8
. Before every ride
Check the following points before setting off:
1. Are the quick-release levers or nuts of the
front and rear wheel, the saddle and other
components properly closed?
For more information see chapter 7.
“How
to use the quick-releases“
.
Improperly closed quick-releases can
cause components to come loose. This
can cause a serious accident!
2. Are the tires in good condition and do
they have sufficient pressure (thumb test,
how far can you press the tire to the rim
with your thumb)?
For more information see chapter 11.
“The
wheels“
.
4. Test the brakes while standing by firmly
pulling the brake levers towards the han-
dlebars. The brake pads of calliper brakes
must hit the rim with their entire surface
without touching the tire. You should not
be able to pull the lever all the way to the
handlebars! Check the lines for leaks!
With disc brakes, you should have a stable
pressure point at once. If a stable pressure
point is only achieved after having repeat-
edly pulled the brake lever, you should
have the bike checked by your MERIDA
dealer.
For more information see chapter 9.
“The
brake system“
.
3. Spin the wheels to check whether the rims
are true. Watch the gap between rim
and brake pad or, in case of disc brakes,
between frame and rim. Untrue rims can
be an indication of tires with ruptured
sides or broken axles or spokes.
For more information see chapter 11.
“The
wheels“
.
