Merida EN 14764, Short Operating Instructions

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33
e
f
g
h
Rear shocks
Full suspension MERIDA bikes are not only equipped
with a suspension fork but also with movable rear stays
(e)
which are sprung and damped by a rear shock. This
feature gives you better control of your MERIDA bike
when riding cross-country or on rough road surfaces.
The (shock) loads on you and your MERIDA bike are no-
ticeably reduced. The rear shock normally works with
an air spring element or – less frequently – with coil
springs. Damping is usually done by oil.
To work perfectly, the rear shock has to be adjusted to
the weight of the rider, the sitting posture and the intend-
ed use
(f) . Be sure to have this adjustment carried out by
your MERIDA dealer at the time of delivery.
For more information see the chapter “Rear shocks” in
your comprehensive MERIDA user manual as well as
the instructions of the rear shock manufacturer on the
enclosed MERIDA CD-ROM.
G
Full suspension frames are designed to ab-
sorb shocks. If the rear shock is too rigid and
jammed, the terrain-induced shocks pass di-
rectly into the frame without any damping. This could
damage the rear shock itself as well as the frame. If your
rear shock 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).
G
The rear shock should be set up and adjust-
ed in a way that it does not reach the end of
its travel, i.e. bottom out, unless in extreme
cases (g) . A spring rate which is too soft (air pressure is
too low) can usually be heard or felt as a “clunk” type
noise. This noise is caused by the sudden complete
compression of the rear shock as it reaches bottom out.
If the rear shock frequently reaches bottom out, it will
sustain damage over time, and so will the frame.
G
A too strong damping of the rear frame can
result in a sluggish rebound movement with a
rear shock that will not recover when exposed
to a quick series of impacts. Risk of an accident!
G
Do not turn any bolt on your suspension
fork, particularly not with tools, in the vague
hope of adjusting it somehow. You could be
loosening the fastening mechanism, thus provoking an
accident. All manufacturers normally mark adjustment
devices with a scale or with “+” (for stronger damping/
harder suspension) and “-“ signs (h) .
I
Rear shock manufacturers normally include
instructions with their deliveries. You find
these instructions on the enclosed MERIDA
CD-ROM. Read these carefully before changing any
settings or doing any maintenance work on your rear
shock.
I
More information on adjusting and mainte-
nance is available on the internet at
www.srsuntour-cycling.com www.magura.com
www.ridefox.com www.rockshox.com
www.manitoumtb.com www.rst.com.tw
www.xfusionshox.com www.dtswiss.com