8. Adjusting the bike to the rider
Untighten the stem clamping bolts at the side
of the stem and pull the stem off the fork.
Now you can remove the spacers.
Raising the handlebar height must
not be achieved by simply mounting
more spacers. The upper edge of the stem
clamping (or the spacer respectively) must
surmount the top of the fork’s steerer tube
by approximately 3 mm.
Slip the spacers you have removed onto the
fork tube above the stem.
If you want to turn the stem around, you also
have to release the bolts securing the han-
dlebars. If the stem is fitted with a cap, you
can simply take out the handlebars at this
point. If it is not fitted with a cap, you have
to remove the handlebar fittings (see chapter
8.5
“Adjusting the tilt of the handlebars, bar
ends and brake levers”
).
After turning the stem around, centre the
handlebars and screw them tight again (see
chapter 8.5
”Adjusting the tilt of the handle-
bars, bar ends and brake levers”
).
Readjust the bearing, align the stem and then
tighten it (see chapter 12.
“The headset“
).
Check whether the handlebars are firmly
seated in the stem by trying to turn the han-
dlebars downwards. Also check, whether you
can twist the handlebars and stem against
the fork. Do this by holding the front wheel
between your knees and trying to twist the
handlebars. If there is any movement, care-
fully tighten the bolts a little more and check
again. Do not go beyond the maximum per-
missible torque!
Do not use a steel stem together with
aluminium handlebars unless this
combination is expressly approved by the
manufacturer.
Make sure the stem clamp is free
of sharp edges.
When removing the spacers, you will
have to shorten the fork’s steerer tube.
This adjustment is irreversible and in any
case best left to an expert. When you are
sure of the position you want, ask your
MERIDA dealer to do the job for you.
Note that the bolted connections of
stem and handlebars have to be tight-
ened to their specified torques. If you disre-
gard the prescribed values, the handlebar
or stem may come loose or break.
Stems come in very different lengths
as well as shaft and binder tube
diameters. A stem of inappropriate dimen-
sion can become a serious source of dan-
ger: Handlebars or stem can break, causing
an accident in the process.
If your road racing bike is equipped
with a carbon fork, you will find
more information in chapter 28.4
“Carbon
handlebars and stems”
and chapter 28.5
“Carbon seat post”
.
