Merida Fitness bikes, Kids' bikes, EPAC, Pedelec, Speed pedelec Operating Instructions Manual

...

MERIDA

TRANSLATION OF THE ORIGINAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

CITY BIKES, TREKKING BIKES EN 14764 KIDS’ BIKES EN 14765 PEDELEC, E-BIKE, EPAC EN 15194

Read at least pages 12-19 before your ﬁrst ride! Perform the functional check on pages 19-22 before every ride! Observe the chapter “Intended use”, the service schedule, the bike card and the handover report!

Component description MERIDA trekking bike

Frame:

Top tube

Seat tube

Down tube

Saddle

Seat post

Seat post clamp

Rear brake

Rotor

Front derailleur

Cassette sprockets

Rear derailleur

Chain

Chainwheel

Crank Pedal

Chainstay

Rear stay

Head tube

Suspension fork:

Fork crown

Stanchion tube

III

Lower leg

Drop-out

Stem Handlebars Brake lever Shifter

III

Headset

Front brake Rotor

Wheel:

Quick-release/ thru axle Rim Tire Spoke Hub Valve

Component description MERIDA pedelec

Frame:

Top tube

Down tube

Seat tube

Saddle

Seat post

Seat post clamp

Pannier rack

Rear light

Mudguard

Wheel lock

Rear brake

Rotor

Kickstand

Cassette sprockets

Rear derailleur

Chain

Crank Pedal

Chainstay

Rear stay

Head tube

Motor

Rechargeable battery

Display and

command console

Suspension fork:

Fork crown

Stanchion tube

III

Lower leg

Drop-out

Stem

Handlebars Brake lever Shifter

Headset

Front lamp

Front brake

III

Rotor

Wheel:

Quick-release Reﬂector ring Rim Tire Spoke Hub Valve

Component description MERIDA pedelec

Frame:

Central tube

Seat tube

Chainstay

Saddle

Suspension seat post

Seat post clamp

Rear light

Pannier rack

Mudguard

Wheel lock

Rear brake

Rotor

Internal gear hub

Kickstand

Chain Crank Pedal

Rear stay

Head tube

Suspension fork:

Motor

Rechargeable battery

Display and

command console

Fork crown

Stanchion tube

III

Lower leg

Drop-out

Handlebars Stem Bell Twist grip Brake lever

III

Headset

Front lamp

Front brake Rotor

Wheel:

Quick-release Rim Tire Reﬂector ring Spoke Hub Valve

Translation of the original MERIDA operating instructions

The translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions includes the following bicycle types:

City bikes Trekking bikes Fitness bikes Kids’ bikes Pedelec Speed pedelec E-bike EPAC

It is essential to also observe the instructions

tions are subject to European law. If delivered to countries outside Europe, supplementary information has to be provided by the manufacturer of the MERIDA bike, if necessary.

of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM. These operating instruc-

Always keep yourself informed at www.merida-bikes.com

Imprint:

Edition 4, June 2014

Technical details in the text and illustrations of this manual are subject to change.

electronic, mechanical, by hand or otherwise for another business purpose without prior written permission of Zedler – Institut für Fahrradtechnik und -Sicherheit GmbH.

www.zedler.de

Table of contents

Component description MERIDA trekking bike .....................2

Component description MERIDA pedelec .........................3

Some notes on the translation of these original MERIDA operating

instructions ...................................................8

General safety instructions ......................................9

Intended use ................................................. 12

Before your ﬁrst ride ..........................................15

Additional information “Before your ﬁrst ride” with your

MERIDA pedelec ........................................... 17

Before every ride .............................................19

Additional information “Before every ride” with your

MERIDA pedelec ........................................... 21

After an accident .............................................22

Additional information “After an accident” with your

MERIDA pedelec ...........................................24

How to use the quick-releases ..................................25

How to fasten components securely with a quick-release ......26

Adjusting the MERIDA bike to the rider ..........................27

Adjusting the saddle to the correct height ......................28

Adjusting the height of the handlebars ....................... 30

Conventional stems .........................................31

Adjustable stems ...........................................32

Stems for threadless systems, the Aheadset Correcting the fore-to-aft position and horizontal

tilt of the saddle ............................................33

Adjusting saddle position and tilt .............................34

Adjusting the brake lever reach .............................. 36

Adjusting the tilt of the handlebars and brake levers ............37

-system ...........32

The brake system .............................................38

Rim brakes ................................................40

V-brakes and cantilever brakes .............................40

Hydraulic rim brakes ......................................41

Disc brakes ................................................43

Hydraulic disc brakes .....................................44

Mechanical disc brakes ...................................44

Roller, drum and back-pedal brakes ...........................45

The gears ....................................................46

Derailleur gears ............................................46

Functioning and operation .................................47

Checking and readjusting ..................................49

Adjusting the rear derailleur ................................49

Adjusting the front derailleur ...............................50

Multi-speed hubs (internal gear hubs) .........................51

Functioning and operation .................................51

Checking, readjusting and servicing .........................52

Adjusting multi-speed hubs ................................52

Chain – Care and wear .........................................53

Chain maintenance .........................................53

The wheels and the tires .......................................54

Tires, inner tubes, rim tape, inﬂation pressure ..................54

Valves .....................................................56

Rim trueness and spoke tension ..............................56

Tire puncture .................................................57

Dismounting wheels ........................................57

Clincher and folding tires ....................................59

Dismounting tires .........................................59

Mounting tires .......................................... 60

Mounting wheels ...........................................61

Headset .....................................................62

Threadless headsets – Aheadset

............................62

Suspension ..................................................64

Glossary ...................................................64

Suspension forks .......................................... 65

Adjusting the spring rate ...................................65

Adjusting the damping ....................................67

Lockout ................................................ 69

Maintenance ............................................ 69

Suspension seat posts .......................................70

Riding a MERIDA pedelec – Special features ..................... 71

Riding with drive assistance .................................71

Range – Useful information for a long ride .....................73

Riding without drive assistance ...............................74

Riding a MERIDA speed pedelec – Special features ...............74

Useful information for proper handling of the rechargeable battery ..76

Kids’ bikes ...................................................78

Useful information for parents ................................78

Adjustment ................................................80

Lighting system ..............................................81

Rear light ................................................81

Front lamp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Bottle dynamo ...........................................81

Hub dynamo .............................................81

Battery-powered lighting ..................................82

Things worth knowing about your MERIDA bike ...................82

Cycling helmets and glasses .................................82

Clothing ...................................................83

The pedals and the shoes ....................................83

Accessories ................................................84

Bar ends ................................................85

Bicycle locks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Puncture kit ..............................................85

Cycle computers .........................................85

Kickstand ................................................85

Mudguards/wheel protections ..............................86

Transporting baggage ...................................... 86

Taking children with you .......................................87

Child seats .................................................87

Child trailers ...............................................88

Kids’ bike towing devices/trailer systems ......................88

Transporting the MERIDA bike or pedelec ....................... 90

By car .................................................... 90

By public transport .........................................91

What to bear in mind when transporting your MERIDA pedelec .....92

By car .....................................................92

By train / By public transport ............................... 93

By plane ................................................. 93

General notes on care and servicing .............................94

Maintenance and servicing ..................................94

Cleaning and caring for your MERIDA bike or pedelec .......... 95

Safekeeping and storing your MERIDA bike ................... 96

Servicing MERIDA speed pedelecs – Special features ...........97

Drive maintenance and care ...............................97

Service and maintenance schedule .............................98

Recommended torque settings ................................100

Recommended torque settings for disc brakes

and hydraulic rim brakes ................................... 101

Legal requirements for riding on public roads ....................103

Warranty and guarantee ......................................104

A note on wear ............................................104

Guarantee on MERIDA bikes ................................105

Service schedule ............................................107

Bike card ................................................... 110

Handover report ..............................................111

EC declaration of conformity ...................................112

Some notes on the translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions

The illustrations on the ﬁrst pages of the translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions show typical MERIDA city/trekking bikes and a typical MERIDA pedelec. One of these MERIDA bikes looks similar to the MERIDA city/trekking bike or MERIDA pedelec you have purchased. Today’s bikes and pedelecs come in various types that are designed for speciﬁc uses and ﬁtted accordingly. The translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions includes the following bicycle types:

(a)

City, trekking, ﬁtness Pedelecs

In the translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions pedelecs with drive support and described as EPACs in the European standard EN 15194 are referred to as pedelecs. For a precise description of the different EPAC types see the chapter “Intended use”.

(b+c)

and kids’ bikes

and speed pedelecs (EPAC)

Pay particular attention to the following symbols:

This symbol indicates an imminent risk to

measures.

deserves your special attention.

The following symbols always appear if it is necessary

to bring your attention to special points concerning pedelecs then you should pay special attention to this information and these warnings. Please note as well in all cases the general warning information given in the translation of these original operating instructions.

your life or health unless you comply with the instructions given or take preventive

This symbol warns you of wrongdoings which may result in damage to property and the environment.

This symbol provides you with information about how to handle the product or refers to a passage in the operating instructions that

(d)

. If you have purchased a MERIDA pedelec

In the translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions the term “bike” will always be used in general descriptions if this refers to city/trekking and pedelecs.

take preventive measures when using your MERIDA pedelec. Please note as well in all cases the general warning information given in the translation of these original operating instructions.

This symbol indicates an imminent risk to your life or health unless you comply with the corresponding handling instructions given or

This symbol warns you of incorrect actions

pedelec. Please note as well in all cases the general warning information given in the translation of these original operating instructions.

these original operating instructions that deserves your special attention. Please note as well in all cases the general warning information given in the translation of these original operating instructions.

The described possible consequences will not be repeated in the translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions every time one of the symbols appears.

These operating instructions are not intended to help you assemble a MERIDA city/trekking bike or a MERIDA pedelec from individual components, to repair it or to make a partly assembled MERIDA city/trekking bike or MERIDA pedelec ready-for-use. The translation of these

original MERIDA operating instructions is not applicable to any other than the displayed bike or pedelec types.

The translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions together with this MERIDA CD-ROM complies with the requirements of the European standards EN 14764 for city and trekking bicycles, EN 14765 for bicycles for young children and EN 15194 for pedelecs.

that could result in damage to property and the environment when using your MERIDA

This symbol provides you with information about how to handle the MERIDA pedelec or refers to a passage in the translation of

General safety instructions

Dear MERIDA customer,

In purchasing this MERIDA bike a product of high quality. Each component of your new MERIDA bike has been designed, manufactured and assembled with great care and expertise. Your MERIDA

dealer gave the bike its ﬁnal assembly and made a functional check. This guarantees you pleasure and a sense of conﬁdence from the very ﬁrst turn of the pedals.

This manual contains a wealth of information on the proper use of your MERIDA bike, its maintenance and operation as well as interesting information on bike and pedelec design and engineering. Read the translation of

these original MERIDA operating instructions thoroughly. We are sure that even if you have been cycling all your life you will ﬁnd useful and detailed information. Bike technology has developed at a rapid pace during

(g+h)

recent years

Therefore, before setting off on your new MERIDA bike, be sure to read at least the chapter “Before your ﬁrst ride”.

To ensure as much fun and safety as possible during cycling, be sure to carry out the functional check described in the chapter “Before every ride” before setting off on your MERIDA bike.

(e+f)

you have chosen

Also observe the system instructions of the drive manufacturers and the instructions of the component manufacturers, which you can ﬁnd on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Even a manual as big as an encyclopedia could not describe any possible combination of bike or pedelec models and components or parts on the market. The translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions therefore focuses on your newly purchased MERIDA city/trekking bike and MERIDA pedelec and standard components and provides the most important information and warnings. In addition to this, the system instructions of your drive manufacturer give important information and warnings on handling your new MERIDA bike.

When doing any adjusting and maintenance work, be aware that the detailed instructions provided in your manual only refer to this MERIDA bike.

The information included here is not applicable to any other bike or pedelec type. As bikes come in a wide variety of designs with frequent model changes, the routines described may require complementary information. It is essential to also observe the system instructions of your drive manufacturer as well as the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Be aware that these instructions may require further explanation, depending on the experience and/or skills of the person doing the work. For some jobs you may require additional (special) tools or supplementary instructions. This manual cannot teach you the skills of a bicycle mechanic.

This MERIDA CD-ROM includes the system

as well as the relevant web links.

Before you set off, let us point out a few things to you that are very important to every cyclist. Never ride without a properly adjusted helmet and without glasses

sure to wear suitable, bright clothing, as a minimum you should wear straight cut trousers and or leg bands and shoes ﬁtting the pedal system on public roads and observe the trafﬁc rules so as not to endanger yourself or others.

This manual cannot teach you how to ride. Please be aware that cycling is a potentially dangerous activity that requires the rider to stay in control of his or her

MERIDA bike at all times. Be aware from the moment you set off that you ride at a higher speed essary, attend a beginners course for cyclists, as offered here and there.

Like any sport, cycling involves the risk of injury and damage. By choosing to ride a bike, you assume the responsibility for the risk. Please note that on a bike you

have no protection technique around you like you have in a car (e.g. bodywork, ABS, airbag). Therefore, always ride carefully and respect the other trafﬁc participants.

instructions of your drive manufacturer, the instructions of the component manufacturers

(b)

. Always ride carefully

(c+d)

(a)

. If nec-

. Make

Component description MERIDA trekking bike

Frame:

Never ride under the inﬂuence of drugs, medication, alcohol or when you are tired. Do not ride with a second person on your MERIDA bike (except on a tandem) and never ride without having both hands on the handlebars.

Observe the legal regulations concerning off-road cycling and cycling on public roads with MERIDA bikes

(e+f)

and MERIDA pedelecs

. These regulations may differ in each country. Respect nature when riding through the forest and in the open countryside. Only use your pedelec on signposted, well maintained trails and hard-surface roads.

Always bear in mind that you travel rapidly and quietly when you are riding a MERIDA pedelec. Do not startle pedestrians or other cyclists. Always make others aware of your presence well ahead of time and by ringing your bell or make use of the brakes so as to avoid accidents. Familiarize yourself with your MERIDA pedelec. For more information in this regard, read the chapters “Riding a MERIDA pedelec – Special features” and “Riding a MERIDA speed pedelec – Special features“.

If you bought a MERIDA kids’ bike, observe chapter “MERIDA kids’ bikes“ before your child sets off on it for the ﬁrst time. There are special trafﬁc regulations for children in some countries. Read the mentioned chapter, before your child sets off on the bike for the ﬁrst time.

Frame:

Top tube

Chain stay

Seat tube

Rear stay

Down tube

Head tube

Saddle

Seat post

Seat post clamp

Brake rear

Rotor

Front derailleur

Cassette sprockets

Rear derailleur

Chain

Chainwheel

Crank Pedal

Component description MERIDA pedelec

Top tube

Chainstay

Down tube

Rear stay

Seat tube

Head tube

Saddle

Seat post

Seat post clamp

Pannier rack

Rear light

Mudguard

Wheel lock

Rear brake

Rotor

Kickstand

Cassette sprockets

Rear derailleur

Chain

Crank Pedal

Motor

Rechargeable battery

Display and

command console

First we would like to familiarize you with the various components used on your MERIDA city/trekking bike and on your MERIDA pedelec. Observe the component description on the front pages of the translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions. There you will ﬁnd a MERIDA city/trekking bike and two MERIDA

(g+h)

pedelecs so that you can easily locate the components as they

are referred to in the text.

showing all the essential components

For your own safety, never do any work or

adjusting when servicing your bike unless

you feel absolutely sure about it. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

Suspension fork:

Fork crown

Stanchion tube

III

Lower leg

Drop-out

Stem Handlebars Brake lever Shifter

Headset

Brake front Rotor

III

Wheel:

Quick-release/

thru axle Rim Tire Spoke Hub Valve

Suspension fork:

Fork crown

Stanchion tube

III

Lower leg

Drop-out

Stem Handlebars

Brake lever Shifter

Headset

Front lamp

Front brake Rotor

III

Wheel:

Quick-release

Reﬂector ring Rim Tire Spoke Hub Valve

condition of the road.

MERIDA – MORE BIKE!

Please note: Do not hitch yourself and your

bike to a car. Do not ride freehand. Only take

your feet off the pedals, if required by the

Intended use

Keep in mind that every type of bike is designed for a speciﬁc use. Be sure to use your MERIDA bike and your MERIDA pedelec only according to its intended use, as it may otherwise not withstand the stress and could fail and cause an accident with unforeseeable consequences! If you use your bike for another than its intended purpose, the warranty will become void.

Categories 0 and 1: City, trekking and kids’ bikes

(a)

MERIDA city, MERIDA trekking

(b)

MERIDA kids’ bikes roads, i.e. for tarred roads and bicycle lanes or gravel ﬁeld tracks. Observe the trafﬁc rules when riding on public roads. These MERIDA bikes are not suitable for offroad and competitive use of any kind whatsoever.

Category 0: This category is intended for kids’ bikes. Children should not ride near precipices, staircases or swimming pools as well as on paths used by automotive mobiles. In general, this applies to MERIDA bikes with wheel sizes of 12 to 24 inches. The kid’s maximum weight incl. baggage and bike should not exceed 80 kg.

Category 1: MERIDA bikes of this category are designed for riding on hard-surface roads remain in permanent contact to the ground. The rider’s maximum weight incl. baggage and bike should not exceed 135 kg. Under certain circumstances this permissible maximum weight can be further limited by the component manufacturers’ recommendations for use.

are intended for hard-surface

, MERIDA urban and

(c)

where the wheels

MERIDA bikes of the cat-

ing, jumps, slides, stoppies, wheelies, tricks etc.!

egories 0, 1, 2 and 3 are not suitable for stair rid-

For your own safety, do not overestimate

hazardous to your life and limb. Always protect yourself with suitable clothing.

however, permitted.

for being used on public roads. If you want to use them on public roads, these bikes must be ﬁtted with the prescribed equipment. Observe the trafﬁc rules when

riding on public roads.

see the bike card and chapter “Before your ﬁrst ride”.

your riding skills. Please note that though

looking easy the tricks of a professional are

Trailers attached to the chain and rear stays

are not permitted for MERIDA kids’ bikes.

Trailers attached to the rear wheel axles are,

Due to their design and ﬁttings MERIDA

city, MERIDA trekking, MERIDA ﬁtness and

MERIDA kids’ bikes are not always suitable

For more information about the intended use

of your MERIDA bike and the permitted over-

all weight (rider, MERIDA bike and baggage)

Pedelecs Pedelecs (pedal electric cycles) or E PA Cs (Electrically

Power Assisted Cycles) are bicycles with an auxiliary

motor that only switches on when you move the pedals. When you stop pedaling, the motor switches off.

A driving license is not required for riding a MERIDA

(e)

pedelec

, if the motor assistance switches off automatically at a speed of 25 kmh. You do not need an operating license and need not insure the pedelec either.

Your MERIDA pedelec is designed for a maximum overall weight including rider, baggage and MERIDA pedelec. The overall weight is 140 kg.

Speed pedelecs Speed pedelecs are bicycles with auxiliary motor which

provide assistance to the rider even beyond a speed of 25 kmh, as long as you continue pedaling. Without ped-

aling a MERIDA speed pedelec provides assistance to a maximum speed of 20 kmh.

In general, all regulations that apply to bicycles also apply to MERIDA pedelecs. Inform yourself in the country where you use your MERIDA pedelec whether wearing

(f)

a helmet is compulsory

. In Australia you are obliged

to wear a helmet when riding a pedelec.

Please make sure you do not confuse your MERIDA pedelec with a “MERIDA speed pedelec” (see Speed pedelecs).

Most MERIDA pedelecs are designed for cycling exclusively on lanes and roads with a smooth surface

(g)

Only use trails that are allowed for bicycles. For off-road use only MERIDA off-road pedelecs are suitable. Using MERIDA trekking pedelecs off-road can result in crashes with unforeseeable consequences.

(h)

Some MERIDA pedelecs have a pushing aid

which provides assistance during pushing, even without pedaling, up to a speed of 6 kmh.

MERIDA speed pedelecs are regarded as motor vehicles, have an operating license or EU type approval, and are therefore subject to strict regulations relating to the replacement of components and to changes.

Please check in the country where you use your MERIDA speed pedelec whether you require a moped license or a driving license for motor vehicles. Inform yourself at your driving license agency.

Inform yourself in the country where you use your

MERIDA speed pedelec about the regulations on the use of speed pedelecs on cycle lanes in built-up areas, on lanes which are marked with a road sign allowing

access for mopeds, on cycling one-way streets in the opposite direction, even when they are allowed to bikes and on the use of roads which are closed for motor vehicles, motor cycles and mopeds.

110

(Tip for the MERIDA dealer: Copy the bike card and the handover report and keep one copy in your customer ﬁle. Send another copy to the bike manufacturer)

When riding a MERIDA speed pedelec wearing a helmet

(a)

is compulsory. A standard cycling helmet will do. Also read the chapter “Riding a MERIDA speed pedelec – Special features”.

accident!

Be sure to use your MERIDA bike only for its intended purpose, as it may otherwise not withstand the stress and fail. Risk of an

Most of the MERIDA speed pedelecs are designed for cycling exclusively on lanes and roads with a smooth

(b)

surface

. Only use trails that are allowed for speed pedelecs / e-bikes. Typical MERIDA speed pedelecs are generally not suitable for off-road use. Using MERIDA speed pedelecs off-road can result in crashes with unforeseeable consequences.

Your MERIDA speed pedelec is designed for a maximum overall weight including rider, baggage and MERIDA speed pedelec. The overall weight is 140 kg.

Bike card

Manufacturer

Model

Frame no.

Color

Drive system Mid-mounted motor

Battery model

Key no.

Voltage (Volt)

Ampere-hour (AH)

Capacity (watt hours)

Suspension fork - Manufacturer

- Model

- Serial no.

Frame type

Frame size

Size of wheels and tires

Special features

Intended use

£ Category 0 £ Category 3 £ Category 1 £ Category 4 £ Category 2 £ Category 5

Permissible overall weight

MERIDA bike, rider and baggage _________ kg

Pannier rack £ yes £ no

Permitted overall load _________ kg

Child seat permitted £ yes £ no

Trailer permitted £ yes £ no

Permissible trailer load _________ kg

Brake lever Brake assignment

Right lever £ Front wheel brake £ Rear wheel brake Left lever £ Front wheel brake £ Rear wheel brake

Read the chapter “Before your ﬁrst ride” in the translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions.

Stamp and signature of the MERIDA dealer

Please note that there are different types of

the class of your MERIDA pedelec or MERIDA e-bike in the bike card

pedelecs and e-bikes which are subject to different legal framework conditions. Check

(c)

. Keep the speciﬁc regulations in mind

when riding on public roads and through the landscape

(d)

The regulations and rules for pedelecs and

about current legislative changes.

speed pedelecs are being revised permanently. Read the daily press to keep you informed

It is essential to also observe the system in-

structions of your drive manufacturer as well as the instructions of the component manu-

facturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

For more information about the intended use

weight (rider, MERIDA pedelec and baggage) see the bike card and the chapter “Before your ﬁrst ride”.

case you sell, lend or pass on the MERIDA pedelec or MERIDA speed pedelec otherwise.

see the bike card and chapter “Before your ﬁrst ride”.

of your MERIDA pedelec or MERIDA speed pedelec as well as the permitted overall

For more information on the approval of using trailers and child carriers on your MERIDA pedelec, have a look at the bike card.

Keep the translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions for future reference and hand it over to the respective user, in

For more information about the intended use of your MERIDA bike and the permitted overall weight (rider, MERIDA bike and baggage)

Before your ﬁrst ride

1. If you want to use your bike on public roads, it has to comply with legal requirements. These requirements may vary in each country. The ﬁttings of your MERIDA bike are, therefore, not necessarily com-

(e)

plete

Ask your MERIDA dealer concerning the laws and

regulations applicable in your country or in the country you intend to use your MERIDA bike. Have your MERIDA bike equipped accordingly before using it on public roads.

For more information see the chapter “Legal re-

quirements for riding on public roads“.

2. Are you familiar with the brake system a look at the bike card and check whether the brake lever of the front brake is on the side you are used to (right or left). If it is not, ask your MERIDA dealer to switch the brake levers before you set off for the ﬁrst time.

Your new bike is equipped with modern brakes

which may be far more powerful than those you were used to so far. Be sure to ﬁrst practice using the brakes on a level, non-slip surface off public roads! Slowly approach higher brake performances and speeds.

(f-h)

? Have

For more information see the chapter “The brake

system” and the instructions of the component

manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

3. Are you familiar with the type and functioning of the gears

(a)

? Ask your MERIDA dealer to explain you the gear system and make yourself familiar with your new gears in an area free of trafﬁc, if necessary.

For more information see the chapter “The gears”

and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

4. Are saddle and handlebars properly adjusted? The saddle should be set to a height from which you can just reach the pedal in its lowest position with your heel. Check whether your toes reach to the

(b)

ﬂoor when you are sitting on the saddle MERIDA dealer will be pleased to help you, if you are not happy with your seating position.

For more information see the chapter “Adjusting the

MERIDA bike to the rider”.

5. If your MERIDA bike is equipped with clipless or

(c)

step-in pedals they go with? First practice locking one shoe onto a pedal and disengaging it while standing on the other leg. Ask your MERIDA dealer to explain you the pedals.

For more information see the chapter “The pedals

and the shoes” and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

: Have you ever tried the shoes

. Your

6. If you have bought a MERIDA bike with suspen-

(d+e)

sion to adjust the suspension mechanism to your needs before delivery. Improperly adjusted suspension components are liable to malfunction or damage. In any case they will impair the performance of your pedelec as well as your safety and joy whilst riding.

For more information see the chapters “Suspen-

sion forks” and “Suspension seat posts” and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

handlebars. The brake levers are not always within

easy reach.

cident!

when you have to get off your bike quickly.

, you should ask your MERIDA dealer

Be aware that the distance you need to stop your bike increases, when you are riding with your hands on bar ends or on multi-position

Be sure to use your MERIDA bike only for its intended purpose, as it may otherwise not withstand the stress and fail. Risk of an ac-

Pay particular attention to the fact that there is enough clearance between your crotch and the top tube so that you do not hurt yourself

Note that both braking effect and tire grip can

well below the speed you would ride at in dry conditions.

which you cannot quickly step out! Risk of an accident!

very carefully by taking the shortest route possible, even if your MERIDA bike went through this check without any problems. Do not accelerate or brake hard and do not ride your bike out of the saddle. If you are in doubt, have yourself picked up by car, instead of taking any risk. Back home you need to check your MERIDA bike thoroughly once again. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer!

be reduced drastically in wet conditions. Look well ahead when riding on wet roads and go

A lack of practice when using clipless pedals or too much spring tension in the mechanism can lead to a very ﬁrm connection, from

In case you had a crash with your MERIDA bike, perform at least the check described in the chapter “Before every ride“. Ride back

Before towing a trailer MERIDA city/trekking bike contact your MERIDA dealer.

Before mounting a child seat, have a look at the bike card and contact your MERIDA dealer.

(f)

with your

Additional information “Before your ﬁrst ride” with your MERIDA pedelec

1. Have you ridden a pedelec yet? Please note the particular riding characteristics of this revolutionary hybrid drive concept. Set off for your ﬁrst ride by selecting the lowest level of drive assistance

approach the potential of your MERIDA pedelec in an area free of trafﬁc.

For more information see chapters “Useful tips for

riding a MERIDA pedelec” or “Riding a MERIDA speed pedelec – Special features” and the system instructions of your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

2. The rechargeable battery of your MERIDA pedelec must be charged before you set off for the ﬁrst time

(h)

. Are you familiar with the handling and mounting of the rechargeable battery? Before you set off for the ﬁrst time, check whether the battery is properly mounted, that it has engaged audibly and that it is locked.

For more information see the system instructions of

your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

(g)

! Slowly

3. The functions of your MERIDA pedelec are operat-

(a)

ed with the buttons on the drive HMI

(b)

command console functions and displays? Check whether you know the functions of all buttons on the drive HMI or on the command console.

For more information see the system instructions of

your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

4. Your MERIDA pedelec has a pushing aid. The pushing aid provides assistance during pushing your MERIDA pedelec. Are you familiar with the pushing aid?

For more information see the system instructions of

your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Be sure to use your MERIDA pedelec only

accident!

for its intended purpose, as it may otherwise not withstand the stress and fail. Risk of an

. Are you familiar with all

or on the

Pulling the brake lever of the rear brake stops

in your bedroom. Place the battery during the charging

process on a big, non-inﬂammable plate made of ceramics or glass charged up.

nector of the charger matches your rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery can heat up, catch ﬁre

or even explode!

the motor. Emergency stop!

We recommend that you charge your battery only during the day and only in dry rooms which have a smoke or a ﬁre detector; but not

(c)

! Unplug the battery once it has been

Charge your battery only with the supplied

(d)

charger other manufacturer, not even when the con-

Do not park your MERIDA pedelec in the blazing sun.

. Do not use the charger of any

When mounting your MERIDA pedelec, make

and that one pedal is at the lowest position when you get on. The motor assistance might switch on suddenly and result in an uncontrolled start of your MERIDA pedelec. Risk of an accident!

sure not to step on the pedals until you sit in the saddle and grip the handlebars tightly,

The weight distribution on your MERIDA

MERIDA pedelec is markedly heavier than a MERIDA bike without drive assistance. For this reason parking, pushing, lifting and carrying the MERIDA pedelec is more difﬁcult. Bear this in mind when loading your pedelec into a car and unloading it or when mounting it on a bicycle carrier system.

pedelec differs markedly from the weight distribution on bikes without drive assistance. A

Be aware that the brakes of your MERIDA

drive (e.g. because it pushes you forward in front of a bend), slow down your MERIDA pedelec carefully.

S S

stands safe and secure and is not at risk of toppling over or being knocked over. If your MERIDA pedelec topples over, it can suffer from damage.

pedelec are always more effective than the drive. If you face any problems with your

Before towing a trailer pedelec contact your MERIDA dealer.

Before mounting a child seat at the bike card and contact your MERIDA dealer.

Please note that not all MERIDA pedelecs are ﬁtted with kickstands. Therefore, when parking your MERIDA pedelec, make sure it

(e)

with your MERIDA

(f)

, have a look

Before every ride

Your MERIDA bike has undergone numerous tests during production and a ﬁnal check has been carried out by your MERIDA dealer. Nevertheless, be sure to check the following points to exclude any malfunctioning that may be due to the transport of your MERIDA bike or to changes a third person may have performed on your

MERIDA bike before delivery:

(g)

1. Are the quick-release levers tions of the front and rear wheel, the seat post and other components properly closed?

For more information see the chapter “How to use

the quick-releases” and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

2. Are the tires in good condition and do they have suf-

(h)

ﬁcient pressure riding stability and reduces the risk of a puncture. The minimum and maximum pressure (in bar or PSI) is indicated on the tire side.

For more information see the chapter “The wheels

and the tires” and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

? A higher pressure gives a better

or bolted connec-

3. Spin the wheels to check whether the rims are true. If you have disc brakes, watch the gap between frame and rim or tire and, if you have rim brakes, between brake pad and rim. Untrue rims can be an indication of tires with ruptured sides, broken axles or spokes.

For more information see the chapter “The wheels

and the tires” and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

4. Test the brakes in stationary by ﬁrmly pulling the

(a)

brake levers towards the handlebars

. The brake pads of rim brakes must hit the rim evenly with their entire surface without touching the tire during braking, in open condition or in between. Make sure you cannot pull the brake levers all the way to the handlebars and check the hydraulic brake cables for leaks! Check the thickness of the brake pads, as well.

With disc brakes you should have a stable pressure

point at once. If you have to actuate the brake lever more than once to get a positive braking response, have the MERIDA bike checked by your MERIDA dealer immediately.

For more information see the chapter “The brake

system” and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

5. Let your MERIDA bike bounce on the ground from a small height. If there is any rattling, see where it comes from. Check the bearings and bolted connections, if necessary. Tighten them slightly, if necessary.

6. In case you have a MERIDA bike with suspension,

press down on your MERIDA bike and see whether the spring elements retract and extend as usual

For more information see the chapters “Suspen-

sion forks” and “Suspension seat posts” and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

(c)

7. If your bike has a kickstand

raised before you set off. Risk of an accident!

, make sure it is fully

8. Do not forget to take a high quality Dlock with you on your ride. The only way to effectively protect your MERIDA bike against theft is to lock it to an immovable object.

9. If you want to ride on public roads, make sure your MERIDA bike is equipped according to the applica-

ble regulations of your country

(e)

. Riding without lights and reﬂectors in dark or dim conditions is very dangerous because you will be seen too late or not at all by other road users. A lighting set that corresponds to the regulations is a must on public roads. Turn on the lights as soon as dusk sets in.

(d)

or chain

(b)

For more information see the chapter “Legal re-

quirements for riding on public roads“.

Improperly closed fastenings, e.g. quick-re-

accident!

handlebars. The brake levers are not always within easy reach.

or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

namic loads, the different parts of your bike react with wear and fatigue. Please check your MERIDA bike regularly for wear marks, scratches, deformations, color changes and any indication of cracking. Components which have reached the end of their service life may break without previous warning. Let your MERIDA dealer maintain and service your MERIDA bike regularly. In cases of doubt it is always best to replace components.

leases, can cause parts of your MERIDA bike to come loose. This can result in a serious

Be aware that the distance you need to stop your bike increases, when you are riding with your hands on bar ends or on multi-position

Do not use your MERIDA bike, if it fails at one of these points! A defective MERIDA bike can lead to serious accidents! If you are in doubt

During use your MERIDA bike is undergoing stress resulting from the surface of the road and from the rider’s action. Due to these dy-

Additional information “Before every ride” with your MERIDA pedelec

1. Are the connections of the rechargeable battery, the drive HMI or the command console and the drive correctly plugged?

For more information see the system instructions of

your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

2. Is your battery fully charged? Remember to fully recharge the battery after each longer ride (e.g. less than 50% charged). Modern lithium-ion batteries have no memory effect. However, it does not matter if your MERIDA pedelec is left as it is for a short

time (e.g. overnight) when less than 50% charged

(g)

. However, you should not wait until the battery is

fully discharged!

For more information see the system instructions of

your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

3. Do the display on the control element cycle computer on the handlebars show all the values? Is there any error message or warning on the display? Check the values are correct before every ride. Do not set off on your MERIDA pedelec under any circumstances if the control element shows a warning.

(h)

and the

(f)

For more information see the system instructions of

your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

4. Is the battery tight in its holder and the lock properly

(a)

locked up locked battery.

For more information see the system instructions of

your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

5. Are the tires in good condition and do they have sufﬁcient pressure? Please note that a pedelec weighs more and that your usual tire pressure may be insufﬁcient A higher pressure gives a better riding stability and reduces the risk of a puncture. The minimum and maximum pressure (in bar or PSI) is indicated on the tire side.

? Never set off with a loose and un-

After an accident

1. Check whether the wheels are still ﬁrmly ﬁxed in the

(b)

drop-outs with respect to the frame or fork. Spin the wheels and observe the gap either between brake pads and rim sides or between frame and tire. If you have rim

brakes and the width of the gap changes markedly and you have no way to true the rim where you are, you need to open the brakes a little with the special device so that the rim can run between the brake pads without touching them. Please note that in this case the brakes may not act as powerfully as you are used to.

and whether the rims are still centered

For more information see the chapter “The wheels

and the tires”.

Do not use your MERIDA pedelec, if it fails on

are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

one these points! Riding a defective MERIDA pedelec can result in serious accidents! If you

No matter whether you have rim or disc brakes,

have the wheels trued by your MERIDA dealer immediately after you are back home.

For more information see the chapters “The brake

system”, “How to use the quick-releases” and “The wheels and the tires” as well as in the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CDROM.

2. Check that handlebars and stem are neither bent nor broken and that they are level and upright. Make sure the stem is ﬁrmly ﬁxed on the fork by trying to turn the handlebars relative to the front wheel Brieﬂy lean on the brake levers to make sure the handlebars are ﬁrmly ﬁxed in the stem.

(c)

Realign the components, if necessary, and gently

tighten the bolts to ensure a reliable clamping of the

(d)

components

. The maximum torque values are printed directly on the components or speciﬁed in the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

For more information see the chapters “Adjusting

the MERIDA bike to the rider” and “The headset” and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

3. Check whether the chain still runs on the chain-

(e)

wheels and the sprockets

. If your MERIDA bike fell over to the chain side, verify the proper functioning of the gears. Ask somebody to lift your MERIDA bike by the saddle and carefully shift through all the gears. Pay particular attention when switching to the small gears, making sure the rear derailleur does not get too close to the spokes as the chain climbs onto the larger sprockets.

If the rear derailleur or the drop-outs/derailleur

hanger is bent, the rear derailleur may collide with the spokes. This in turn can destroy the rear derailleur, the rear wheel or the frame. Check the function of the front derailleur, as a displaced front derailleur can throw off the chain, thus interrupting the drive of your MERIDA bike.

4. Make sure the saddle is not twisted by using the top

(f)

or the bottom bracket shell as a reference.

tube If necessary, open the clamping, realign the saddle

(g)

and retighten the clamping

For more information see the chapters “Adjusting

the MERIDA bike to the rider” and “How to use the

quick-releases” and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

6. Finally, take a good look at the whole MERIDA bike

(h)

to detect any deformations, color changes or cracks. Ride back very carefully by taking the shortest route possible, even if your MERIDA bike went through this check without any problems. Do not accelerate or brake hard and do not ride your bike out of the saddle. If you are in doubt about the performance of your MERIDA bike, have yourself picked

up by car, instead of taking any risk.

Back home you need to check your MERIDA bike

thoroughly. Damaged parts must be repaired or replaced. Ask your MERIDA dealer for advice.

For more information see the chapter “The gears”

and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Deformed components, especially compo-

i.e. straightened, as this will not reduce the imminent risk of breakage. This applies in particular to the fork, the handlebars, the stem, the cranks, the seat post and the pedals. When in doubt, it is for your safety always the better choice to have these parts replaced. Ask your MERIDA dealer for advice.

ter an accident or similar incident. Carbon is extremely strong and durable with very low weight, making it perfect for the production of high-performance parts. However, one of the inherent properties of carbon is that possible overstress may compromise the inner carbon-ﬁber structure without showing any visible deformation, as is the case with steel or aluminum. A damaged component can fail without previous warning. Risk of an accident!

nents made of aluminum, can break without previous warning. They must not be repaired,

If your MERIDA bike is assembled with carbon components, it is imperative that you have it checked by your MERIDA dealer af-

Additional information “After an accident” with your MERIDA pedelec

1. Check the rechargeable battery chargeable battery is no longer properly in its holder or shows any damage, do not use your MERIDA pedelec any longer, at least not in the assistance

mode. Switch off the drive and the rechargeable battery separately, if necessary. A damaged battery can lead to a short-circuit resulting in a sudden failure of the MERIDA pedelec assistance right at the moment when you need it.

Damage to the outer housing of the rechargeable

battery can result in water or moisture entry which can lead to short circuits or electric shocks. The rechargeable battery may catch ﬁre or even explode! In such a case, contact your MERIDA dealer immediately.

For more information see the system instructions of

your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

(a-c)

. If the re-

over.

Make it a rule to check the functioning and in particular the limit stop of the rear derailleur after a fall or if your MERIDA bike has toppled

2. Check that all values are displayed properly and ful-

(d)

ly on the drive HMI your MERIDA pedelec, if the drive HMI shows an error message or a warning. In the case of critical errors the system switches off automatically. In the case of non-critical errors the system may be still operable.

or the display. Do not use

Do not set off on your MERIDA pedelec when the

drive HMI or the display shows a warning. In such a case, contact your MERIDA dealer immediately.

For more information see the system instructions of

your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

3. Let your MERIDA pedelec bounce on the ground from a small height. If there is any rattling, see where it comes from. Check the bearings, the bolts and the proper seat of the battery, if necessary.

How to use the quick-releases

Most MERIDA bikes and MERIDA pedelecs are ﬁtted

(e+f)

with quick-releases assembly and disassembly. Be sure to check whether all quick-releases are tight before you set off on your MERIDA bike. Quick-releases should be handled with greatest care, as they affect your safety directly.

Practice the proper use of quick-releases to avoid any accidents.

Quick-release mechanisms essentially consist of two operative elements:

1. The hand lever

ates a clamping force via a cam when you close it.

to ensure fast adjustments,

(g)

on one side of the hub which cre-

2. The tightening nut hub with which the preload on the threaded rod (quick-release axle) is set.

Do not touch the brake disc directly after hav-

brake disc cool down before opening the quick-release.

ing stopped, e.g. after a long down-hill ride, you may burn your ﬁngers! Always let the

(h)

on the other side of the

Make sure the levers of both wheel quick-re-

the front wheel accidentally the wrong way round. In the case of MERIDA bikes with disc brakes and quick-releases having a 5-mm-axle, it may be reasonable to mount both quick-releases with the lever on the side of the chain drive. This helps you not to come into contact with the hot brake disc and prevents you from having your ﬁngers burnt. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

leases are always on the side opposite to the chain. This will help you to avoid mounting

How to fasten components securely with a quick-release

Open the quick-release. You should now be able to read

(b)

“Open“ fastened is in the accurate position.

For more information see the chapters “Adjusting the

MERIDA bike to the rider” and “The wheels and the tires” and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

on the lever. Make sure the component to be

Never ride a MERIDA bike without having

quick-release the wheel can come loose, thus creating a serious risk of accident!

wheels when you leave it outside.

checked ﬁrst whether the wheels are secure-

(a)

ly fastened

If your MERIDA bike is equipped with quick-releases, be sure to lock the frame to an immovable object together with the

. With an insufﬁciently closed

Move the lever back, as if to close it. Now you should

(c)

be able to read ”Close“ When you start closing the lever you should feel virtually no resistance with your hand until the lever is at a right angle to the frame/fork.

When continuing to close the lever the resistance you feel should increase signiﬁcantly and towards the end even more strength is required to close the lever. Use the ball of your thumb while your ﬁngers pull on an immovable part, such as the fork brake disc or spoke, to push it in all the way.

In its end position, the lever should be at a right angle to the quick-release axle The lever should lie close to the frame or the fork so that it cannot be opened accidentally. Make sure, however, that the lever is easy to handle for actual quick use.

on the outside of the lever.

(d)

or a rear stay, but not on a

(e)

, i.e. it should not stand out.

To check whether the lever is securely locked apply pressure to the end of the hand lever and try to turn it while it is closed. If you can turn the lever around, open it and increase the preload. Screw the tightening nut on the opposite side clockwise by half a turn. Close the quick-release lever and check it again for tightness.

Finally lift the bike a few centimeters, so that the wheel no longer touches the ground, and hit the tire from above. If it is properly fastened, the wheel will remain ﬁrmly ﬁxed in the drop-outs of the frame or fork without producing any rattling.

If your seat post is equipped with a quick-release mechanism, check whether the saddle is ﬁrmly ﬁxed by trying to twist it relative to the frame.

To be on the safe side you can replace the

coded key or an Allen key. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

quick-releases by special locks. They can only be opened and closed with a special,

Adjusting the MERIDA bike to the rider

Your body height and proportions are decisive for the frame size of your MERIDA bike. Pay particular attention to the fact that there is enough clearance between your crotch and the top tube so that you do not hurt yourself

when you have to get off your bike quickly.

By choosing a speciﬁc type of bike you roughly determine the posture you will be riding in some components of your MERIDA bike are especially designed so that you can adjust them to your body proportions up to a certain degree. This includes the seat post, the handlebars and the stem as well as the brake levers.

As all works require know-how, experience, suitable tools and skills, you should restrict yourself to adjusting

(h)

your seating position if you are not happy with your seating position or if you want something changed. They will see to your wishes the next time you leave your MERIDA bike at the workshop, e.g. for the ﬁrst inspection.

After any adjustment/assembly work, be sure to make a short functional check as described in the chapter “Before every ride” and do a test ride on your MERIDA bike in an area free of trafﬁc.

. Contact your MERIDA dealer,

(f+g)

. However,

If you have a very small frame, there may be

properly adjusted.

connections always with greatest attention. Increase the torque values bit by bit and check the ﬁt of the component in between. Use a torque wrench and never exceed the maximum torque values! You will ﬁnd the prescribed values in the chapter “Recommended torque settings”, directly on the components and/or in the operating instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

advice given below is suitable for typical MERIDA city and trekking bikes.

has a very wide range of saddles available and will be pleased to advise you.

the danger of your foot colliding with the front wheel. Therefore, make sure your cleats are

All tasks described in the following require the know-how of a mechanic and appropriate tools. Make it a rule to tighten the bolted

The seating position depends highly on how you want to use the MERIDA bike. Ask your MERIDA dealer or your trainer for help. The

If sitting on the saddle causes you trouble, e.g. because it numbs your crotch, this may be due to the saddle. Your MERIDA dealer

Adjusting the saddle to the correct height

The correct saddle height depends on the length of your legs. When pedaling, the ball of your foot should be positioned above the center of the pedal axle. With your feet in this position you should not be able to stretch your legs completely straight at the lowest point, otherwise your pedaling will become awkward

Check the height of your saddle with ﬂat-soled shoes. This is best done with suitable cycling shoes.

Sit on the saddle and put your heel on the pedal at its lowest point. Your leg should be fully stretched and your hips should remain horizontal.

To adjust the saddle height loosen the quick-release lever (see the chapter “How to use the quick-releases“) or the binder bolt of the seat post clamp at the top of the

(b)

seat tube Allen key, with which you turn the bolt two to three turns counterclockwise. Now you can perform the vertical adjustment of the seat post.

Be sure not to pull out the seat post too far. The mark

on the seat post (max., min., stop or the like) should always remain within the seat tube the surface of an aluminum or titanium seat post that is inserted into a seat tube made of aluminum, titanium or steel. Do not grease carbon seat posts and/or carbon seat tubes in the clamping area! Use special carbon assembly paste instead.

. The latter requires suitable tools, e.g. an

(a)

(c)

. Always grease

Align the saddle with the frame by using the saddle nose and the bottom bracket or top tube as a reference point.

Clamp the seat post tight again by closing the quick-re-

(d)

lease quick-releases” or by turning the seat post binder bolts clockwise in half turns strength in your hands to clamp the seat post sufﬁciently tight. Otherwise the seat post does not match the frame.

Verify in between that the seat post is sufﬁciently tight by taking hold of the saddle at both ends and then trying to rotate the seat post inside the seat tube rotate, gently retighten the binder bolt of the seat post clamp by half a turn and do the check again.

Does the leg stretch test now produce the correct result

(g)

point. When the ball of your foot is exactly above the pedal center in the ideal pedaling position, your knee should be slightly bent. If this is the case, the saddle height is adjusted to the correct height.

Check whether you can touch the ground safely while sitting on the saddle by stretching your feet to the ﬂoor. If not, you should lower the saddle until you can, at least to begin with.

, as described in chapter “How to use the

(e)

. You should not need much

(f)

. If it does

? Check by moving your foot and pedal to the lowest

Never apply grease or oil into a seat tube of a

seat post, do not put any grease on it, even if the frame is made of metal. Once greased, carbon components may never again ensure reliable clamping! Use special carbon assembly paste instead.

an accident!

vere damage to the frame. In the case of frames with

seat tubes that extend beyond the top of the frame’s top tube the seat post should be inserted into the seat tube at least below the bottom of the top tube and below the top of the rear stays! If seat post and frame require different minimum insertion depths, you should opt for the deeper insertion depth.

Do not use brute force!

frame made of carbon unless an alloy sleeve is inside the frame. If you mount a carbon

Make sure not to overtighten the binder bolt of the seat post clamp. Otherwise you may damage the seat post or the frame. Risk of

Never ride your bike with the seat post drawn out beyond the limit, maximum, or stop mark

(h)

! The seat post might break or cause se-

If the seat post does not move easily inside the seat tube or if it cannot be tightened sufﬁciently, ask your MERIDA dealer for advice.

Tighten carefully by approaching the pre-

of the component in between. Never exceed the maximum torque value indicated by the manufacturer!

months!

scribed maximum torque value in small steps (0.5 Nm increments) and check the proper ﬁt

Children and adolescents need to have the saddle height and the position of saddle and handlebars checked at least every three

Adjusting the height of the handlebars

The height of the handlebars compared to the saddle and the distance between saddle and handlebars determines how much your upper body will be inclined forward. Lowering the handlebars gives you a streamlined position and brings more weight to bear on the front wheel. However, it also entails an extremely forward leaning posture which is tiring and less comfortable, because it increases the strain on your wrists, arms, back, upper body and neck.

There are three different stem systems that allow vertical adjustment of the handlebars, i.e. the conventional, the adjustable and the Aheadset require special knowledge. In this regard, the descriptions hereafter may be incomplete. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

The stem

have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer!

of your MERIDA bike. Changes to it can impair your safety. If you are in doubt or if you

(a)

is one of the load bearing parts

-stem. These systems

These routines require a certain amount of

and adjustment of your stem or let him do that work.

values, the handlebars or stem may come loose or break. Use a torque wrench maximum torque values! You will ﬁnd the prescribed values in the chapter “Recommended torque settings”, directly on the components and/or in the operating instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

source of danger: Handlebars or stems can break, resulting in an accident. When replacing any parts, be sure to only use parts that bear the appropriate mark and, to be on the safe side, original spare parts. Your MERIDA dealer will be pleased to help you.

manual skill and (special) tools. Ask your MERIDA dealer to explain you both function

The bolted connections of stem and handlebars have to be tightened to the prescribed torque values. If you disregard the prescribed

(b)

and never exceed the

Stems come in very different lengths shaft and binder tube diameters of inappropriate dimension can become a

Make sure the handlebar/stem combination is approved by the handlebar and/or stem manufacturer.

Make sure the handlebar clamping area is free of sharp edges.

(d)

. A stem

(c)

and

Conventional stems

Handlebars with conventional stems allow limited vertical adjustment. This is done by moving the stem up or down inside the fork steerer tube.

Release the expander bolt by two to three complete turns. The stem should now turn freely inside the fork. If it does not, release the bolt by tapping it gently with a

(e)

rubber hammer the Allen key into its head ﬁrst, as it is normally countersunk and therefore impossible to be hit directly.

Now you can move the handlebar/stem unit up and down as a whole. Be sure not to pull out the stem too far. The mark on the stem (end, min, max, stop, limit or the like) should always remain within the tube the stem to a lower position can only add to your safety!

Realign the handlebars with the front wheel en the expander bolt with a torque wrench.

Tighten carefully by approaching the prescribed maximum torque value in small steps (0.5 Nm increments) and check the proper ﬁt of the component in between. Never exceed the maximum torque value indicated by the manufacturer! You will ﬁnd the prescribed values in the chapter “Recommended torque settings”, directly on the components and/or in the operating instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CDROM.

. With Allen bolts you need to stick

(f)

. Setting

(g)

. Retight-

Check the seat of the stem by taking the front wheel between your legs and trying to turn the handlebars and

(h)

stem relative to the wheel have to increase the torque value. If the handlebars are still too high or too low, you can replace the stem. This can be quite a big job, as it may mean taking off and remounting all the ﬁttings on the handlebars. Ask your MERIDA dealer for advice about the different types of

stems.

Never ride a MERIDA bike with a stem that

ed connections and test your brakes before you set off in an area free of trafﬁc!

has been drawn out beyond the mark for the maximum permissible height! Check all bolt-

Never try to unscrew the top race of the headset when you only want to adjust the stem, as you will otherwise alter the bearing play!

. If there is movement, you

Adjustable stems

There are various solutions for adjusting the tilt of the front part of adjustable stems:

Some designs use bolts on the sides of the joint ers have bolts coming from above or below, and others again are equipped with additional locking mechanisms or adjusting bolts.

(a)

, oth-

Stems for threadless systems, the Aheadset®system

In the case of MERIDA bikes with Aheadset® headsets the stem also serves to adjust the bearing preload. If you change the position of the stem you have to readjust the bearing play (see the chapter “The headset” and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this

MERIDA CD-ROM).

Ask your MERIDA dealer to explain you both function and adjustment of your stem or, still better, let him do that work.

For more information see the chapter “Adjusting the height of the handlebars” and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Note that the bolted connections of adjustable

prescribed values, the handlebars or stem may come loose or break. Use a torque wrench and observe the minimum and maximum torque values! You will ﬁnd the prescribed values in the chapter “Recommended torque settings”, directly on the components and/or in the operating instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

components, as described in the chapter “Adjusting the tilt of the handlebars and brake levers“.

stems and handlebars have to be tightened to their speciﬁed torques. If you disregard the

Keep in mind that readjusting the position of the stem changes the position of handlebars, brake levers and shifters. Readjust these

The vertical setting range is determined by the interme-

(b)

diate rings, also referred to as spacers

(c)

ﬂip-ﬂop stem models other way round to achieve a different handlebar height.

Unscrew the bolt at the top of the fork steerer tube

which serves to adjust the initial bearing pressure, remove the Ahead cap and release the bolts on either side of the stem by up to three turns. Remove the stem and spacers from the fork steerer tube. In doing so keep hold of both frame and fork to prevent the fork from slipping off the head tube.

You can determine the handlebar height by the arrangement of stem and spacers. Slip the remaining spacers

onto the fork steerer tube above the stem. Adjust the headset, as described in the chapter “The headset”.

the stem can be mounted the

. In the case of

(d)

If you want to turn the stem around, you have to also

(e)

release the front bolts securing the handlebars stem is ﬁtted with a cap, you can simply take out the handlebars at this point. If it is not ﬁtted with a cap, you have to remove the handlebar ﬁttings.

Mount the handlebars and, if necessary, the handlebar ﬁttings, as described in the chapter “Adjusting the tilt of the handlebars and brake levers” and/or in the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Check whether the handlebars are ﬁrmly seated in the stem by trying to rotate the handlebars downwards Verify whether the handlebar/stem unit can be twisted relative to the fork. Do this by taking the front wheel between your knees and trying to twist the handlebars. If there is movement, carefully tighten the bolts a little

(g)

more and check again the proper ﬁt

. If the

(f)

In the case of turned stems, it is possible that

dealer.

by your MERIDA dealer, but only after you have found your preferred position.

components, as described in the chapter “Adjusting the tilt of the handlebars and brake levers“.

the cables are too short. In this case riding can be unsafe. If in doubt, ask your MERIDA

When removing spacers the fork steerer tube must be shortened. This change is irreversible. The shortening should be carried out

Keep in mind that readjusting the position of the stem changes the position of handlebars, brake levers and shifters. Readjust these

Correcting the fore-to-aft position and horizontal tilt of the saddle

Ask your MERIDA dealer to explain you both function and adjustment of your stem or, still better, let him do that work.

The inclination of your upper body riding comfort and pedaling power, are also inﬂuenced by the distance between the grips of the handlebars and the saddle. This distance can be altered slightly by changing the position of the saddle rails in the seat

post clamp. However, this also inﬂuences your pedaling. Whether the saddle is positioned more to the front or to the back of the bike will alter how rearward the pedaling position of your legs is.

You need to have the saddle horizontal in order to pedal in a relaxed manner. If it is tilted, you will constantly have to lean against the handlebars to prevent yourself from slipping off the saddle.

(h)

, and hence your

The bolted connections of the seat post have

the maximum torque values! You will ﬁnd the prescribed values in the chapter “Recommended torque settings”, directly on the components and/or in the operating instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

bolts by using a torque wrench once a month according to the prescribed values.

position, as stems come in different lengths. In doing so you may achieve differences of more than ten centimeters. In this case you usually would have to adjust the length of the cables – a job best left to your MERIDA dealer!

Read them carefully before adjusting the position of your saddle. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

to be tightened to the prescribed torque value. Use a torque wrench and never exceed

Make sure the saddle is clamped within the range of the marking on the saddle rail. Otherwise the saddle rail can fail! Check the

The setting range of the saddle is very small. Replacing the stem allows you to make far bigger adjustments to the rider’s fore-to-aft

The manufacturers of saddles deliver their products with detailed instructions. You ﬁnd these instructions on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Adjusting saddle position and tilt

With patent seat posts the clamping mechanism, which controls the tilt and the horizontal position of the saddle. Some seat posts have two bolts side-by-side.

Release the bolt(s) at the top of the seat post. Release

the bolt(s) two to three turns counterclockwise at the most, otherwise the whole assembly can come apart. Move the saddle forth or back, as desired. You may have to give the saddle a light blow to make it move. Please observe the markings on the saddle rail.

Make sure the seat of the saddle remains horizontal as you retighten the bolt(s). Your MERIDA bike should

stand on level ground while you adjust the saddle.

Having found your preferred position, make sure both clamp halves ﬁt snugly around the saddle rails before tightening the bolt(s) to the correct torque value as prescribed by the seat post manufacturer.

Retighten the bolt(s) with a torque wrench according to the instructions of the manufacturer. After fastening the

saddle, check whether it resists tilting by bringing your weight to bear on it once with your hands at either end of the saddle.

(a)

one central Allen bolt secures

(b)

Poorly tightened or loosening bolts can fail. Risk of an accident!

Check the bolts by using a torque wrench

instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Clamping with two bolts in line two to three turns counterclockwise, otherwise the whole assembly can come apart. Move the saddle forward or backward as desired to adjust the horizontal position. You may have to give the saddle a light blow to make it move. Please observe the markings on the saddle rail.

Tighten both bolts evenly at the same angle. If you wish to lower the nose of the saddle a little, tighten the front bolt clockwise. You might have to loosen the rear bolt a little as well. To lower the rear part of the saddle, the rear bolt has to be tightened clockwise and the front bolt has to be released, if necessary. Check the strength while you press with your hands alternate at the top and back of the saddle. The saddle may not move

once a month according to the values indicated directly on the components and/or in the

(d)

: release both bolts

(e)

so that the saddle remains

(f)

(c)

instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

If you have a single bolt system bolt as far as possible without loosening the lock nut on the outer side of the clamping device. In general, it is not necessary to take the mechanism completely apart, if it is already equipped with the correct outer clamps for your saddle.

If you do ﬁnd it necessary to unscrew the single ﬁxing

bolt completely, remove it from the clamping device. This releases the outer clamping parts. The inner clamping parts are held in position with a rubber retention plate.

Mount the saddle rails into the inner clamping parts, add the outer parts and re-insert the ﬁxing bolt. If the width of the saddle rails does not ﬁt exactly into the clamp

grooves, do not try to force them in. The clamping mechanism or the saddle rails could break and result in an accident and/or injuries to the rider.

Check the bolts by using a torque wrench once a month according to the values indicated directly on the components and/or in the

(h)

, unscrew the ﬁxing

(g)

Use a different saddle model or contact your MERIDA dealer.

If the saddle rails ﬁt into the clamp grooves, slide the saddle on the seat post and ensure that the clamp is positioned midway along the total length of the rails Position the saddle so that its upper surface is parallel to the ground. Tighten the bolt gradually and make sure

1) the clamping device is still accurately mounted on the carbon seat post head and

2) the clamp is tightening evenly around each rail.

Once there is uniform hold on both rails, tighten the

(b)

bolt gradually with a torque wrench reached the maximum torque value indicated in Newton meters (Nm) on the seat post.

Poorly tightened or loosening bolts can fail.

the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Risk of an accident!

Check the bolts by using a torque wrench once a month according to the values indicated directly on the components and/or in

until you have

(a)

Adjusting the brake lever reach

With most brake systems the distance between the brake levers and the handlebar grips is adjustable. This

gives in particular riders with small hands the convenience of bringing the brake levers closer to the handle-

(c)

bars

On most bikes there is a small adjusting screw near the point where the brake cable of a cable brake enters the brake lever unit or at the lever itself. Turn this bolt clockwise and watch how the lever adjusts as you do so.

Hydraulic brakes are also ﬁtted with adjusting devices at the brake lever. There are different systems. Ask your MERIDA dealer for advice or read the instructions of the

component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

When adjusting the lever reach, make sure the ﬁrst phalanx of the index ﬁnger reaches around the brake lever

(e)

. Check the proper adjustment and functioning of the brake system subsequently, as described in the chapter “The brake system” and in the instructions of the component manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

point.

Make sure you cannot pull the brake levers all the way to the handlebars. Your maximum braking force should be reached short of this

(d)

In the case of hydraulic brakes and disc

MERIDA CD-ROM. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

brakes follow the instructions of the brake manufacturer, which you can ﬁnd on this

Adjusting the tilt of the handlebars and brake levers

The handlebars are usually slightly bent at the ends. Set the handlebars to a position in which your wrists are relaxed and not turned too much outwards.

Release the Allen bolt(s) at the bottom or front side of the stem. Turn the handlebars to the desired position. Make sure the handlebars are accurately centered in the stem. Carefully retighten the bolt(s) with the torque wrench.

Make sure the upper and lower clamping slots of the

(f)

stem are parallel and identical in width stem with several bolts, tighten them evenly in a cross pattern by using a torque wrench and observe the recommended torque values.

. If you have a

If the handlebars are not tight with the prescribed torque value, use carbon assembly paste.

After adjusting the handlebars you need to adjust the brake lever/shifter units. Release the Allen bolt at either unit. Turn the levers relative to the handlebars. Sit in the saddle and place your ﬁngers on the brake levers.

Check whether the back of your hand forms a straight

(h)

line with the line of your forearm with a torque wrench and do a twist test! The brake levers need not be absolutely tight. In case of a fall it is an advantage when the brake levers can be turned.

Tighten the bolts at the stem until the clamp-

at the top and at the bottom. Tighten the bolts evenly and in a cross pattern, i.e. alternately and gradually, by using a torque wrench to the lower value of the recommended torque values.

ing slots between the stem body and the faceplate are parallel and identical in width

. Retighten the units

Try rotating the handlebars once clamped in the stem

(g)

and tighten the bolt a little more, if necessary. Use a torque wrench and never exceed the maximum torque values! You ﬁnd them directly on the components and/ or in the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Note that the bolted connections of stem,

torque wrench and never exceed the maximum torque values! You will ﬁnd the prescribed values in the chapter “Recommended torque settings”, directly on the components and/or in the operating instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Bar ends and multi-position handlebars give you additional ways of gripping the handlebars.

sition handlebars. The brake levers are not always within easy reach.

accident.

advance whether these components are permitted on your MERIDA bike. If necessary, contact your MERIDA dealer before mounting.

handlebars, bar ends and brakes have to be tightened to their speciﬁed torques. Use a

Be aware that the distance you need to stop your bike increases, when you are riding with

(a+b)

your hands on bar ends

Never ﬁx bar ends in vertical position or with their ends pointing rearwards as this would increase the risk of injury in the event of an

If you want to mount multi-position handlebars or bar ends to the aluminum handlebars of your MERIDA bike, inform yourself in

or on multi-po-

The brake system

Brakes

(c+d)

are used to adjust your speed to the surrounding terrain and trafﬁc. In an emergency situation, the brakes must bring your MERIDA bike to a halt as quickly as possible.

In the event of such emergency brakings, the rider’s weight shifts forward abruptly, thus reducing the load on the rear wheel. The rate of deceleration is primarily limited by the danger of the rear wheel losing contact with the ground, resulting in an overturning of the MERIDA bike and, secondly, by the grip of the tires on the road. This problem becomes particularly acute when riding downhill. Therefore, in case of an emergency braking you should try to shift your weight towards the rear and

the ground as far as possible.

Actuate both brakes simultaneously and bear in mind that, due to the weight transfer, the front brakes can generate a far better braking effect on a surface with good grip.

The braking conditions on unpaved surfaces differ, i.e. overbraking the front wheel can make the wheel slip

away. Make yourself familiar with the operation before you set off for the ﬁrst time. Practice braking on different kinds of surface in an area free of trafﬁc.

There are various types of brake systems that may be subject to the following problems:

Rim brakes too long braking or brake dragging. This can damage the inner tube or make the tire slip on the rim, causing a sudden loss of air which could lead to a serious accident in the process.

(e)

are liable to overheating as a result of

Wet weather reduces the braking effect and

duce your speed and actuate the brakes carefully.

the road grip of the tires. Be aware of longer stopping distances when riding in the rain, re-

Ensure that braking surfaces and brake pads are absolutely free of wax, grease and oil. Risk of an accident!

With roller, drum, back-pedal and disc brakes prolonged braking or permanent dragging of brake pads can also lead to an overheating of the brake system. This can result in a reduction of the braking force or even brake failure. Risk of an accident!

When riding downhill, get used to braking hard and then releasing the brake again, whenever the road surface and the situation allows for it. If you are in doubt about the braking action, stop and let the brake system cool down.

The assignment of brake lever to brake cal-

whether the brake lever of the front brake is on the side you are used to (right or left). If it is not, ask your MERIDA dealer to switch the brake levers before you set off for the ﬁrst time.

your MERIDA bike. This can save you from having accidents in road trafﬁc.

iper can vary, e.g. left lever acts on front brake. Have a look at the bike card and check

Be careful while getting used to the brakes. Practice emergency stops in a place clear of trafﬁc until you are comfortable controlling

(f+g)

When replacing any parts, be sure to only

Your MERIDA dealer will be pleased to help you.

brake or before doing any work whatsoever.

use parts that bear the appropriate mark and, to be on the safe side, original spare parts

Be sure to read the instructions of the brake manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM before you start to readjust or to service the

(h)

Rim brakes

V-brakes and cantilever brakes

Functioning and wear

V-brakes brake arms mounted separately on either side of the rim. When actuating the brake lever, both arms are pressed together by the cable, the pads touching the rim.

The friction generated by braking causes wear to the brake pads as well as to the rims. Frequent rides in the rain and dirt and over hilly terrain can accelerate wear on both braking surfaces. Some rims are provided with wear indicators, e.g. grooves or circular indentations. If the rim is worn down to the point where the grooves or indentations are no longer visible, it needs to be replaced. Once the abrasion of the rim has reached a certain critical point, the rim may break under the tire pressure. This can make the wheel jam or the inner tube burst. Risk of an accident!

Functional check

Check whether the brake blocks with the rims and are still sufﬁciently thick. You can judge the wear of the brake pads by the appearance of grooves.

If the pads are worn down to the bottom of the grooves

(d)

according instructions of the respective manufacturer.

(a)

and cantilever brake designs

(c)

, it is time to replace them. Be sure to observe the

(b)

have two

are perfectly aligned

See your MERIDA dealer and ask them to examine the remaining thickness of the rims when you have worn through your second set of brake pads at the latest. He has special measuring devices to determine the remaining thickness of the rims.

The brake pads must hit the rim simultaneously, ﬁrst touching it with the front portion of their surface. At the

moment of ﬁrst contact the rear portion of the facing should be a millimeter away from the rim. Viewed from the top the brake pads form a “V” with the trough pointing to the front. This setting is to prevent the brake pads from screeching when applied.

The brake lever must always remain clear of the handlebars. You should not even be able to pull them all the way to the handlebars in the event of an emergency

stop. If this is the case, however, observe the following chapter “Synchronizing and readjusting”. Only a successful passing of all these points will ensure a correctly adjusted brake.

Brake cables which are damaged, e.g. frayed

(e)

bly causing a crash!

brake blocks is a job best left to your MERIDA dealer.

, must be replaced immediately, as they

can otherwise fail in a critical moment, possi-

Adjusting the position of the brake blocks relative to the rims requires a considerable degree of skill. Replacing and adjusting the

Have your rims regularly inspected and measured by your MERIDA dealer.

Synchronizing and readjusting

Almost all brake designs have a bolt located next to one or both brake calipers for adjusting the spring preload

(f)

. Turn the bolt slowly and watch how the gap changes

between brake pads and rim.

Adjust the spring in a way that with an unapplied brake the gaps are equal on either side and the brake pads touch the rim simultaneously during braking.

The position of the brake lever where the brake starts to act, also referred to as the pressure point, can be adjusted to the size of the hand as well as to individual convenience by readjusting the brake cable. Make absolutely sure you cannot pull the brake lever all the way to the handlebar grip. With an unapplied brake the brake pads should not be too close to the rim sides, otherwise they could drag along the rim during riding. Before doing this adjustment, observe the notes in the chapter “Adjusting the brake lever reach”.

To readjust the brakes, unscrew the knurled lock ring located at the point where the brake cable enters the brake

(g)

lever on the handlebars ted adjusting bolt by a few turns. This reduces the free travel of the brake lever. Keeping the adjusting bolt ﬁrm, tighten the lock ring against the brake lever unit. This prevents the adjusting bolt from coming loose by itself. Ensure that the slot of the bolt faces neither forward nor upward, as this would permit water or dirt to enter more easily.

. Unscrew the knurled, slot-

Always test the brakes’ function when sta-

(h)

when you pull them hard.

tionary the brake pads engage fully with the rim

after adjusting them, making sure

Hydraulic rim brakes

Functioning and wear

Common hydraulic rim brakes consist of two brake assemblies that are mounted on the left and right side of the rim and connected by an assembly plate and, if necessary by a brake booster. W Actuating the brake lever compresses the hydraulic pistons through oil pressure, pushing the brake pads against the rims.

The friction generated by braking causes wear to the

brake pads as well as to the rims. Frequent rides in the rain and dirt and over hilly terrain can accelerate wear on both braking surfaces. Some rims are provided with wear indicators, e.g. grooves or circular indentations. If the rim is worn down to the point where the grooves or indentations are no longer visible, it needs to be replaced.

Once the abrasion of one rim has reached a certain critical point, the rim may break under the tire pressure. This can make the wheel jam or the inner tube burst. Risk of an accident!

Keep the hydraulic brake assemblies, especially the brake pad area, clean, as dirt can prevent the pads from travelling back in their rest position. Check the lines and connections from time to time for leaks.

The brake pads must hit the rim simultaneously and

(e)

in parallel from screeching when applied.

The brake lever must always remain clear of the handlebars. You should not even be able to pull them all the way to the handlebars in the event of an emergency

(f)

stop

ing chapter “Synchronizing and readjusting”.

. This setting is to prevent the brake pads

. If this is the case, however, observe the follow-

Loose connections or leaky brake lines dras-

contact your MERIDA dealer. Risk of an accident!

Functional check

Check whether the brake blocks are perfectly aligned with the rims can judge the wear of the brake pads by the appearance of grooves of the grooves, it is time to replace them. Be sure to observe the according instructions of the respective manufacturer.

See your MERIDA dealer and ask him to examine the remaining thickness of the rims at the latest when you are through your second set of brake pads. He has special measuring devices to determine the remaining thickness of the rims

tically impair the braking effect. If you ﬁnd leaks in the brake system or buckled lines,

(a+b)

and are still sufﬁciently thick. You

(c)

. If the pads are worn down to the bottom

(d)

Only a successful passing of all these points will ensure a correctly adjusted brake.

Adjusting the position of the brake blocks

brake blocks is a job best left to your MERIDA dealer.

Synchronizing and readjusting

Hydraulic rim brakes are synchronized together with the alignment of the brake pads. The position of the brake

lever where the brake starts to act, also referred to as the pressure point, can be adjusted to the size of the hand as well as to individual convenience at the same time. Also observe in this regard the instructions given in the chapter “Adjusting the brake lever reach“.

relative to the rims requires a considerable degree of skill. Replacing and adjusting the

Have your rims regularly inspected and measured by your MERIDA dealer.

As the brake pads wear down, the pressure point moves towards the handlebar grips. Make absolutely sure you cannot pull the brake lever all the way to the handlebar grip. Most brake models are, however, ﬁtted with a bolt or a small knob at the brake lever unit to compensate the wear. Observe the operating instructions of the brake manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

Read the instructions of the brake manufac-

tenance work. Improper operation can lead to brake failure.

turer on this MERIDA CD-ROM carefully before removing the wheel or doing any main-

Disc brakes

Functioning and wear

The most striking feature of disc brakes outstanding braking effect. They respond a lot faster in wet conditions than rim brakes do and achieve their normal high braking power within a very short time. They require little maintenance and do not wear down the rims as rim brakes do. Disc brakes consist of the brake caliper, the rotor, the brake lines or cables as well as the brake lever unit. Actuating the brake lever compresses the hydraulic pistons through hydraulic pressure or mechanically, pushing the brake pads against the rotor.

(g+h)

is their

The friction generated by braking causes wear to the brake pads as well as to the rotors. Frequent rides in the rain and dirt and over hilly terrain can accelerate wear on both braking surfaces. Depending on the manufacturer and the model there are different ways of checking the brake pads and rotors for their wear limits.

times to around 30 kmh and bring it to a halt each time. This procedure is ﬁnished, when the force required at the lever for braking has stopped decreasing.

ﬂuids, especially when you clean your MERIDA bike or grease the chain. Dirty brake pads cannot be cleaned under any circumstances, they must be replaced! Rotors can be cleaned with special brake cleaners or with

warm water and mild soap.

New brake pads have to be broken in until they reach their optimal braking power. Accelerate your MERIDA bike about 30 to 50

Disc brakes get hot in use. For this reason do not touch the rotors directly after stopping, especially after a long downhill ride.

Dirty brake pads and rotors can lead to drastically reduced braking force. Therefore, make sure the brake remains free of oil and other

Unusual noises (scratching, chaﬁng etc.)

indications that the brake pads are soiled or worn down. Check the brake pads and replace them, if necessary

(a)

or even an accident due to brake failure! If you are in doubt, contact your MERIDA dealer.

Hydraulic disc brakes

Functional check

Regularly check the lines and connections for leaks while pulling on the lever dealer immediately in the event of a brake liquid leakage. A leak in the brake lines can render the brake ineffective. Risk of an accident!

Wear and maintenance

Check the pads for wear at regular intervals following the operating instructions of the respective manufacturer.

during braking and/or a noticeable change of the braking force (stronger or weaker) are

. Otherwise you risk further damage, e.g. to the rotor,

(b)

. Contact your MERIDA

(c+d)

Do not open the brake lines. Brake ﬂuid can

maintenance work. Improper operation can lead to

brake failure.

Mechanical disc brakes

Functional check

The more the brake pads of mechanical disc brakes wear down, the longer is the brake lever travel. Regularly check whether you get a positive braking response

before the lever touches the handlebars. Make sure the brake cables are in sound condition!

be very unhealthy and damaging to the paint if it leaks out.

Read in any case the instructions of the brake manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM carefully before removing the wheel or doing any

Damaged cables mediately, as they can snap. Risk of an accident!

(e)

should be replaced im-

Loose connections or leaky brake lines dras-

contact your MERIDA dealer immediately!

manufacturer.

tically impair the braking effect. If you ﬁnd leaks in the brake system or kinked lines,

If your brake system works with DOT brake ﬂuid, the latter needs to be replaced regularly according to the intervals prescribed by the

Wear and maintenance

To a certain extent, the wear of the brake pads can be compensated for directly at the brake lever. Unscrew the knurled lock nut on the bolt through which the cable enters the grip and then unscrew the bolt until the lever has

(f)

the desired travel care that the slit of the bolt head does not face upward or forward, as this would permit an unnecessarily high amount of water or dirt to enter.

After readjusting check the functioning and make sure the brake pads do not drag when releasing the brake lever and spinning the wheel.

Repeated readjustment at the brake lever makes the arm on the brake caliper change its position. This can make the brake less effective and result in a complete brake failure in an extreme case. Risk of an accident!

Some models offer further ways of adjusting the brakes directly at the brake caliper, though this requires a certain amount of skill. Read the instructions of the brake manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM carefully before adjusting the brake. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

Repeated readjustment at the brake lever can

drastically reduce the maximum braking effect.

. Retighten the lock nut by taking

Read in any case the instructions of the brake

maintenance work. Improper operation can lead to brake failure.

manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM carefully before removing the wheel or doing any

Roller, drum and back-pedal brakes

These types of brakes have an enclosed design; brake pads and surfaces inside the hub body are largely protected against the inﬂuences of the weather. The braking force is transmitted through cables from the levers to the brakes. As rear brakes they are mostly connected to an

(g)

internal gear hub by back pedaling.

With back-pedal brakes maximum braking force is achieved by stepping on one of the pedals in its rearmost position with the cranks horizontal. With internal gear hubs from SRAM braking force is increased when having shifted to a lower gear.

The risk of overheating is particularly high with these brake systems. Brake overheating occurs on prolonged (steep) downhill rides with permanent brake dragging.

Brake fading is a result thereof which, in extreme cases, can lead to brake failure.

and sometimes they are operated

Therefore, if you notice that the braking effect deteriorates, stop and let the brake system cool down. Sometimes, it will be enough to operate the front and rear brake in an alternating pattern. If that will not sufﬁce, stop for a couple of minutes before you set off again.

Brake cables which are damaged, e.g. frayed,

causing a crash!

than usual, do not ride your bike. In such a case contact your MERIDA dealer immediately.

mum torque values!

Checking and readjusting back-pedal brakes

The chain tension of bikes with back-pedal brakes has to be checked and adjusted, if necessary, after approx. 1,000 km or 50 hours of use. For more details read the chapter “Chain - Care and wear”.

must be replaced immediately, as they can otherwise fail in a critical moment, possibly

If during braking the travel of the brake lever increases, unusual noises occur and/or the braking effect is clearly more or less effective

Check regularly whether the torque support is ﬁrmly attached to the frame or fork. Use a torque wrench and never exceed the maxi-

The gears

Derailleur gears

The gears of your MERIDA bike gear ratio to the terrain you are riding on and the desired speed.

A low gear (where in the case of derailleur gears the chain runs on the small chainwheel and a large sprocket) allows you to climb steep hills with moderate pedaling force. You must, however, pedal at a faster pace. High gears (large chainwheel, small sprocket) are for riding downhill. Every turn of the pedals takes you many meters forward at correspondingly high speed.

through the chainwheels continue pedaling slowly and without force.

ruption of the drive. If you continue pedaling, the high chain forces could result in a chain failure.

Continue pedaling at reduced cadence during gear shifting, however, at clearly reduced pedaling force. In particular when shifting

With MERIDA pedelecs reduce the cadence and the pedaling force shortly before you start shifting. In doing so there is a short inter-

(a-c)

serve to adjust the

Keep in mind that the back-pedal brake is ineffective if the chain has jumped off. Risk of an accident!

Practice shifting gears in a place free of trafﬁc until you are familiar with the functioning of the levers or twist grips of your MERIDA bike.

MERIDA pedelecs have only one chainwheel.

miliar with it before you set off for the ﬁrst time.

As a consequence there is no front derailleur and no shifter on the left handlebars.

Read the gear manufacturer’s operating instructions on this MERIDA CD-ROM carefully and practice shifting gears until you are fa-

Functioning and operation

Derailleur gears always work according to the following principle:

Large chainwheel (front) – heavy gear – bigger transmission Small chainwheel (front) – easy gear – smaller transmission Large sprocket (rear) – easy gear – smaller transmission Small sprocket (rear) – heavy gear – bigger transmission

Normally the shifters are mounted as follows: Right shifter – sprockets (rear) Left shifter – chainwheels (front)

Modern city/trekking bikes can have up to 30 gears. As there are, however, overlapping ranges, actually 15 to 18 gears are usable. It is not advisable to use gears which involve an extremely oblique run of the chain, as this reduces power transmission efﬁciency and hastens wear of the chain.

The chain runs unfavorably when the smallest chainwheel is used with one of the two or three outermost

(d)

(smallest) sprockets is used with one of the inmost (largest) sprockets

The bottom bracket and frame. There are different designs, in some cases the bearing spindle is part of the bottom bracket, in

some other cases it is integrated into the right crank. Sealed bottom brackets are maintenance free and delivered without play ex works. The bottom bracket in the frame must be checked for play at regular intervals.

Also check at regular intervals whether the cranks are ﬁrmly attached to the bearing spindle or whether there is play. Grab the crank and try to jiggle it forcefully. It must be absolutely free of play

play, contact your MERIDA dealer immediately.

Depending on the gear system, gear shifting is initiated by actuating a shifter or by a short turn of the wrist with twist grips. Continue pedaling during gear shifting, however, with reduced pedaling force.

Please ﬁnd below the principles of the shift lever types and their operation. It is, however, also possible that your new MERIDA bike has a gear system that is not listed below.

or when the largest chainwheel

(f)

is the interface between cranks

(g)

. If you notice any

(h)

, a brake and shift lever unit

(e)

In the case of shifters pressing the large shifter (thumb shifter) moves the chain towards the larger chainwheels/ sprockets.

That means that any gear shift made by pressing the large thumb shifter on the right produces a lower gear. This is an indexed shifting system with the option of shifting several gears with one action. Actuating the large thumb shifter on the left produces a higher gear.

(a)

Pulling the small lever dlebars from the rider’s viewpoint and actuated with the index ﬁnger (index ﬁnger lever) shifts the chain towards the smaller chainwheels/sprockets, i.e. on the right side to the higher gears and on the left side to the lower gears.

Read in any case carefully the operating in-

with your new gears in an area free of trafﬁc, if necessary. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

The principle of twist grips is different right-hand grip towards you makes for a lower gear ratio, while the same movement on the left produces a higher gear – and vice versa. The shifting direction may vary in this case, as well.

structions of the gear manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM. Make yourself familiar

located in front of the han-

(b)

. Turning the

Always wear straight-cut trousers or use trou-

(c)

chainwheels. Risk of an accident!

wheels and result in an accident! At the very least the service life of the chain would be reduced considerably.

lar not at the front derailleur, as this will shorten the service life of your chain considerably. Furthermore, this can lead to a chain-suck, i.e. the chain can get jammed

between chain stay and chainwheels.

ser clips trousers do not get caught in the chain or the

Shifting gears under load, i.e. while pedaling hard, can make the chain slip. At the front derailleur the chain may even slip off the chain-

If there is play between bearing spindle and cranks, they can sustain damage. Risk of breakage!

Avoid gears which involve an extremely oblique run of the chain as this will increase wear!

It is crucial when switching gears to continue pedaling smoothly and without too much force. Do not shift under load, and in particu-

or the like. To make sure your

Checking and readjusting

The derailleur gears of your bike were carefully adjusted by your MERIDA dealer before delivery. However, Bowden cables may stretch a little over the ﬁrst kilometers, making gear shifting imprecise and the chain rattle.

(d)

Adjusting the front and rear derailleur job only for an experienced mechanic. If you want to try to do the adjustment on your own, observe in addition the operating instructions of the gear manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM. Contact your MERIDA dealer if you have any problems with the gears.

For your own safety, bring your MERIDA bike

hours of initial use or four to six weeks, and at the very latest after three months.

Adjusting the rear derailleur

Increase the tension of the Bowden cable by turning the adjustable cable stop at the shifter lever or the adjusting bolt through which it runs into the rear derailleur do so, shift to the smallest sprocket and turn the bolts counterclockwise in half turns until the cable is slightly tensioned. After tensioning the Bowden cable check whether the chain immediately climbs onto the next larger sprocket. To ﬁnd out you either have to turn the cranks by hand through the gears.

to your MERIDA bike dealer for its ﬁrst inspection after 100 to 300 kilometers, 5 to 15

(f)

or ride the MERIDA bike and shift

accurately is a

(e)

. To

If the chain easily climbs onto the next larger sprocket, check whether it just as easily shifts to the small sprockets. If it does not, release the respective adjusting bolt a little. You may need several tries.

Adjusting the front and rear derailleur accu-

tions of the gear manufacturer on this MERIDA CDROM. If you have any problems with the gears, contact your MERIDA dealer.

Adjusting the limit stops

The rear derailleur is equipped with limit screws which limit the movement range of the derailleur, thus preventing the derailleur and chain from colliding with the spokes or the chain from dropping off the smallest sprocket. The limit screws are adjusted by your MERIDA dealer. They do not alter their position during normal use.

If necessary, correct the position by means of the limit screws. The limit screws on rear derailleurs are often marked “H” for high gear and “L” for low gear. “High gear” means that the chain is running on the smallest sprocket. Turn the screw clockwise to shift the rear derailleur towards the wheel and counterclockwise to shift it away from the wheel.

rately is a job for an experienced mechanic. Observe in any case the operating instruc-

Ask a helper to lift the rear wheel. By turning the cranks and shifting through you can easily check the function.

(g)

Shift to the biggest (inmost) sprocket and check whether the teeth of the sprocket and the teeth of the guide pulley are all in a perfectly vertical line. Turn the limit screw marked “L” clockwise until the rear derailleur stops moving towards the spokes and can neither be moved by actuating the shift lever nor by pushing it with your hand.

This adjustment prevents the chain from getting stuck between sprocket and spokes or the rear derailleur or the derailleur cage from touching the spokes, which could result in damage to the spokes, the rear derailleur and the frame. In the worst case, it could be impossible to continue cycling.

If your MERIDA bike has tipped over or the

derailleur hanger, might be bent. It is advisable to check its range of movement and readjust the limit screws, if necessary, after such an incident or after mounting a new rear wheel on your bike.

rear derailleur received a blow, the rear derailleur or its mount, also referred to as the

Be sure to do a test ride in an unfrequented

(h)

place after adjusting the gears

Let your MERIDA dealer maintain and service your MERIDA bike regularly.

Adjusting the front derailleur

The range within which the front derailleur the chain on the chainwheel without itself touching the chain is very small. If the chain tends to jump off the chainwheel, you will need to reduce the movement range in the same way as with the rear derailleur, i.e. by turning the limit screws marked “H“ and “L“. The limit

screws are adjusted by your MERIDA dealer. They do not alter their position during normal use.

As with the rear derailleur, the cable of the front derail-

(b)

is subject to lengthening which leads to a re-

leur duced precision in gear changing. If necessary, shift to the small chainwheel and increase the tension of the Bowden cable by turning the adjusting bolt through which it passes at the entry to the gear shifter

Always check after an accident whether the

do not touch the large chainwheel which would block the drive. Risk of an accident!

train. This can cause an accident!

guide plates of the front derailleur are still parallel to the chainwheels. Make sure they

Adjusting the front derailleur is a very delicate job. Improper adjustment can cause the chain to jump off, thus interrupting the power

Be sure to do a test ride in an unfrequented place after adjusting the gears.

(a)

(c)

keeps

Multi-speed hubs (internal gear hubs)

Functioning and operation

The advantages of multi-speed hubs enclosed design. Unlike derailleur gears the gear drive is within the hub body, only the primary ratio from the chainwheel to the sprocket being outside. What is more, all the gears can be shifted through with one gear shifter.

Provided that it is serviced regularly, the drive chain has a comparatively longer service life. And this applies even more if it is protected from the inﬂuences of the weather by a sealed chain box.

With multi-speed hubs normally the power transmission and the gear ratio adjustment is guaranteed via one or several planetary gears, depending on the number of gears. To shift gears the pedal force should be reduced shortly.

In contrast to derailleur gears, multi-speed hubs cannot only be combined with manually actuated brakes (rim, drum, roller or disc brakes), but also with back-pedal

(f)

brakes

(roller or drum brakes) that are actuated by a reverse rotation of the pedals. The most effective braking is achieved with the pedals in the horizontal position.

(d+e)

are their

In the case of multi-speed hubs and gearbox shift systems “1” stands for the ﬁrst, lowest gear. The gears are shifted through one after the other, if possible without turning the pedals, at least, however, at reduced pedal pressure. The highest number stands for the highest gear.

(g)

NuVinci N360 gear hubs

less shifting by means of a twist grip within their range of

are designed to allow step-

gear ratio. With the NuVinci hub the force transmission is ensured by balls instead of toothed wheels. Make it a rule to shift only while pedaling at reduced force.

With NuVinci the actual gear ratio is indicated by the cyclist on the display. If the cyclist climbs uphill, the gear ratio is low, on level ground the gear ratio is high.

The H-Sync gear system integrates the NuVinci Harmony

gear hubs into the Intuvia system of its

Bosch drive. With H-Sync you can predeﬁne your preferred cadence (between 30 and 80 turns per minute). The drive readjusts automatically – both uphill as well as downhill. This allows you to always maintain your preset cadence.

For more information see the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Always make sure changing gears makes as

as well as the brake system, before using your bike on public roads.

turer’s operating instructions on this MERIDA CD-ROM carefully and make yourself familiar with the brake function before using your bike on public roads.

observe the notes given in the operating instructions of the manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Checking, readjusting and servicing

Multi-speed hubs require only little maintenance and need not be adjusted very often. Check the chain tension, in particular when removing and mounting wheels, and read the chapter “Chain - Care and wear”.

little noise as possible and is absolutely jerk free.

Make yourself familiar with the operation of your gears in a place free of trafﬁc and practice operating the shifters or the twist grips

There are some multi-speed hubs where the effects of the back-pedal brake depend from the selected gear. Read the gear manufac-

Removing and mounting the wheels is not the same as with derailleur gears. With this fact in mind read the chapter “Tire puncture” and

Adjusting multi-speed hubs

Shift into the fourth (4th) gear. Look from above at the

(a+b)

right-hand side of the hub yellow markings. These two markings must be at the same height, i.e. they must produce a line.

Turn the adjusting screw at the shifter

just one single line.

Regularly check the reliable ﬁt of the bolted

instructions of the gear manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM or contact your MERIDA dealer.

contact your MERIDA dealer.

connection of the hub and, if necessary, of the torque arm at the frame.

Shimano recommends for example regular maintenance (oil change) every 5,000 km or every two years. Read the operating

Observe the operating instructions of the gear manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions,

. There you can see two

(c)

until you get

If the indexed gear change does not work trouble-free, then contact your MERIDA dealer.

Chain – Care and wear

Chain maintenance

Regular and correct lubrication of your bike’s chain makes for enjoyable riding and prolongs its service life. It is not the quantity, but the distribution and regular application of lubricant that counts. Clean the dirt and oil off

(f)

(e)

. To

your chain with a slightly oily rag from time to time Special degreasers are not necessary; they even have a damaging effect.

Having cleaned the chain as thoroughly as possible, apply chain oil, wax or grease lubricate the chain, drip the lubricant onto the rollers of the lower run of the chain while you turn the crank. Once this is done, turn the cranks a few more times; then let your MERIDA bike rest for a few minutes so that the lubricant can disperse. Finally wipe off excess lubricant with a rag so that it does not spatter around during riding or can collect road dirt.

Make sure the braking surfaces of the rims,

ground, especially in wet conditions.

the rotors and the brake pads remain clear of lubricants, as the brakes will fail otherwise!

For the sake of the environment, only use biodegradable lubricants. Bear in mind that some of the lubricant can end up on the

to the chain links

Although the chain is one of the wearing components of your MERIDA bike, there are still ways for you to prolong its life. Make sure the chain is lubricated regularly, especially after riding in the rain. Try to only use gears

which run the chain in the straightest line between the sprockets and chainwheels and get in the habit of high

cadence pedaling.

The chains of bikes with derailleur gears are worn out after approx. 1,000 to 3,500 km or 50 to 125 hours of use. Heavily stretched chains impair the operation of derailleur gears. Cycling with a worn-out chain also accelerates the wear of the sprockets and chainwheels. Replacing these components is relatively expensive compared

with the costs of a new chain. It is therefore advisable to check the condition of the chain at regular intervals.

Your MERIDA dealer has accurate measuring instru-

(g)

ments chain should ideally be left to an expert, as this requires special tools. In addition, you need to select a chain matching your gear system.

you.

for checking the chain wear. Replacing the

An improperly riveted or heavily worn chain can break and throw you off your bike.

When replacing your chain, only use appropriate and suitable original spare parts Your MERIDA dealer will be pleased to help

(h)

The wheels and the tires

The wheel consists of the hub, the spokes and the rim. The tire is mounted onto the rim so that it encases the tube in the case of the most common system, i.e. the clincher or folding tires. There is a rim tape running

(a)

around the rim well against the edges of the rim trough, which are often sharp.

Another common system comprises tubeless tires which require speciﬁc rims without boreholes and ﬁrmly screwed valves. In addition, there are in rare cases tubular tires which are glued on speciﬁc rims.

The wheels are subjected to considerable stress through the weight of the rider and any carried baggage as well as through bumpy road surfaces and terrain. Although wheels are manufactured with great care and delivered accurately trued, spokes and nipples can lose a little tension on the ﬁrst kilometers. Ask your MERIDA dealer to check and true up the wheels after you have bedded them in over about 100 to 300 kilometers or 5 to 15 hours of use.

After the bedding-in period, check the wheels regularly. It will, however, rarely be necessary to tighten the

(b)

spokes

Truing (retruing) wheels is a difﬁcult job which you should deﬁnitely leave to your MERIDA dealer.

to protect the sensitive tube

Tubular and tubeless tires will not be consid-

er, the tire producer and the glue supplier and ask your MERIDA dealer for advice.

ered any further in the following. Read the operating instructions of the rim manufactur-

Tires, inner tubes, rim tape, inﬂation pressure

The tires should provide grip and traction. At the same time they should run smooth and enhance the rider’s comfort by absorbing small shocks. Both the rolling friction and the grip depend on the nature of the tire carcass, the rubber compound and the tire tread. Your MERIDA dealer would be glad to help you choose from

(c)

the numerous types of tires

If you want to mount a new tire, you need to mind the sizing system and the actual size of the old tire. The latter is speciﬁed in two different units on the side of the tire. One of the sizes is the standardized size in millimeters which is more precise, e.g. the number sequence 40-

(d)

means that the tire is 40 mm in width when ful-

622 ly inﬂated and has an inner tire diameter of 622 millimeters. The other size is indicated in inches (e.g. 28x1.5”).

The tires must be inﬂated to the proper inﬂation pressure to provide an optimal compromise between smooth running and riding comfort. Properly inﬂated tires are also more resistant to punctures. An insufﬁciently inﬂated tire can easily get pinched (“snakebite”), when it goes over a sharp kerb.

The air pressure recommended by the manufacturer is

(e)

given on the tire side or on the type label er of the two pressure speciﬁcations makes for better cushioning for lightweight riders and is therefore best for cycling on a rough surface. Rolling resistance on level ground decreases with growing pressure, but so does comfort. Highly inﬂated tires are therefore most suitable for heavy riders and for riding on tarred roads. Therefore, adjust the pressure to your weight and your riding habits.

Inﬂation pressure is often given in the old system of units, i.e. in psi (pounds per square inch). The table gives the most common pressure values in terms of both systems.

Clincher and folding tires and rim alone are not able to hold the air. Therefore, an inner tube has to be placed inside the tire to retain the air pressure.

The rims of clincher and folding tires require, in general, a high-value rim tape. This rim tape protects the inner tube from the braking heat which could make the tire burst.

Replace tires with a worn tread or with brit-

structure. The tube might burst. Risk of an accident!

tle or frayed sides. Dampness and dirt penetrating the tire can cause damage to its inner

. The low-

(f)

psi bar kPa

80 5.5 550 90 6.2 620

100 6.9 690

110 7.6 760

120 8.3 830 130 9.0 900 140 9.7 970

If you mount a new tire with another size than

your shoe and the wheel will be reduced when you ride at reduced speed. Risk of an accident!

least once a week. Riding with too low or too high air pressure may make the tire come off the rim or burst.

the designation “C”.

ating instructions of the rim or wheel manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

stability and reduces the risk of a puncture. The minimum and maximum pressure (in bar or PSI) is indicated on the tire side.

the standard tire mounted, it might be possible that the clearance between the front of

Treat your tires with care. Always ride your bike with the prescribed tire pressure check the pressure at regular intervals, at

Clincher and folding tires allowing an inﬂation pressure of ﬁve bars or more have to be mounted on hook bead rims, identiﬁable by

Observe the maximum pressure value of the rim. The pressure is dependent on the tire width. You can ﬁnd the values in the oper-

Please note that a pedelec weighs more and that your usual tire pressure may be insufﬁcient A higher pressure gives a better riding

(g)

and

Valves

There are three valve types in general use on city and trekking bikes:

1. Sclaverand or Presta valve

days used on almost all types of bikes. It is designed to withstand extremely high pressures.

2. Schrader or American valve

car tire valve.

3. Dunlop or Woods valve

All valve types come with a plastic cap to protect them from dirt.

(a)

: This valve is nowa-

(b)

: This is an adapted

(c)

: the usual valve.

Tires with Schrader valves can conveniently be inﬂated at car ﬁlling stations with a compressed air dispenser. The same applies to Dunlop and Presta valves ﬁtted with a special adapter. A compressed air dispenser must be used very carefully in short bursts as you may otherwise overinﬂate the tire and make it burst.

To let out air, press the needle in the center of the

Schrader valve or the knurled nut of the Presta valve

In the case of the Dunlop valve unscrew the knurled nut until air comes out of the valve. Retighten the knurled nut subsequently. Normally, you have to inﬂate the tire completely.

(d)

The Schrader and Dunlop valves can be inﬂated with a suitable pump directly after removing the protective cap.

With Presta valves you ﬁrst have to undo the small knurled nut a little and depress it carefully until air starts to escape. Check the valve core is tightened and seated in its stem, otherwise air may slowly leak out. Do not forget to tighten by hand the valve nut after inﬂating.

It can be hard to inﬂate tires to the necessary pressure by using hand pumps. It is much easier with a track pump

equipped with a pressure gauge.

Rim trueness and spoke tension

For the true running of the wheel it is imperative that the tension exerted by the spokes is distributed evenly around the rim. If the tension of a single spoke changes, e.g. as a result of riding fast over a kerb or of a loose

nipple, the tensile forces acting on the rim become unbalanced and the wheel will no longer run true. The functioning of your MERIDA bike may even be impaired before you notice the wobbling appearance of a wheel that has gone out of true.

With rim brakes the sides of the rims also serve as braking surfaces. An untrue wheel can impair your braking effect. It is therefore advisable to check the wheels for trueness from time to time. For this purpose lift the wheel off the ground and spin it with your hand. Watch the gap between the rim and the brake pads. If the gap varies by one millimeter or more, you should ask your

(e)

MERIDA dealer to true up the wheel

Tire puncture

Flat tires are the most common cause of puncture during cycling. However, as long as you have the necessary tools and a spare tube or a repair kit, this need not mean the end of your cycle ride. If your wheels are attached with quick-releases to the frame and the fork, you only

(f)

need two tire levers and a pump

Do not ride with untrue wheels. In the case of

in the spokes! This normally instantly jams the wheel and throws you off your bike.

extreme side-to-side wobbles, the brake pads of rim brakes can miss the rim and get caught

Loose spokes must be tightened at once. Otherwise the load on the other spokes and the rim will increase.

Truing (retruing) wheels is a difﬁcult job which you should deﬁnitely leave to your MERIDA dealer.

Before removing a wheel, read the chapters

have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

“Mounting wheels” and “How to use the quick-releases”. If you are in doubt or if you

Dismounting wheels

If your bike has mechanical rim brakes (cantilever and V-brakes) you ﬁrst have to unhook the brake cable from

(g)

the brake arm and press the brake pads and/or arms together. In this position the usually barrel shaped nipple of the lateral brake cable or the brake hose (of V-brakes) can easily be disengaged.

If your bike has hydraulic rim brakes from Magura, un-

lock its quick-release remove the brake from the brake mount.

. To do this, grip the rim with one hand

(h)

on one side of the brake and

If you have disc brakes (hydraulic or mechanic), check the position of the brake pads through the inspection

(a)

window whether the brake pad is still in its proper position. Read the operating instructions of the brake manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

If you have derailleur gears, you should shift the chain to the smallest sprocket before removing the rear wheel

(b)

. This shifts the rear derailleur right to the outside where it doesn’t interfere with the removal of the wheel. Open the quick-release of the wheel, as described in the chapter “How to use the quick-releases”.

If you cannot remove the front wheel after releasing the lever, this is due to the drop-out safety tabs come as metal catches which engage with recesses in the drop-outs. Just release the quick-release adjusting nut a little and slip the wheel past the tabs.

You will ﬁnd it easier to remove the rear wheel, when you pull the rear derailleur slightly backwards your MERIDA bike a little off the ground and give the wheel a light blow with your hand so that it drops out.

. In this way you will be able to tell later

(c)

. They

(d)

. Lift

If you purchased a MERIDA bike with hy-

handlebars and saddle underneath, as the brakes will fail otherwise.

wheel.

forces to the frame. The Bowden cables and the click box must also be dismounted before wheel removal.

draulic disc brakes, never turn your MERIDA bike upside down for repair work, i.e. with the

Never pull the (disc) brake lever while a wheel is removed and always make sure that you ﬁt the safety locks before removing the

In the case of drum and roller brakes as well as of internal gear hubs you must release the torque arm that takes up the drive and brake

Observe the instructions of the brake and gear manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Rotors can become hot, so let them cool down before removing a wheel.

Clincher and folding tires

Dismounting tires

Remove the cap and the fastening nut off the valve and

(e)

deﬂate the tire completely the rim side towards the center of the rim. This will ease the removal.

Apply a plastic tire lever to one bead of the tire about 5 cm beside the valve and lever the tire out of the rim in

(f)

this area the second tire lever between rim and tire at a distance of about 10 cm on the other side of the valve and lever the next portion of the bead there over the edge of the rim.

After levering a part of the tire bead over the edge of the rim you should normally be able to slip off the whole tire on one side by moving the tire lever around the whole circumference. Now you can remove the inner tube. Make sure the valve does not get caught in the rim, as this can damage the inner tube. If necessary you can remove the whole tire by pulling the other tire bead off the rim.

Repair the puncture according to the instructions of the repair kit manufacturer or replace the inner tube.

. Hold the tire lever fast in its position. Slip

. Press both tire sides from

In the case of double wall rims the tape must cover the entire rim base, but it should not be so broad as to stand up along the inside edges of the rim trough. Rim tapes for this type of rim should only be made of fabric or durable plastic. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

If the fabric of the tire is destroyed by the perforating object, replace the tire to be on the safe side.

Replace spoilt rim tapes immediately.

If you get a puncture en route, inﬂate the

At home you can help yourself with a bucket of water where you can locate the hole by the bubbles. When you have found the hole, look for the corresponding place on the tire and check it, as well. Often you will ﬁnd the foreign body sticking in the tire. Otherwise another puncture can occur.

inner tube and bring it close to your ear. In most cases you can hear the air coming out.

When you have removed the tire, you should also check

(g)

the rim tape covering all spoke nipples, and should neither be damaged nor brittle.

. It should lie squarely in the rim trough,

Mounting tires

When mounting a tire make sure that no foreign matter such as dirt or sand gets inside the tire and that you do not damage the inner tube in the process.

Slip one bead of the tire onto the rim. Using your thumbs, press one bead over the edge of the rim and then around the entire circumference. This should normally be possible without using tools.

Stick the valve of the inner tube through the hole in the

(a)

. Inﬂate the inner tube slightly so that it becomes

rim round and push it into the tire all the way round. Make sure not to leave any folds in the inner tube.

To ﬁnish mounting the tire, start at the opposite side of the valve. Using your thumbs, press as much of the second bead of the tire over the edge of the rim as you can.

Make sure the inner tube does not get pinched and squashed between the tire and the rim. You can prevent this by pushing the inner tube into the hollow of the tire

(b)

with a ﬁnger as you work along

Work the tire into the rim by approaching the valve symmetrically from both sides. Towards the end, you will

(c)

have to pull the tire vigorously downwards

to make the already mounted portion of the tire slip towards the deepest part of the rim well. This will ease the job noticeably on the last centimeters.

Before ﬁtting the tire completely on the rim check again whether the inner tube lies properly inside the tire and press the last stretch of tire over the edge of the rim using the balls of your thumbs.

If this does not work, you will have to use the tire levers

(d)

. Make sure that the bent ends point towards the inner

tube and that the inner tube does not get damaged.

Push the valve subsequently a little into the tire so that the inner tube does not get caught between the rim and the tire beads. Check whether the valve stands upright. If not, dismount one bead again and reposition the inner tube.

To make sure the inner tube does not get pinched between the rim and the tire beads, move it sideways back

and forth between the sides of the rim. While doing so, also check whether the rim tape has shifted.

Inﬂate the tube to the desired pressure

(e)

mum pressure is indicated on the side of the tire.

Check whether the tire is properly seated by inspecting

(f)

the ﬁne witness line

edge. This line should be even to the rim all around the

on the tire just above the rim

tire. If it is not, deﬂate the tire a little and check again. Starting from the maximum tire pressure you can now reduce the pressure through the valve to suit your needs. Please observe the recommended tire pressure range.

. The maxi-

Mounting wheels

To mount a wheel follow the reverse procedure of wheel dismounting. Make sure the wheel is correctly seated in the drop-outs and accurately centered between the fork legs or the rear and chainstays. Make sure that the quick-release and the drop-out catches are correctly

(g)

seated to use the quick-releases”.

If you have cantilever brakes hook up the brake cable at the brake arm. To do this, grip the rim with one hand and press the brake pads and/or the brake arms together. In this position the usually barrel shaped nipple can easily be engaged.

. For more information see the chapter “How

Verify that the amount of play midway between sprockets and chainwheel is not more than two centimeters. Make sure there is no excessive chain slack!

After mounting the wheel and tightening the quick-release, pull the brake lever (several times, if you have disc brakes). To do so lift your MERIDA bike off the ground and spin the wheel with your hand. With the

wheel spinning the rotor should not drag along the brake caliper or the brake pads and the rim should keep off the (rim) brake pads.

Immediately put back the brake cable of rim

brakes after having mounted the wheel!

If you have disc brakes, check before mounting the wheel whether the brake pads rest snugly in their seats in the brake caliper body. The gaps between the brake pads and the wheel should be parallel and the wear indicators in their correct position. Make sure that you push the brake disk between the brake pads. After mounting the wheel and tightening the quick-release, pull the brake lever (several times, if you have disc brakes).

If your bike has a multi-speed hub, back-pedal, drum or roller brakes, verify the proper assembly of the individual components and tension the chain before tightening the wheel nuts by pulling the wheel backwards.

caliper does not touch either the rim or the tire or the spokes when the wheel turns.

a brake test as described in the chapter “Before every ride”!

Remount the brake caliper of hydraulic

(h)

rim brakes immediately quick-release! Make sure that the brake

Before setting off again check that the brake surfaces and/or rotors are still free of grease or other lubricants after the wheel mounting.

Check whether the brake pads hit the rotors or brake surfaces of the rims. Check the seating of the wheel attachment. Always do

and close the

Headset

The headset lows it to move freely. It must afford virtually no resistance to moving, if your MERIDA bike is to go straight, stabilizing itself as it runs. The shocks caused by uneven road surfaces expose the headset to considerable levels of stress. In this way it can become loose and maladjusted.

of an accident!

Checking and readjusting

Check the headset for play by placing your ﬁngers around the upper head tube race to bear on the saddle, pull the front brakes with your other hand and push the MERIDA bike ﬁrmly back and forth with the wheel remaining on the ground. If the bearing has play, you will feel the upper head tube race moving in jerks relative to the lower head tube race - visible as a small gap in between the head tube races

To check the bearing for ease of running, lift the frame until the front wheel is suspended in the air dlebars should turn from far left to far right without feeling roughness or tightness at any point. With a gentle tap on the handlebars the fork should turn easily from the middle position.

(a)

connects the fork to the frame, but al-

Riding the bike with a loose headset greatly increases the stress on the fork and the bearings. This can lead to damage to the fork. Risk

(b)

. Bring your weight

(c)

(d)

. The han-

If you face any problems during the test, contact your MERIDA dealer.

Adjusting the headset requires a certain

Threadless headsets – Aheadset®

This headset system is characterized by the fact that the stem is not in the fork steerer tube but clamps it from outside. Hence the stem is an important constituent part of the headset, clamping it therefore also sets the adjustment. You generally only need one or two Allen keys and a torque wrench to adjust an Aheadset

Release the clamping bolt(s) located on the side of the stem by one to two turns. Gently tighten the countersunk adjusting bolt on top a little, e.g. by a quarter turn, by using an Allen key.

Align the stem so that the handlebars are not slanted. Make sure the front wheel is in line with the top tube and the stem. Tighten up the stem clamping screws. Use a torque wrench and never exceed the maximum torque

values! You will ﬁnd the prescribed values in the chapter “Recommended torque settings”, directly on the components and/or in the operating instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Check the headset for play as described above. Take care not to tighten the bearing too much, as this could easily destroy it.

amount of experience and should therefore be left to your MERIDA dealer.

Bear in mind that by overtightening the bolts

tube react very sensitively to overloading as a result of overtightening the shaft clamp at the stem. Risk of breakage! Make sure the clamping area is absolutely free of grease when any of the clamping faces is made of carbon. If, necessary, use carbon assembly paste in the clamping areas to ensure maximum clamping.

the wheel

the stem can crush the steerer tube. In particular, models with a carbon fork steerer

Check the secure seat of the stem by taking the front wheel between your legs and trying to turn the handlebars and stem relative to

(e)

. A loose stem can cause bad accidents.

Never change the preloading mechanism in the inside of the fork steerer tube. Never install a star nut in carbon fork steerer tubes.

Do not overtighten the upper bolt, it only

(f)

serves to adjust the headset play

There can be several reasons why the bearings cannot be adjusted. If you are not absolutely sure, ask your MERIDA dealer for help.

Suspension

Glossary

Suspension fork

Bicycle fork absorbing and damping shocks through moving components. The most common among these forks are the telescopic suspension forks. What is designated as stanchion tubes are the thinner tubes press ﬁtted or screwed to the fork crown of a telescopic fork. What is designated as lower leg are the lower tubes in which the stanchion tubes slide in.

Rear shock

The rear shock is the element combining the spring as well as the damping in the rear frame of a full suspension bike. Often the rear shock is also designated as shock absorber.

Spring rate or hardness

The force that is required to compress the spring by a certain suspension travel – measured in Newton per millimeter (N/mm) or pound per inch (lbs/in). A higher spring rate means a higher force requirement per unit of travel. In air spring elements this corresponds to a higher pressure.

(a+b)

Spring preload

In the case of the widespread air spring systems, the air pressure in the fork is crucial for the spring rate and the spring preload. Observe the recommendations of the manufacturers. Within a certain range a preload can be applied to the coil springs. Then the suspension only reacts when a greater load is applied. However, the spring rates are not changed as a result. Heavy riders cannot

compensate a too low spring rate with a higher preload.

Negative suspension travel (“sag”)

The suspension travel that is taken up by the rear structure or the fork when the rider takes up his or her usual riding position at a standstill. This is usually speciﬁed as a percentage of the overall suspension travel.

Rebound damping

In most cases a red adjusting knob. Delays or brakes the rebound. Prevents bike bobbing.

Lockout In most cases a lever on the suspension element or the handlebars. A device to block the fork or the rear shock so that the suspension element does not cause bob when riding on

tarred roads or smooth surfaces. Not to be used off road.

Platform damping

Increases the (low speed) compression damping rate and suppresses bobbing. As opposed to the lockout function, the suspension is not blocked completely.

(d)

(c)

Suspension forks

Adjusting the spring rate

Most city/trekking bikes and pedelecs are equipped

(e+f)

with suspension forks ter control of your bike when riding cross-country or on rough road surfaces and ensures more ground contact for the tire. It noticeably reduces the strain on you and your bike caused by the mechanical shocks from the terrain.

Suspension forks differ in their types of spring elements and damping. Suspension forks normally work with air spring elements or less often with coil springs. Damping is usually done by oil.

Suspension fork manufacturers normally in-

or doing any maintenance work on your suspension fork. You can ﬁnd the instruction of the suspension fork manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

clude instructions with their deliveries. Read them carefully before changing any settings

Also observe the suspension glossary at the beginning of this chapter.

. This feature gives you bet-

To work perfectly, the suspension fork has to be adjusted to the weight of the rider, the sitting posture and the intended use. Be sure to have this adjustment carried out by your MERIDA dealer at the time of delivery.

Note in general that the suspension fork must give in a

little even when you are just sitting on the bike – this is the so-called negative suspension travel or sag. If you ride over a pothole the spring is decompressed and the suspension fork compensates for the unevenness. If the air pressure or the spring preload is too high, this effect is lost because the suspension fork is already fully extended. This means that an important comfort and safety factor is lost if the tire brieﬂy loses contact with the ground.

The suspension fork should yield by 10-25 % of the maximum suspension travel.

To measure the travel you can use the rubber ring mainly located on the thinner, plunging tube of the suspension fork. If there is no rubber ring, tie up a cable tie

(h)

around one of the stanchion tubes

not too tight, you should still be able to move it, it should however not slip by itself.

. Make sure it is

(g)

Put on your usual riding clothing (including if necessary a packed rucksack), sit on your bike and bring yourself into the usual riding position. Lean against a ﬁxed object (railings, wall etc.) and make sure you do not fall over. Ask a helper to move the rubber ring or the cable tie downwards against the dust seal at the lower leg.

Get off your bike so that the fork does not compress any more. The distance between the rubber ring/cable tie and the wiper is the negative suspension travel, or sag

(a)

. Compare it against the total suspension travel (as speciﬁed by the manufacturer) to determine whether the suspension should be set to be harder or softer.

With air suspension forks the spring rate is set by the air pressure in the fork. The pressure must be set before the ﬁrst ride by means of a special high-pressure pump with

(b)

pressure gauge changes in the weight of the rider and/or load

and modiﬁed later as required due to

(c)

Note the appropriate setting values and check them subsequently at regular intervals. Always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer and never exceed the maximum air pressure for the suspension fork. Always make a test ride after each change to the settings.

In the case of most suspension forks with coil springs a preload can be applied to the springs within tight limits by turning a knob at the top of the fork crown. If that is not possible and the desired negative suspension travel (“sag”) cannot be set, the coil springs must be replaced by harder or softer models. The replacement is a job for the MERIDA dealer.

When replacing any parts, be sure to only use parts that bear the appropriate mark and, to be on the safe side, original spare parts. Your MERIDA dealer will be pleased to help you.

Always make a test ride over terrain with various surfac-

(d)

after each change to the settings.

Check afterwards the position of the rubber ring/cable

tie. Its distance from the wiper is the maximum suspension travel that you have used. If the rubber ring/cable tie has moved by even a few millimeters, the setting of the forks is too hard. Reduce the pressure, or, in the case of coil springs, the spring preload. If that brings no improvement, have the springs replaced.

If the rubber ring/cable tie has shifted over the entire

length of the tube or if the fork audibly bottoms out and hits the top repeatedly when riding off-road or on bad roads, the setting of the springs is too soft. In the case of air-suspension forks the pressure must be increased. In the case of steel coils, have them replaced by your MERIDA dealer.

Suspension forks

rectly into the frame without any damping. The frame is normally not designed to withstand such undamped stresses. If your suspension has a lockout mechanism, do not activate the lockout function when riding in rough terrain, but only when riding over smooth terrain (roads, ﬁeld tracks).

extreme cases. A spring rate which is too soft (too low air pressure) can usually be heard or felt as a “clunk” type noise. This noise is caused by the sudden complete compression of the suspension fork as it reaches bottom out. If the suspension fork frequently reaches bottom out, it will fail over time, and so will the frame.

fork manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

to absorb shocks. If the fork is too rigid and jammed, the terrain-induced shocks pass di-

The suspension fork should be set up and adjusted in a way that it does not reach the end of its travel, i.e. bottoms out, unless in

In case of inquiries, contact your MERIDA dealer or follow the respective instructions in the operating instructions of the suspension

(e+f)

are designed in a way

Adjusting the damping

The damping is adjusted by valves inside. When the oil is forced through these valves this slows down the speed with which the suspension fork is extended or compressed and prevents the suspension from “bouncing” after hitting an obstacle. This is how the reaction to obstacles can be optimized.

Suspension forks with adjustable rebound damping

(g+h)

have an adjusting knob (mostly red) to slow down or accelerate the rebound movement. If a second (mostly blue) knob is available, the compression speed can be set and/or the lockout function can be activated.

Start the setting with a completely open damping (rebound and compression on “-“). Take hold of the handle-

bars with both hands and pull the front brake. Lean with your entire weight on the fork and remove your weight immediately. The fork will extract at the same speed as you made it compress.

Turn the red adjusting knob in the direction “+” until you hear a click. Compress the fork once again with the front wheel brake pulled and the remove the weight abrupt-

ly once again. You will note that the fork extends more slowly.

Repeat the compression and the release by continuously turning the rebound damping. You will get a feeling for the working of the rebound damping.

The typical setting of the rebound damping is an extension of the suspension components at reduced speed, however not at a sluggish pace. A rebound movement at reduced speed ending up in a sluggish movement is a deﬁnitely too high damping.

Ride over an obstacle (e.g. down a kerb) subsequently and turn the rebound damping in small steps towards the “+” setting. You have found the proper rebound setting when the suspension fork does not cycle more than once. Always check a changed adjustment during a test

(a+b)

ride in the terrain

If you do not trust the setting of the damping or if problems occur with it, contact your MERIDA dealer or follow the corresponding operating instructions of the suspension fork manufacturer, which you can ﬁnd on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

A too strong damping (rebound damping) of

ries of obstacles. Risk of an accident!

the fork can result in the fact that the fork no longer extends when riding over a quick se-

Do not turn any screws by using tools in the

thus provoking an accident. Normally, the adjustment devices are operated with the ﬁngers and are marked by all manufacturers with a scale or with “+” (for stronger damping/harder suspension) and “-“ signs.

necessary, deﬂate the suspension fork completely and press the handlebars forcefully downward to check this

(c)

spring rate should always be adjusted to the weight of the rider and the baggage as well as to the riding conditions.

this MERIDA CD-ROM.

vague hope of adjusting them somehow. You could be loosening the fastening mechanism,

When mounting a new front tire, make sure there is enough clearance between tire and fork crown as the fork compresses entirely. If

. This can block the front wheel. Risk of an accident!

Do not ride your bike, when the suspension fork bottoms out. This could damage the suspension fork itself as well as the frame. The

Contact your MERIDA dealer or follow the respective instructions in the operating instructions of the suspension fork manufacturer on

Lockout

When taking long uphill rides involving hard pedaling out of the saddle, a suspension fork is typically bobbing. It is advisable to lock the damping, if the suspension

(e)

fork has a lockout mechanism uneven ground the lockout mechanism must be open

(f)

stringently

tracks).

Do not actuate the lockout function when riding over rough terrain, but only when riding over smooth terrain (such as roads or ﬁeld

. For downhill rides on

Maintenance

Suspension forks are components of sophisticated design that require regular maintenance and care. This has led almost all suspension fork manufacturers to establish service centers where you can have your forks thoroughly checked and overhauled at regular intervals according to use, e.g. once a year.

The following routines are essential for maintenance:

1. Make sure the sliding surfaces of the stanchion tubes and the wiper rings are absolutely clean.

2. Clean the suspension fork, if it is soiled, directly after

(g)

the ride with plenty of water and a soft sponge

3. After washing your bike, spray the stanchion tubes of the suspension fork with a little grease spray or apply a very thin ﬁlm of hydraulic oil. Compress the fork several times and wipe off excess lubricant with a clean rag before you set off for your next ride.

4. Do not use a steam jet or aggressive cleaning agents

for cleaning! Ask your MERIDA dealer for an appropriate cleaning agent.

5. If your suspension fork has coil springs, you should regularly have the springs cleaned and lubricated with a non-corrosive resin-free grease. Some fork manufacturers supply special greases for fork maintenance. Strictly observe the recommendations of the manufacturers. These are routines for the suspension fork service center.

6. Suspension forks with air springs must be checked regularly for air pressure, since the air escapes over time.

Suspension elements are of sophisticated design. The maintenance routines and above all the disassembly of the suspension elements are jobs best left to your MERIDA dealer or the fork manufacturer’s service center.

Suspension forks are constantly being sprayed with water and dirt from the front wheel. Clean them with plenty of water after every ride.

(h)

Be sure to have your suspension fork checked by a service center of the fork manufacturer once a year at least.

More information on adjusting and mainte-

www.magura.com www.ridefox.com www.rockshox.com www.manitoumtb.com www.rst.com.tw www.xfusionshox.com www.dtswiss.com

nance is available on the internet at www.srsuntour-cycling.com

Suspension seat posts

Suspension seat posts fort when riding on rough ground. They can be used on roads and ﬁeld tracks. The seat posts are usually designed for a cyclist of average weight, i.e. 75 kilograms. Their shock-absorbing properties can be altered either by adjusting the spring preload and/or by replacing the

springs. For more information contact your MERIDA dealer.

Be sure not to pull out the seat post too far.

the seat tube

The mark on the seat post (end, min, max, stop, limit etc.) should always remain within

(c+d)

(a+b)

enhance the cyclist’s com-

doing any maintenance work on your suspension seat post. You can ﬁnd the instructions of the manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Checking and servicing

Hold the saddle at the back and front and move it crossways to the direction of travel. Check in this way whether the suspension mechanism of the seat post has any lateral play. If you notice any play, have it checked and, if necessary, reduced by your MERIDA dealer.

Seat post manufacturers normally include instructions with their deliveries. Read them carefully before changing any settings or

Have the seat post checked once a year by your MERIDA dealer.

Riding a MERIDA pedelec – Special features

Your MERIDA pedelec is designed to be used like a conventional bike. The unique riding experience, however,

(e)

starts when you actuate the drive system moment the assistance generated by the 250 W motor

(f)

increases with its high torque the stronger you pedal.

Set off for your ﬁrst ride by selecting the lowest level of drive assistance. Gradually get used to the additional power. Slowly approach the potential of your MERIDA pedelec in an area free of trafﬁc.

Practice typical riding situations such as starting off and braking, tight corners and riding on narrow cycle paths and lanes. This is where a MERIDA pedelec clearly differs from a conventional MERIDA bike.

Pulling the brake lever of the rear brake stops

drive (e.g. because it pushes you forward in front of a bend), slow down your MERIDA pedelec carefully.

the motor. Emergency stop!

Be aware that the brakes of your MERIDA pedelec are always more effective than the drive. If you face any problems with your

. At that

Riding with drive assistance

The system is switched on and off at the buttons of the control element on the battery or on the handlebars Furthermore, different assistance modes can be selected, the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery is displayed and the different functions of the cycle com-

(g+h)

puter

When switched on, the system activates during pedaling and the drive assistance is available. Sensors measure your pedaling movements and control the fully automated drive assistance according to the selected assistance mode. The level of the additional propulsion depends on the assistance mode, your speed and, as applicable, the amount of force applied to the pedals.

The assistance switches off when you reach a speed of more than 25 kmh.

Keep in mind that you may have to change your riding habits: Do not mount by placing one foot on the pedal and by trying to throw the other leg over the saddle. The MERIDA pedelec would set off suddenly. Risk of an accident!

Stop pedaling earlier than you are used to before riding a turn or bend. Otherwise there may be too much propulsion and your cornering speed may be too high.

, if available, can be selected.

Do not give in to the temptation to always ride in a high gear, due to the strong motor. Shift gears frequently in the same way that you are used to doing with a conventional MERIDA bike so as to make your own contribution to your forward progress as efﬁcient as possible. Your cadence should always be in a smooth ﬂow. In other words, you should pedal at more than 60 crank rotations per minute.

Keep in mind that the other road users are not yet used to the new pedelecs and their higher speeds. Ride with this fact in mind and anticipate the actions of other road users. Be aware that the speed you ride at will be clearly faster than you are used to. Therefore, keep these facts in mind and be ready to brake whenever unclear or possibly dangerous situations come into your ﬁeld of vision.

Do a test ride in an unfrequented area

possibly higher speed and acceleration before riding on public roads. Risk of an accident! Never ride without a helmet!

to make yourself familiar with the riding characteristics of your MERIDA pedelec and the

(a)

(b+c)

Keep in mind that due to the higher driving

wetness, snow, gravel etc.). This applies all the more when riding bends. Risk of an accident!

on public roads with this fact in mind and anticipate the actions of other road users. Risk of an accident!

when using cycle lanes and cycle/footpaths to avoid accidents. If necessary, ring the bell

power at the rear wheel the risk of an accident increases with slippery roads (due to

Please note that car drivers and other road users may underestimate your speed. Always wear bright clothing. Therefore, always ride

Keep in mind that pedestrians do not hear you when you approach at high speed. Therefore, ride particularly defensive and anticipating

(d)

to warn others.

Do not step on the pedals before sitting in the

an accident!

saddle, select the lowest drive assistance and be ready to brake when you set off. Risk of

Range – Useful information for a long ride

How long and how far you can beneﬁt from the auxiliary drive depends on several factors, i.e. the road conditions, the weight of the rider and any additional load, the rider’s pedal force, the degree or mode of assistance, (head)winds, frequent stops, temperature, weather conditions, topography, tire pressure, etc.

The charge state of your rechargeable battery can be read from the display of the control element on the handlebars or, additionally, on the rechargeable battery.

In general, the batteries of MERIDA pedelecs

ride. Avoid any deep discharge of the rechargeable battery.

To extend the range it is recommended that you ride with low assistance (Eco) level or downhill trails and only select maximum drive assistance (Turbo) loads and/or when climbing hills.

Furthermore, you can extend the range by

- checking the tire pressure regularly, i.e. once a week

have no memory effect. It is recommended that you charge the battery after every long

For more information see the system instructions of your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

(e)

or no assistance at all on

(f)

with headwinds, heavy additional

with a pressure gauge, and changing it, if necessary

(g)

- shifting gears down in front of trafﬁc lights and intersections or in general in cases of stops and by setting off in low gears

- shifting gears regularly, as you would do on a MERIDA bike without drive

- not only riding in high gears

- riding with these facts in mind and always looking

to avoid any unnecessary stops

ahead

- reducing your additional load, i.e. without any unnecessary baggage

- storing your battery in your home and installing it only shortly before you set off on your MERIDA pedelec in cooler weather, in particular when it is cold

- not parking your MERIDA pedelec in the blazing sun

For more information on whether your MERIDA pedelec has a recuperation function, see the system instructions of your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

If your battery has not enough capacity to reach your destination, beneﬁt from the decisive advantage of the hybrid concept of your pedelec: Without drive assistance you can ride your MERIDA pedelec like a usual bike with an unlimited range and nearly without compromising on riding characteristics.

If your battery runs empty during the ride, do

cal connector type. Risk of explosion! Only charge your battery with the supplied charger

not recharge the battery with any charger, even if it happens to be ﬁtted with an identi-

(h)

Riding without drive assistance

You can also use your MERIDA pedelec without drive assistance, i.e. just like a conventional MERIDA bike.

Observe the following points when riding without the re-

(a)

chargeable battery

- If you want to ride without drive assistance with mounted battery, you can switch on the drive HMI of your pedelec to beneﬁt from the functions of your cycle computer.

- If the lighting set of your pedelec the rechargeable battery, you cannot use your light when riding without battery.

- After you have removed the battery of your pedelec: Keep the connections of the rechargeable battery free of dirt and moisture

(b)

is powered by

(c)

Riding a MERIDA speed pedelec – Special features

Basically, a MERIDA speed pedelec is a pedelec, which is only clearly faster. Be sure to thoroughly read the chapter “Riding a MERIDA pedelec – Special features” before reading this chapter. Keep in mind that all tips

and warnings given in the mentioned chapter apply all the more and with still greater importance to MERIDA speed pedelecs. Practice the handling of the still more powerful and faster MERIDA speed pedelec and always ride with foresight.

In contrast to MERIDA pedelecs MERIDA speed pedelecs are classiﬁed as e-bikes and thus as motor vehicles. This entails a number of regulations according to which your

MERIDA speed pedelec must be equipped when used in a European country:

- Beside the bicycle typical components it must be

(d)

ﬁtted with a rear view mirror

- A MERIDA speed pedelec must have liability insurance, an operating license or EU type approval, and the insurance marking must be attached.

- The tires must have a minimum tread depth of 1

mm, as is well known for motor vehicles. Every tire worn down to this minimum depth must be replaced by an identical one; otherwise this will void the operating license.

110

(Tip for the MERIDA dealer: Copy the bike card and the handover report and keep one copy in your customer ﬁle. Send another copy to the bike manufacturer)

Inform yourself in the country where you use your

(e)

MERIDA speed pedelec

about the regulations of

- using cycle lanes and paths within built-up areas,

- using lanes that are marked with a road sign allowing access for mopeds,

- using your MERIDA speed pedelec on cycle lanes which are allowed for mopeds,

- may not ride in the wrong (opposing) direction up one-way roads, even if ordinary cyclists are permitted to do this,

- using pedestrian zones, even when they are allowed for bikes,

- using bike parking facilities,

- using forest trails and

- using your MERIDA speed pedelec on lanes which are closed to motor vehicles, motorcycles and mopeds,

- using your MERIDA speed pedelec on public roads and on private premises, if authorized by the owner.

Please check in the country where you are using your MERIDA speed pedelec whether towing child trailers and whether mounting and using child seats is allowed or not

. Check in the bike card

(g)

and ask your

(f)

MERIDA dealer, whether your MERIDA speed pedelec is approved for being ﬁtted with a child seat.

When riding MERIDA speed pedelecs wear-

ing a suitable cycle helmet is compulsory

(h)

Bike card

Manufacturer

Model

Frame no.

Color

Drive system Mid-mounted motor

Battery model

Key no.

Voltage (Volt)

Ampere-hour (AH)

Capacity (watt hours)

Suspension fork - Manufacturer

- Model

- Serial no.

Frame type

Frame size

Size of wheels and tires

Special features

Intended use

£ Category 0 £ Category 3 £ Category 1 £ Category 4 £ Category 2 £ Category 5

Permissible overall weight

MERIDA bike, rider and baggage _________ kg

Pannier rack £ yes £ no

Permitted overall load _________ kg

Child seat permitted £ yes £ no

Trailer permitted £ yes £ no

Permissible trailer load _________ kg

Brake lever Brake assignment

Right lever £ Front wheel brake £ Rear wheel brake Left lever £ Front wheel brake £ Rear wheel brake

Read the chapter “Before your ﬁrst ride” in the translation of these original MERIDA operating instructions.

Stamp and signature of the MERIDA dealer

For your own safety, always ride your

MERIDA speed pedelec with the light switched on, wear bright clothing as well as a

suitable helmet and glasses.

If a component needs to be replaced, make

brake pads or tires that are not of identical size, may

it a rule to only use original spare parts. Wearing parts of other manufacturers, e.g.

cause harm to the safety of your MERIDA pedelec or MERIDA speed pedelec. Risk of an accident! In the case of MERIDA speed pedelecs be sure to only assemble original spare parts, otherwise the operating license expires. Read the respective instructions in the system instructions of your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Be aware that the brakes of your MERIDA

speed pedelec are always more effective

than the drive. If you face any problems with your drive (e.g. because it pushes you forward in front of a bend), slow down your MERIDA speed pedelec carefully.

The regulations and rules for pedelecs and

speed pedelecs are being revised permanent-

ly. Read the daily press to keep you informed about current legislative changes.

Pulling the brake lever of the rear brake stops

the motor. Emergency stop!

Useful information for proper handling of the rechargeable battery

Remove the rechargeable battery use your MERIDA pedelec for a longer period of time (e.g. during the winter season). Store the rechargeable battery in a dry room at temperatures between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius. The state of charge should be 50 to 70 % of the charging capacity. Check the state of charge, if the rechargeable battery is left unused for more than two months, and recharge it in between, if necessary

(c)

Clean the battery housing with a dry or, if at all, a slightly moist rag. Do not direct the water jet of a high-pressure cleaner at the rechargeable battery, as there is a risk of water entry and/or short-circuit.

For more information on the proper handling of your rechargeable battery see the system instructions of your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Charge your battery only with the supplied

of the charger matches your rechargeable battery The rechargeable battery can heat up, catch ﬁre or even explode!

charger. Do not use the charger of any other manufacturer, not even when the connector

Keep the rechargeable battery and the charger out of the reach of children!

(a+b)

, if you do not

(d)

We recommend that you charge your battery

off your bedroom. Place the battery during the charging process on a big, non-inﬂammable plate made of ceramics or glass! Unplug the battery once it has been charged up.

and short circuits.

MERIDA dealer.

h h

trics or the drive can destroy the units. The individual drive components can be cleaned with a soft rag and neutral detergents. You may use a moist rag, but not excessive water. Keep the rechargeable battery dry and do not submerge it! Risk of explosion!

during the day and only in dry rooms which

have a smoke or a ﬁre detector; but keep it

Keep the rechargeable battery and the char-

ger away from moisture and water during the

charging process to exclude electric shocks

Do not use a rechargeable battery or a

charger that is defective. If you are in doubt

or if you have any questions, contact your

Do not expose your battery or the charger to

the blazing sun.

Do not charge any other electrical devices

with the supplied charger of your MERIDA

pedelec!

The drive is not approved for steam cleaning,

high-pressure cleaning or cleaning with a wa-

ter hose. The contact of water with the elec-

Make sure your rechargeable battery is in

(e)

accidentally (e.g. with another battery). In addition, the rechargeable battery must not be stored inappropriately, e.g. in a box or in a drawer where they can be short-circuited by other conductive materials or where they can short-circuit each other. Do not deposit any objects in the storage area (e.g. clothes).

process, you should protect the connections, e.g. with a plastic bag against rain, water, moisture and dirt the connections of the rechargeable battery are soiled, clean them with a dry rag.

sound condition ble or crush the battery. Risk of explosion!

Make sure your rechargeable battery is not exposed to mechanical impacts.

Keep your battery away from ﬁre and heat. Risk of explosion!

Batteries must not be short-circuited. Therefore store them in a safe storage area and make sure the battery is not short-circuited

Make sure to use the battery only for the MERIDA pedelec for which it is designed.

When you remove your battery from the holder for charging it pedelec left in the open during the charging

. Do not open, disassem-

(f)

with your MERIDA

(g)

. If

Make sure not to discharge your rechargeable

tery has run out completely and the MERIDA pedelec was left standing for some days. Depth discharge will affect the rechargeable battery of your MERIDA pedelec permanently. A deep-discharged battery can only be recharged in exceptional cases and with special

chargers. Contact your MERIDA dealer.

necessary.

temperature of the battery has increased or decreased after a ride in cold weather or hot weather.

al regulations. Therefore, sellers of new rechargeable

batteries must provide collection of old batteries and appropriate disposal. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

period of time and keep it clean and dry.

battery completely (also referred to as depth

discharge). This occurs often when the bat-

If the rechargeable battery or the charger (or

parts of it) must be replaced, only use original

spare parts. Contact your MERIDA dealer, if

Charge the battery at an ambient tempera-

ture of approx. 20 degrees Celsius. Therefore,

before starting the charging, wait until the

Do not dispose of your rechargeable battery

in the normal household rubbish

be disposed of according to battery dispos-

Remove the rechargeable battery from your

MERIDA pedelec or MERIDA e-bike, if you

do not use your MERIDA pedelec for a longer

(h)

! It must

Do not charge your battery over a long period

For more information on the proper handling of the rechargeable battery see the system instructions of your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

of time, if you do not need it.

Lithium-ion batteries have no memory effect; they can therefore be charged at any time without affecting battery life.

Also observe the notes on the respective labels on the rechargeable battery or on the

(a)

charger

Kids’ bikes

Useful information for parents

Children are among the most vulnerable road user groups, not only because of their lack of experience and practice, but also for the simple reason that they are

smaller and may therefore have difﬁculties overseeing things and be easily overlooked by other road users.

If you want your child to use his/her MERIDA bike on the road, you should be willing to invest time in road safety instruction and help him/her improve his/her rid-

(b+c)

ing skills and you should therefore get into the routine of checking the MERIDA kids’ bike and performing adjustments and

maintenance as necessary. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

Bear in mind that it is your responsibility to supervise your child on his/her ﬁrst rides and do not overchallenge your child! Inform yourself about the trafﬁc rules in your country. They vary from country to country.

It is essential that your child has good control of his/her

MERIDA bike step in this direction we recommend that you give your child a scooter or a pedalless bike so that he/she can train his/her sense of balance.

. Children are not as observant as adults,

(d)

before riding on public roads. As a ﬁrst

This being accomplished you will need to make your child familiar with the functioning of the brakes and gears before you let him/her sit on his/her MERIDA bike. Find a place away from the road, ideally a backyard or park, where you can practice braking and shifting gears with your child under your supervision.

Once your child has progressed to a point where he/

(e+f)

she can ride in trafﬁc kerbs and railway tracks, i.e. to cross these obstacles, if possible, at right angle. Your child should also learn to look ahead and back for any danger before taking this kind of obstacle.

Set a good example when it comes to wearing a cycling helmet and to riding on cycle lanes. It is also advisable to let your child take part in road safety lessons offered at schools or by local clubs and associations.

It is important to tell children when they

reduced and that they should therefore ride more slowly and brake more carefully.

ardous; the helmet could get caught on features or obstacles and result in strangulation by the helmet straps.

practice braking braking effect is less effective and the tire grip

Take care your child is wearing the helmet only for cycling. For example, wearing the helmet at a park or playground can be haz-

, teach him/her how to cross

(g)

that in wet conditions the

Children should not ride near precipices,

reﬂector stripes to increase visibility.

you buy one which is comfortable and ﬁts correctly.

This will increase the chances that the helmet is actually worn, which one day might be a life-saver. Make sure the helmet is always fastened!

provide full protection in case of an accident!

staircases or swimming pools as well as on

paths used by automotive mobiles.

Make sure the child always wears a proper-

ly ﬁtting cycling helmet and well visible, i.e.

bright, clothing. It is also advisable to wear

Make sure the cycling helmet complies with

the DIN EN 1078 standards.

Children can be vain. Therefore, buy a cy-

cling helmet that the child feels happy with

(h)

. Take your child with you to make sure

When you buy the helmet, have it explained

to you how to adjust the straps of the helmet

to the head. Only a properly ﬁtted helmet can

Adjustment

Adjusting the MERIDA bike to the bodily proportions of a child is even more important than in the case of an adult

(a+b)

. When determining the saddle height you should ﬁnd a compromise that allows the child to reach the ground with both feet when sitting in the saddle while at the same time giving them enough space for pedal-

(c)

. A safe standing (when stopping) takes absolute

ing

(d)

priority

Handlebars that are too far away from the saddle or adjusted in a too high/low position can also lead to the fact that the child is less conﬁdent and relaxed during cycling. Normally, kids’ bikes allow adjustments of the saddle tilt and sometimes the tilt of the handlebars can be adjusted as well.

Special attention should be paid to the adjustment of the control elements, such as brake levers. Easy reach and operation should be ensured for the child.

For more information on how to perform the adjustments of the MERIDA kids’ bike to the proportions and needs of your child, read the chapter “Adjusting the MERIDA bike to the rider”. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

Encourage your child to tell you at once if anything should not be working properly on his/her MERIDA bike. Rectify the fault immediately or take the bike to your MERIDA dealer for repair.

Children and adolescents need to have the

months!

ask, if necessary, your MERIDA dealer for further information.

train the sense of balance of your child.

saddle height and the position of saddle and handlebars checked at least every three

Only buy training wheels that have been certiﬁed, for example, to DIN/GS.

If you wish to install training wheels, ask your MERIDA dealer about suitable models. Read the mounting instructions of the supplier and

The training wheels are only an unsatisfactory riding aid for very small children and should be removed as soon as possible to

Get into the habit of doing the checks as described in the chapter “Before every ride” together with your child. In this way, your child will learn to handle the MERIDA bike properly and you will be able to detect any defects that have developed during use.

Lighting system

When riding on public roads a properly functioning lighting set is obligatory (see the chapter “Legal requirements for riding on public roads”).

Some models are ﬁtted with a sensor that automatically switches on the front lamp when it gets dark; the dynamo must, however be activated. An additional feature of particularly high quality front lamps is a stand light function or even daytime running lights (both with LEDs).

You should be familiar with the assembly of the lighting set so that you can repair possible failures yourself.

(e)

The rear light by the generator (also referred to as a dynamo). They are connected with two cables each to the generator. In some cases the front lamp and the rear light are wired with only one cable each the frame being in this case the return line.

and the front lamp

(f)

are powered

Rear light

Either bulbs or LEDs beam through a (red) diffusion disc rearwards and are visible at best even from the side. Nowadays most rear lights provide a stand light function that is powered by a capacitor or a battery when the MERIDA bike has to stop at trafﬁc lights, for example.

Front lamp

Illuminants are either bulbs, halogen lamps or one or several LEDs, i.e. light emitting diodes, beaming white light by means of a reﬂector and/or a diffusion disc on the road lane.

Bottle dynamo

A bottle dynamo shaft vertical to the wheel axle and with its roller in full contact to the tire. The bottle dynamo can be mounted to the front or rear wheel. When switched on it tilts with its roller against the tire side. To switch off the dynamo it is tilted back in its initial position where it locks in place.

(g)

should be mounted with its drive

Hub dynamo

Hub dynamos wheel. They are virtually non-wearing and extremely effective. Some models are switched on electronically, some others mechanically. Hub dynamos are either switched on by a lever at the handlebars or directly at the front lamp. Other models offer the convenience of being switched on and off automatically by means of a sensor.

(h)

are built into the hub of the front

Battery-powered lighting

The regulations on the use of battery-operated front

(a)

lamps Familiarize yourself with the relevant country-speciﬁc regulations and comply with the road trafﬁc regulations in your country

For more information see the chapter “Legal requirements for riding on public roads”.

of the bottle dynamo can slip against the tire surface resulting in the dynamo becoming less effective.

a light are liable to be overlooked and at risk of getting involved in serious accidents!

follow their instructions. If you have further inquiries on your lighting set, contact your MERIDA dealer.

and rear lights are different in each country.

(b)

Switch a bottle dynamo on and off only while stationary and make sure it is well clear of the spokes! Caution: In wet conditions the roller

An incomplete or inoperative lighting set is not only against the law, it is also a hazard to your life. Cyclists riding in the dark without

Read the operating instructions of the lighting and dynamo manufacturers carefully which you can ﬁnd on this MERIDA CD-ROM and

Things worth knowing about your MERIDA bike

Cycling helmets and glasses

Cycling helmets Your MERIDA dealer has a variety of styles and sizes.

Verify that the helmet complies with the test standard DIN EN 1078. Cycling helmets are only approved for use during cycling. Observe the manufacturer’s instructions.

adjusted and fastened.

In addition to a cycling helmet and suitable clothing, cycling glasses are absolutely essential when you are riding your MERIDA bike. They do not only protect your eyes from the sun and the wind, but also keep out ﬂies and other impurities that may impede your vision when they ﬂy into your eyes. Risk of an accident!

Good cycling glasses must ﬁt closely against your face so that the wind does not get into your eyes from the

side. There are a great many different models, for example, without tinting and UV protection, which can be worn at night or in twilight conditions, or glasses with a high level of UV protection that you should wear if the sun is stronger.

Your MERIDA dealer has a wide range of cycling glasses available and will be pleased to advise you.

(c)

are absolutely recommendable.

Never ride without a helmet and glasses But remember that even the safest helmet is useless unless it ﬁts properly and is correctly

(d)

Clothing

The pedals and the shoes

Cycling trousers fortably. These close-ﬁtting trousers have special padding in the seat. They have no seams that can press into you and they do not form folds. Cycling trousers are therefore designed to be worn next to the skin.

Since sporty cycling will soon bring you out in a sweat, a jersey made of synthetic materials is ideal bers themselves do not take up any moisture but instead wick the sweat away from the skin up to the surface of the materials and thus prevent you getting cold from the cool wind produced by your speed. On longer tours you should in addition have suitable protection against the rain. Your MERIDA dealer would be glad to help you choose the right equipment.

suitable clips or straps, if necessary.

(e)

are essential if you want to sit com-

(f)

. The ﬁ-

Never ride with wide-cut trousers or skirts that might get caught in the spokes, chain or chainwheels. To avoid any such mishap, use

For increased visibility to other road users be sure to wear striking and bright-colored clothing!

Cycling shoes to provide ﬁrm support for your feet. In addition, they should have a stiff sole so that the pedal cannot press through. The sole should not be too wide in the area of the heels, as the rear stays or the crank will otherwise get in the way of your pedaling. This will prevent your

feet from assuming a natural position when pedaling and may cause knee pain in the long run.

Special cycling shoes are obligatory if your MERIDA bike is equipped with clipless pedals. With these shoes cleats are ﬁxed to the sole. They give you a ﬁrm connection between shoe and pedal and allow depending on the model an acceptable walking position.

The main advantage is that these step-in pedals vent your feet from slipping off when pedaling fast. They enable you not only to push but also to pull the pedals. This makes it easier to pedal ﬂuidly and considerably improves the transmission of the force as opposed to pedals with an open pedal cage.

The usual way to engage with the pedal is to turn it from

the lowest position of the crank to the horizontal using the tip of the cleat and push down on the back of it. Normally, the shoe engages with the pedal with a click which you will hear and feel clearly.

(g)

should be made of solid material

(h)

pre-

The release force of clipless pedals is adjusted by

(a)

means of an Allen key or squeaking noises occurring, some grease applied to the contact points will solve the problem in most cases. These noises as well as lateral play of the shoe on the pedal can, however, be also signs of wear. Check the cleats at regular intervals.

Make sure the fastening bolts of the cleats

the pedal, if the cleat is loose. Risk of an accident!

technique in a place clear of trafﬁc

disengage from the pedal. Or unclipping the shoe from the pedal is sometimes very difﬁcult or even impossible. In both cases, there is the danger of an accident!

lubricant at regular intervals.

they provide less grip even on a non-slip ground. Be particularly careful.

are properly tightened, as you will ﬁnd it almost impossible to disengage your shoe from

Taking up the pedals, engaging and disengaging the shoes should ﬁrst be practiced when stationary. Later on you can reﬁne your

Only use clipless pedals allowing you to engage and disengage smoothly. A defective pedal or a badly worn cleat can make the shoe

Make sure that the pedals and shoe soles are always clear of mud and other foreign bodies

(c)

and grease the lock-in mechanism with

Most cycling shoes with cleats are only suitable for walking to a limited extent. As the cleats are sometimes thicker than the sole,

. If there are any creaking

(b)

Ask your MERIDA dealer for advice about

the different shoe and pedal models. Cycling shoes come in various styles for speciﬁc uses.

Read the operating instructions of the pedal manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Accessories

In purchasing your MERIDA bike you laid the foundation for many years and miles of enjoyable cycling. Whatever you are planning to do with your MERIDA bike, be sure to have proper equipment and to keep a few tips in mind. Your MERIDA dealer has a variety of useful accessories on offer enhancing both your safety and con-

venience.

Your MERIDA bike can be ﬁtted with various kinds of

(d)

accessories quirements of the trafﬁc regulations in the country where you use your MERIDA bike as well as to comply with the DIN EN standards. Any retroﬁtted part must be compatible with your MERIDA bike. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

sories contact your MERIDA dealer and observe the instructions regarding the intended use of your MERIDA bike.

. Make sure, however, to observe the re-

Improper accessories may change the qualities of your MERIDA bike and even cause an accident. Therefore, before ﬁtting any acces-

Retroﬁtted accessories, such as mudguards,

er for advice before mounting any kind of accessories to your bike.

accordingly approved for use on public roads. Make sure additional battery/accumulator-powered lamps are marked with the wavy line and the letter “K”.

Bar ends

Flat handlebars can be equipped with bar ends Some thin-walled handlebars (primarily those made of aluminum or carbon ﬁber) require additional handlebar plugs or other special parts to prevent the handlebars from being crushed or broken. Be sure to have them mounted by your MERIDA dealer!

Bicycle locks

Do not forget to take a high quality Dwith you on your ride. The only way to effectively protect your MERIDA bike against theft is to lock it to an immovable object.

pannier racks etc. can impair the functioning of your MERIDA bike. Ask your MERIDA deal-

Before buying any additional bells or lighting accessories, inform yourself thoroughly whether they are permitted and tested and

(e)

(f)

or chain lock

Puncture kit

The most important accessories for a successful cycle tour are a tire pump and a small tool kit. The tool kit should include two plastic tire levers, the most commonly used Allen keys, a spare tube, a tire repair kit, your mobile phone, if necessary, and a little cash. In this way you will be well prepared in the event of a puncture

or some other mishap.

Cycle computers

Electronic tachometers determine the travelling and average speed, the number of kilometers per day and

(g)

year, and also the travelling time show the highest speed that was reached, the difference in height, the cadence or (with a special chest strap) your

pulse rate as well.

Today, there are global positioning systems (GPS) and speciﬁc power meters for optimal training on the market which are compatible with your MERIDA bike.

Kickstand

Bike kickstands from falling over when it is parked. The kickstand should be chosen according to the kind of use that it will get.

(h)

are intended to prevent your bike

. Top-end models

Your MERIDA dealer would be glad to advice you in detail about a suitable type of kickstand. Have a kickstand installed by your MERIDA dealer.

Mudguards/wheel protections

Transporting baggage

If you want to mount mudguards on your MERIDA bike, ask your MERIDA dealer for advice. There are remov-

(a)

able mudguards guards, as well as ﬁrmly attached models that provide more protection.

Retroﬁttable mudguards for a ﬁx fastening are usually made of plastics and are secured in the correct position by means of additional stays. The length of the stay is perfect when the bottom edge of the mudguard runs at an approx. distance of 15 mm in parallel to the tire.

For safety reasons the front wheel stays must have security fastenings. They prevent the tire from being blocked by impurities taken up by the front wheel from the ground. In this case the security fastening frees the stay and hereby prevents a possible accident. The plug connection can easily be refastened.

Damaged mudguards should be replaced in

any case. Risk of an accident!

, also referred to as clip-on mud-

There are various ways of carrying baggage on your MERIDA bike. Your choice will primarily depend on the weight and volume of the baggage and on the bike you

(b)

want to use. Using a rucksack transporting baggage on a bike. However, your MERIDA bike is ﬁtted with a pannier rack

tours or if you intend to take heavy and bulky items with you.

It is advisable to carry baggage in stable pannier bags with a very low center of gravity.

Another possibility of transporting baggage are handle-

(d)

bar bags

mounting and removal. Handlebar bags are particularly suitable for valuables, photographic equipment and maps that should be within easy reach.

When buying bags, make sure they are watertight so that your belongings are protected and you will not have any unpleasant surprises after the ﬁrst rain shower.

Lowrider bags ﬁtted at the front of the bike are mount-

ed to the fork by means of special holders. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

. They often have snap buckles for quick

is a convenient way of

(c)

for longer cycling

Do not overload your MERIDA bike. Follow

permissible load printed or imprinted on the pannier rack.

the details given in the table in the chapter “Intended use” and observe the maximum

Taking children with you

The only possible and legal way of transporting children

(f)

by bike is in special child seats your MERIDA dealer.

or trailers

(g)

. Contact

Adjust the suspension fork and the tire pres-

(e)

to the additional load.

riding a loaded bike in a place free of trafﬁc.

sure

Baggage generally changes the riding characteristics of your MERIDA bike and increases your stopping distance! Therefore, practice

Please contact your MERIDA dealer before attaching pannier bags to your MERIDA pedelec.

Only buy tested child seats, child trailers, and

properly mounted. The manuals of the manufacturers included in the delivery of the system provide detailed information in this regard.

Child seats

well.

you are permitted to attach a child seat to your speed pedelec, and if so, which model.

children’s bicycles towing devices (e.g. DIN/ GS tested systems) and ensure that they are

Make sure the child you are taking with you always wears a suitable helmet. Keep in mind that you should always wear a helmet, as

Cover the springs of your saddle to make sure that your child will not have the ﬁngers pinched.

It is legally permissible to install and use child carriers on speed pedelecs. Look in the bike card and ask your MERIDA dealer whether

Please note that your stopping distance increases due to the additional load of the child seat.

Not all MERIDA bikes and pedelecs are suit-

bike card and ask your MERIDA dealer for advice.

able for the installation of child seats with a special mounting device. Have a look at the

Child trailers

You can transport one or two children with special child

(h)

trailers The children can play in the child trailer without any toys falling out. Some versions also allow you to ﬁt a roof to protect against sun or rain.

Trailers affect the braking behavior of your MERIDA bike and occupy far more width than the bike would alone. First, practice drawing the trailer without passengers. Equip the trailer with a long pole with colored pennant to increase visibility. It should be ﬁtted with all the reﬂectors that are prescribed for riding on public roads, just like your bike rear end of the trailer with a battery/accumulator-powered lamp.

trailer topple over.

that are towed behind your MERIDA bike.

(a)

. If you use it in the dark, illuminate the

Always secure the little passengers with the

(b)

seat belt the child can make the MERIDA bike or the

, as uncontrolled movements of

Please note that your stopping distance in-

ask your MERIDA dealer for advice.

creases due to the additional load of the child trailer.

If you want to use your MERIDA bike to tow a trailer, please check whether it is designed accordingly. Have a look at the bike card or

Kids’ bike towing devices/trailer systems

There are different systems on the market low a kids’ bike to be attached to an adult bike to enable you to cycle together with your child on public roads.

Inform yourself at your MERIDA dealer about the differ-

ent types of kids’ bike towing devices.

Some of the towing devices are attached to the seat post of the bike that is towing. Suspension from one point of the seat post is somewhat unstable.

(c+d)

that al-

Make sure the child you are taking with you

accident. Keep in mind that you should always wear a helmet, as well.

always wears a suitable helmet. A trailer is an insufﬁcient protection in the event of an

Systems in which the kids’ bike is coupled to the adult’s bike are more suitable.

Towing devices affect the braking behavior of your MERIDA bike. Therefore, before riding with a kids’ bike towing device on public roads, practice riding and brake behavior without passengers in an area free of trafﬁc!

Towing devices have a strong inﬂuence on

the child will make the bike somewhat top-heavy. Your MERIDA bike may tend to wobble. Practice getting on and off, and actual riding. Remember when taking corners that the MERIDA bike is much longer when it has a towing device!

helmet even when riding on a coupled or attached bike. Set a good example by wearing a helmet, as well!

included in the delivery of the system provide detailed information in this regard.

the riding characteristics of your MERIDA bike. The weight of both the hitched bike and

It is also important for you to practice with your child how to behave on a hitched bike during the ride. Make sure your child wears a

Only buy tested towing devices (e.g. DIN/ GS tested systems) and have them properly mounted. The manuals of the manufacturers

When riding in the dark the attached kids’

a wavy line and the letter “K” see the chapter “Legal requirements for riding on public roads“. If the bottle dynamo’s roller does not spin, we recommend a tested battery-powered rear light.

ask your MERIDA dealer.

a device. If in doubt, ask your MERIDA dealer.

bike should be ﬁtted with the prescribed light-

(e)

, i.e. the latter should be marked with

ing

(f)

. For more information

If you want to use your MERIDA bike to mount a towing device, please check whether it is designed for such a device. If in doubt,

If you want to use your MERIDA pedelec or speed pedelec to mount a towing device, please check whether it is designed for such

Transporting the MERIDA bike or pedelec

By car

Nearly every car accessory dealer and car company of-

(a)

fers carrier systems without disassembly.

that allow the transport of a bike

Read the operating instructions of your bike carrier and comply with the maximum load capacity and recommended or prescribed driving speed. If applicable, comply with the required supporting load on the trailer hitch.

Make sure to remove all parts of your

transport. Risk of an accident!

MERIDA bike (tools, pannier bags

(c)

seats

etc.) which may come loose during

(b)

, child

The usual design involves rails ﬁxed to the roof of the car onto which the bikes are ﬁxed with clamps gripping the down tubes. This can, however, result in irreparable damage to the frame. High-end, very thin-walled aluminum or carbon ﬁber frames are particularly susceptible to this kind of damage. Due to the material properties of carbon ﬁber, you may not see severe damage at ﬁrst sight, but it can result in an unforeseeable severe accident at a later date. There are, however, special suitable models available in the car accessory trade.

Rear carriers are becoming more and more popular. Their big advantage over roof carriers is that you do not have to lift up the bike so high to attach it. Make sure the clamps used do not cause any damage to the fork or frame. Risk of breakage!

Whatever system you opt for, make sure it complies with the relevant safety standards of your country, such as the GS mark!

Do not buy a carrier on which the MERIDA

the carrier. This way of fastening the bike exposes handlebars, stem, saddle and seat post to extreme stress during transport. Do not opt for a carrier system with crank arm ﬁt. Risk of breakage!

taches from the carrier system may endanger other road users.

your safety.

Do not use such systems with carbon frames.

bike has to be mounted upside down, i.e. with the handlebars and saddle ﬁxed face down to

Check whether your MERIDA bike is properly fastened before and at regular intervals during the journey. A MERIDA bike that de-

Always secure the MERIDA bike or its components when putting it/them into the interior of your car. Parts shifting around can impair

Most clamps are a potential source of damage to large-diameter frame tubes that are not designed to be ﬁxed in such clamps

(d)

Please make sure the lights and the number

mirror is required by the road trafﬁc regulations.

the height somewhere in the cockpit or on the steering wheel so that it can be easily seen.

plate of your car are not hidden from view. For some carriers, a second exterior rear view

Bear in mind that your car has a greater overall height with the bike on it. Measure the overall height and place a sign stating

If your bike has disc brakes, be sure to mount

(e)

the safety locks MERIDA bike with the wheels dismounted.

Pull the brake lever and secure it with a strong elastic strap MERIDA bike with hydraulic disc brakes.

before transporting your

(f)

when transporting a

By public transport

In the cities the regulations for taking MERIDA bikes

(g+h)

by public transport differ. There are e.g. some places where you are only allowed for travel with your MERIDA bike during off-peak hours and with an additional bicycle ticket. Inform yourself in time about the regulations of carrying the bike before you start the trip!

Remove, if necessary, any heavy or bulky

transport in the countries through which you intend to travel.

pannier bags and baggage for easier boarding and disembarking of the train.

Before you start your trip inform yourself in time about the conditions of carriage and also observe the regulations and rules about bike

What to bear in mind when transporting your MERIDA pedelec

By car

MERIDA pedelecs can be transported like conventional

(a)

bikes outside or inside the car the MERIDA pedelec is securely fastened outside or inside the car and check the fastenings regularly. In addition, you should always remove the battery from your

(b+c)

MERIDA pedelec car. Stow the battery and, if applicable, a removable display unit, inside the car and secure it appropriately to avoid any damage in transit.

Protect the connections of the rechargeable battery against rain, wetness, moisture and dirt during the journey, for example, with a plastic bag.

The weight distribution on pedelecs differs

markedly heavier than a bike without drive assistance. For this reason parking, pushing, lifting and carrying the MERIDA pedelec is more difﬁcult. Bear this in mind when loading your pedelec into a car and unloading it or when mounting it on a bicycle carrier system.

markedly from the weight distribution on bikes without drive assistance. A pedelec is

prior to fastening it outside the

. Always make sure

Before transporting several pedelecs with

load capacity of the bike carrier and the maximum load of the trailer hitch. Keep in mind that the weight of a pedelec is higher than the weight of a bike without drive. It could be that you can only transport one or two pedelecs instead of three bikes without drive.

cle computer on the handlebars before transporting the pedelec inside or outside the car. If you transport your MERIDA pedelec without its battery on a bike carrier system, protect the connections against water, moisture and dirt, for example, with a plastic bag

transit during your journey. The regulations e.g. with regard to the marking, differ from country to country.

a roof mounting or a rear mounting carrier system, inform yourself about the maximum

Make sure to remove all movable and loose parts and above all the rechargeable battery, if possible, the control element and the cy-

(d)

If necessary, inform yourself about the laws and regulations concerning bike/pedelec transport in the countries that you intend to

For more information see the system instructions of your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

By train / By public transport

By plane

MERIDA pedelecs can be transported in the same way as conventional bikes by public transport.

If the rechargeable battery of your MERIDA

an easier boarding and disembarking

and pedelec transport in the countries through which you intend to travel.

pedelec is mounted to the down tube or to the pannier rack, you can remove the battery for

(e+f)

Before you start your trip, inform yourself in time about the conditions of carriage and also observe the regulations and rules about bike

If you intend to take your MERIDA pedelec by plane or to dispatch it by a forwarding agent, you have to observe particular packing and labeling requirements for rechargeable batteries which are considered as hazardous goods. Contact the airline, an expert for hazardous items or the forwarding agent in time.

Contact the airline with which you intend

MERIDA pedelec with you.

to travel in time and inform yourself about conditions and possibilities of taking your

General notes on care and servicing

Maintenance and servicing

Your MERIDA dealer will have assembled and adjusted your MERIDA bike ready for use when you come to collect it. Nevertheless, your MERIDA bike needs regular

(a)

servicing scheduled maintenance work. This is the only way to ensure that all components function safely and reliably for many miles.

The bike will be due for its ﬁrst service after 100 to 300 kilometers, 5 to 15 hours of initial use or four to six weeks. The bedding-in phase typically involves spokes slightly losing tension or gears coming out of adjustment, so there is every reason to have your MERIDA dealer service the MERIDA bike at this stage. This bedding-in process is unavoidable. Therefore, remember to make an appointment with your MERIDA bike dealer to have your new MERIDA bike inspected. This ﬁrst service is very important for both functioning and durability of your MERIDA bike.

It is advisable to have your MERIDA bike serviced regularly by your MERIDA dealer after the bedding-in phase. If you ride a great deal on poor road surfaces or cross-country, it will require correspondingly shorter service periods. The off-season during the winter months is a very good time to take your MERIDA bike to your MERIDA dealer for the annual inspection, as they will have plenty of time for you and for servicing.

. Have your local MERIDA dealer do the

The intended use of the MERIDA bike includes regular servicing and the replacement of wearing parts in time, e.g. chains, brake pads or Bowden and brake cables and therefore has an inﬂuence on the warranty and the guarantee, as well.

For more information see the chapter “Service and maintenance schedule” and the instructions of the com-

ponent manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Servicing and repairs are jobs best left to

run the risk that parts of your MERIDA bike will fail. Risk of an accident! When working on your MERIDA bike restrict yourself to jobs for which you have the suitable tools, e.g. a torque wrench

knowledge.

brake pads or tires that are not of identical dimension, may render your MERIDA bike unsafe. Risk of an accident!

your MERIDA dealer. If you have your bike serviced by anyone else than an expert, you

(c)

, and the necessary

If a component needs to be replaced, make it a rule to only use original spare parts Wearing parts of other manufacturers, e.g.

(b)

(d)

Cleaning and caring for your MERIDA bike or pedelec

Dried sweat, dirt and salt from riding during the winter or in sea air can harm your MERIDA bike. You should therefore make it a habit of cleaning all components at regular intervals.

Avoid cleaning your bike with a high-pressure cleaner. The high-pressure jet is likely to enter bearings by passing through the seals and dilute the lubricants hereby increasing the friction. This destroys and impairs the functioning of the bearing races in the long term. High-pressure jets are also likely to remove frame stickers. The electronics could be damaged in the case of

(e)

pedelecs

A much more gentle way of cleaning your bike is with a low-pressure water jet or a bucket of water and a sponge or a large brush. Cleaning your bike by hand has another positive side-effect: you may discover defects in the paint as well as worn or defective components at an early stage.

Check the chain for wear and relubricate after cleaning and drying and the instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM).

Wipe dry the sliding surfaces of the suspension fork and apply special spray. Apply a coat of standard hard wax on painted, metal and carbon surfaces (except from brake surfaces and brake discs). Polish the waxed surfaces after drying to give them a nice shine.

(f)

(see the chapter “Chain – Care and wear”

Keep cleaning agents and chain oil clear of the brake pads, brake discs and rim sides (braking surfaces). Otherwise the brake could fail. Never grease or lubricate the clamping areas of a frame made of carbon, e.g. handlebars, stem, seat post and seat tube. Once greased, carbon components may never again ensure reliable clamping!

replaced immediately and touch up paint defects. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

agents containing acetone, methyl chloride or the like, or solvent-containing, non-neutral or chemical cleaning agents that could attack the surface!

not aim at the bearings.

particular to the brakes and the tires and in the case of bottom bracket drives to the chain ets.

While cleaning, watch out for cracks scratches, dents as well as deformed or discolored material. Have defective components

Only use petroleum-based solvents for cleaning tough oil or grease stains from paint and carbon surfaces. Never use degreasing

Do not clean your MERIDA bike with a high-pressure cleaner or a water jet and if you do, be sure to keep it at a distance. Do

Keep in mind that the auxiliary drive of your MERIDA pedelec may lead to partly higher wear than you are used to. This applies in

(h)

and the sprock-

(g)

A rechargeable battery that has reached the

the rechargeable battery to the dealer, where you buy your new one. If in doubt, ask your MERIDA dealer.

end of its service life may not be disposed of

(a)

in the normal household rubbish

Please note that in the case of speed pedelecs only certain components are allowed to be replaced to provide insurance cover.

For more information see the system instructions of your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

. Bring

(c)

Remove the seat post have entered dry. Spray a little ﬁnely atomized oil into the metal seat tube. However, do not apply oil in a carbon seat tube. Shift the gear to the smallest chainwheel and the smallest sprocket. This relaxes the cables and the springs.

an annual check-up at a special price. Beneﬁt from the idle time and ask your MERIDA dealer to do the scheduled maintenance work!

There are hardly any waiting times at your MERIDA dealer during the winter months. In addition, many of the MERIDA dealers offer

and let moisture that may

Safekeeping and storing your MERIDA bike

If you regularly look after your MERIDA bike during the season, you will not need to take any special measures when storing it for a short time, apart from securing it against theft. Store your bike in a dry, well aerated place.

If you want to store your MERIDA bike for a longer period of time, e.g. over the winter months, please observe the following things: Inﬂated inner tubes tend to gradually lose air when the bike is not used for a long time. If your MERIDA bike is left standing on ﬂat tires for an extended period, this can cause damage to the structure of the tires. It is therefore better to hang the wheels or the entire MERIDA bike or to check the tire pressure regular-

(b)

. Clean your MERIDA bike and protect it against

ly corrosion. Your MERIDA dealer has special cleaning agents, e.g. spray wax.

For more information on the safekeeping

dling of the rechargeable battery” and the system instructions of your drive manufacturer on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

and storing of your MERIDA pedelec see the chapter “Useful information for proper han-

Servicing MERIDA speed pedelecs – Special features

Please note that in the case of MERIDA speed pedelecs only certain components are allowed to be replaced, otherwise there is the risk of loosing the operating license and the insurance cover. Only use spare parts conﬁrmed by experts’ reports on the approval for your MERIDA speed pedelec. As an alternative you may also go through an individual approval process by a technical inspection authority of your country. To be on the safe side, be sure to only use original spare parts.

Components which must not be replaced or only after a type test, e.g. carried out by a technical inspection authority: Frame, fork, drive unit, battery, tires, rims, brake system, front and rear light, kickstand, handlebars,

(e)

stem, command console/display frame.

The following components can be replaced, even without any further test: Pedals pulsory), mudguards (with rounded edge at the front mudguard), pannier rack, saddle the handlebars, gear components (provided the highest transmission remains identical), seat post headset, inner tube and hub as well as bell and rear view mirror (when replaced by equivalent models).

In the case of MERIDA speed pedelecs be

sure to only assemble original spare parts, otherwise the operating license expires.

(f)

and license plate

(pedal reﬂectors are com-

(g)

and rubber grips on

(h)

, chain,

Drive maintenance and care

The motor, the rechargeable battery and the drive HMI and/or display are mainly maintenance free, except for the battery charging which is necessary regularly. From time to time the dirt and oil needs to be cleaned off your chain with an oily rag. Special degreasers are not necessary; they even have a damaging effect.

Having cleaned the chain as thoroughly as possible, apply chain oil, wax or grease cate the chain, drip the lubricant onto the rollers of the lower run of the chain while you turn the crank. Once this is done, turn the cranks a few more times; then let the MERIDA pedelec rest for a few minutes so that the lubricant can disperse. Finally wipe off excess lubricant with a rag so that it does not spatter around during riding

or can collect road dirt.

A rechargeable battery that has reached the

rechargeable battery to the dealer, where you buy your new one. If in doubt, ask your MERIDA dealer.

electronics or the drive can destroy the units. The individual drive components can be cleaned with a soft rag and neutral detergents. You may use a moist rag, but not excessive water. Do not submerge the rechargeable battery!

end of its service life may not be disposed of in the normal household rubbish. Bring the

The drive is not approved for steam cleaning, high-pressure cleaning or cleaning with a water hose. The contact of water with the

to the chain links. To lubri-

Service and maintenance schedule

It is advisable to have your MERIDA bike serviced regularly after the bedding-in phase. The schedule given in the table below is a rough guide for cyclists who ride their bike between 1,000 and 2,000 km or 50 to 100 hours of use a year.

If you consistently ride more or if you ride a great deal on poor road surfaces, the service intervals will shorten accordingly.

Component What to do Before every ride Monthly Annually Others

Lighting Check function x Tires Check pressure x Check tread and side walls x Brakes (rim brakes) Check lever travel, wear of brake pads, position of pads x relative to rim; test brakes in stationary Brakes (hydraulic rim brakes) Check lever travel, wear of brake pads, position of pads x relative to rim, test brakes in stationary, check seals Brakes (drum/roller) Lever travel, test brakes in stationary x Brakes, brake pads (rim brakes) Clean x Brake cables/pads/lines Visual inspection x Brakes (disc brakes) Lever travel, brake pads, seals, test brakes in stationary x Replace liquid (DOT-liquids) • Suspension forks Check and retighten bolts, if necessary • All-inclusive service (change oil) • Rims (of rim brakes) Check thickness, replace if necessary • at the latest after 2 Fork (rigid) Check and replace, if necessary • at least every 2 years Bottom bracket Check for bearing play x Dismount and regrease (cups) • Chain Check and grease, if necessary x Check wear, replace, if necessary derailleur gears • after 1,000 km or or 50 hours of use Telescopic seat post Service x Crank Check and retighten, if necessary x

set of brake pads

Component What to do Before every ride Monthly Annually Others

Painted/anodized/carbon surfaces Impregnate x at least every 6 months Wheels/spokes Check for trueness and tension x True or retighten • if necessary Handlebars and stem Check and replace, if necessary • at the latest every (aluminum and carbon) 2 years Headset Check for bearing play x Regrease • Metal surfaces Polish (except: rim sides of rim brakes, brake discs) x at least every 6 months Hubs Check for bearing play x Regrease • Pedals (all) Check for bearing play x Pedals (clipless) Clean and grease locking mechanism x Seat post/stem Check bolts x Dismount and re-lubricate Carbon: new assembly paste (no grease!) • Front/rear derailleur Clean and grease x Quick-releases/thru axles Check seat x Bolts and nuts Check and retighten, if necessary x (Multi-speed hubs, mudguards etc.) Valves Check seat x Cables (gears/brakes) Disassemble and regrease •

If you have a certain degree of mechanical skills, experience and suitable tools, such as a torque wrench, you should be able to do the checks marked x by yourself. If you come across any defects, take appropriate measures without delay. If you are in doubt or if you have any questions, contact your MERIDA dealer.

Jobs marked • are best left to your MERIDA dealer.

For your own safety, bring your MERIDA bike to your MERIDA dealer for its ﬁrst inspection after 100 to 300 kilometers, 5 to 15 hours of initial use

or four to six weeks, and at the very latest after three months.

Recommended torque settings

All bolted connections of the MERIDA bike components have to be tightened carefully and checked regularly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the MERIDA bike. This is best done with a torque wrench that disengages at the desired torque value or a click-type torque wrench. Tighten carefully by approaching the prescribed maximum torque value in small steps (0.5 Nm increments) and check in between the proper ﬁt of the component. Never exceed the maximum torque value indicated by the manufacturer!

Where no maximum torque setting is given start with 2 Nm. Observe the indicated values and observe the values on the components and/or in the operating instructions of the component manufacturers on this MERIDA CD-ROM.

Component Bolted connections Shimano1 (Nm) SRAM/Avid2 (Nm) Tektro3 (Nm) TRP4 (Nm)

Rear derailleur Mount (on frame/derailleur hanger) 8 - 10 8 - 10 Cable clamp 5 - 7 4 - 5 Pulley wheels 3 - 4 Front derailleur Mount on frame 5 - 7 5 - 7 Cable clamp 5 - 7 5 Shifter Mount on handlebars 5 2.5 - 4 Hole covering 0.3 – 0.5 Brake lever unit Mount on handlebars 6 - 8 5 - 7 6 - 8 Time trial brake lever 5 - 7 Hub Quick-release lever 5 – 7.5 Locknut for bearing adjustment of quick-release hubs 10 - 25 Sprocket cluster lock ring 29 - 49 40 Internal gear hub Hub axle nut 30 - 45 Crank Crank mount (grease-free square-head) 35 - 50 Crank mount (Shimano Octalink) 35 - 50 Crank mount (Shimano Hollowtech II) 12 - 15 Crank mount (Isis) 31 - 34 Crank mount (Giga X Pipe) 48 - 54 Chainwheel mount 8 - 11 12 - 14 (steel) 8 - 9 (alu) Sealed cartridge bearing Shell (square-head) 49 - 69 Shell (Shimano Hollowtech II, SRAM Giga X Pipe) 35 - 50 34 - 41

Octalink 50 - 70

100

Merida Fitness bikes, Kids' bikes, EPAC, Pedelec, Speed pedelec Operating Instructions Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual