84
a
b
c
d
In general, cross-country and marathon racers prefer a
shorter negative suspension travel (sag), freeriders or
downhillers riding often in rough terrain prefer a longer
one. In the case of cross-country and marathon bikes
the rear shock should yield by 10-20 % of the maximum
suspension travel, in the case of all mountain, enduro
and freeride bikes by 25-35 %.
To measure the travel you can use the rubber ring
(a)
mainly located on the thinner, plunging tube of the rear
shock. If there is no rubber ring, tie up a cable tie around
one of the thin tube. Make sure it is not too tight, you
should still be able to move it, it should however not slip
by itself.
Put on your usual riding clothing (including if necessary
a packed rucksack), sit on your MERIDA 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 ca-
ble tie downwards against the dust seal at the lower leg.
Get off your MERIDA bike so that the rear shock does not
compress any more. The distance between the rubber
ring/cable tie and the wiper is the negative suspension
travel, or sag
(b)
. Compare it against the total suspen-
sion travel (as specified by the manufacturer) to deter-
mine whether the suspension should be set to be harder
or softer.
In the case of air spring rear shocks the spring rate is
set through the air pressure in the rear shock
(c)
. The
pressure must be set before the first ride by means of
a special high-pressure pump with pressure gauge and
modified later as required due to changes in the weight
of the rider and/or load.
Note the appropriate setting values and check them
subsequently at regular intervals. Always follow the rec-
ommendations of the manufacturer and never exceed
the maximum air pressure for the rear shock. Always
make a test ride after each change to the settings.
In the case of most rear shocks with coil springs a pre-
load can be applied to the springs within tight limits
by turning an adjusting ring. If that is not possible and
the desired negative suspension travel (“sag”) cannot
be set, the coil spring must be replaced by a harder or
softer model. The replacement is a job for your 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.
Make sure the valve is protected with a valve cap during
cycling
(d)
.
Summary of Contents for BIG.NINE E-LITE 600
Page 128: ...MERIDA com...
