43
e
f
g
h
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 handle-
bar grip. Most brake models are, however, fitted with a
bolt or a small knob at the brake lever unit to compen-
sate 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.
I
Read the instructions of the brake manufac-
turer on this MERIDA CD-ROM carefully be-
fore removing the wheel or doing any main-
tenance work. Improper operation can lead to brake
failure.
Disc brakes
Functioning and wear
The most striking feature of disc brakes
(g+h)
is their
outstanding braking effect. They respond a lot faster in
wet conditions than rim brakes do and achieve their nor-
mal 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 me-
chanically, pushing the brake pads against the rotor.
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 manufac-
turer and the model there are different ways of checking
the brake pads and rotors for their wear limits.
G
New brake pads have to be broken in until
they reach their optimal braking power. Ac-
celerate your MERIDA bike about 30 to 50
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.
G
Disc brakes get hot in use. For this reason do
not touch the rotors directly after stopping,
especially after a long downhill ride.
G
Dirty brake pads and rotors can lead to drasti-
cally reduced braking force. Therefore, make
sure the brake remains free of oil and other
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! Ro-
tors can be cleaned with special brake cleaners or with
warm water and mild soap.
Summary of Contents for City Bikes
Page 113: ...MERIDA com ...