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0. Helmets
Cycling helmets are a must in today’s road
traffic. Your MERIDA dealer keeps a large
range of helmets of different sizes for sale.
Take your time when buying a helmet and
keep the one you prefer most on for a while
before making your final choice. A good
helmet should fit tight without pinching. Pay
attention to the test seals indicating the hel-
met passed the tests required by the respec-
tive standard.
0. Helmets, accessories
Never ride without a helmet! But the
safest helmet is useless, if its belts are
not fastened or if it is not properly adjust-
ed.
0. Accessories
There are all sorts of accessories on the mar-
ket that are intended to increase your pleasure
in cycling. There are electronic speedometers
that show your current and average speed,
your daily and annual mileage as well as
the duration of the present ride. Real de luxe
models also give the highest speed achieved,
differences in elevation, your cadence and
many other things.
However, the most important accessories for
a successful bike tour will always remain an
air pump and a small tool kit. The tool kit
should include two tire levers, the most com-
monly used Allen keys, a spare tube, a tire
repair kit, a telephone card and a little cash.
In this way, you will be well prepared in the
event of a puncture or some other mishap.
Before buying any additional bells, horns
or lighting accessories, inform yourself
thoroughly whether these are permitted and
tested and accordingly approved for use on
public roads. Additional battery/accumula-
tor-operated lamps have to be marked with
the wavy line and the letter “K”.
Rear-view mirrors offer better view back-
wards. Before buying one, make sure it has a
firm, non-vibrating mounting.
Do not forget to equip yourself with a good
lock – bikes are frequently stolen. Your
MERIDA dealer will be pleased to advise
you about the various security categories of
bike locks.
Retrofitted accessories such as mud-
guards, disc brakes, drum brakes,
carriers etc. can impair the functioning of
your bike. This can result in your losing con-
trol and falling off your bike. Make it a rule
of asking your MERIDA dealer for advice
before mounting any kind of accessories on
your bike.
