for turning and
stopping.
8. Never ride with headphones. They mask
traffic sounds and emergency vehicle sirens,
distract you from concentrating on what’s
going on around you, and their wires can
tangle in the moving parts of the bicycle,
causing you to lose control.
9. Never carry a passenger, and before
installing a child carrier or trailer, check with
you dealer or the bicycle manufacturer to
make sure the bicycle is designed for it. If
the bicycle is suitable for a child carrier or
trailer, make sure that the carrier or trailer
is correctly mounted and the child secured
and wearing an approved and properly fitted
helmet.
10. Never carry anything which obstructs your
vision or your complete control of the
bicycle, or which could become entangled in
the moving parts of the bicycle.
11. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another
vehicle.
12. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you
intend to do stunts, wheelies, jumps or go
racing with your bike despite our advice not
to, read SECTION 2.F, Downhill, Stunt or
Competition Biking, now. Think carefully
about your skills before deciding to take the
large risks that go with this kind of riding.
13. Don’t weave through traffic or make any
moves that may surprise people with whom
you are sharing the road.
14. Observe and yield the right of way.
15. Never ride your bicycle while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
16. If possible, avoid riding in bad weather, when
visibility is obscured, at dawn, dusk or in the
dark, or when extremely tired. Each of these
conditions increases the risk of accident.

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PART 1
2.C - Off-Road Safety
138692 Rev 0 (04/22)
Section 2. Safety
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
2.C - Off-Road Safety
We recommend that children not ride on rough
terrain unless they are accompanied by an adult.
1. The variable conditions and hazards of
off-road riding require close attention and
specific skills. Start slowly on easier terrain
and build up your skills. If your bike has
suspension, the increased speed you may
develop also increases your risk of losing
control and falling. Get to know how to
handle your bike safely before trying
increased speed or more difficult terrain.
2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of
riding you plan to do.
3. Don’t ride alone in remote areas. Even when
riding with others, make sure that someone
knows where you’re going and when you
expect to be back.
4. Always take along some kind of identification,
so that people know who you are in case of
an accident; and take along a couple of
dollars in cash for a candy bar, a cool drink
or an emergency phone call.
5. Yield right of way to pedestrians and
animals. Ride in a way that does not frighten
or endanger them, and give them enough
room so that their unexpected moves don’t
endanger you.
6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong while
you’re riding off-road, help may not be close.
7. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding
or race with your bike, read and understand
SECTION 2.F.
Off-Road Respect
Obey the local laws regulating where and how
you can ride off-road, and respect private
property. You may be sharing the trail with
others — hikers, equestrians, other cyclists.
Respect their rights. Stay on the designated trail.
Don’t contribute to erosion by riding in mud or
with unnecessary sliding. Don’t disturb the
ecosystem by cutting your own trail or shortcut
through vegetation or streams. It is your
responsibility to minimize your impact on the
environment. Leave things as you found them;
and always take out everything you brought in.