9. The brake system
The brake system
Brakes are used for adjusting one’s speed to
the traffic situation. If necessary, they must be
able to bring the bike to a halt as quickly
as possible. Such emergency-stops are also
a study in physics. In the process of braking
the rider’s weight shifts forward, thus reduc-
ing the load on the rear wheel. The rate of
deceleration is primarily limited by the dan-
ger of overturning and only in the second
place by the road grip of the tires. This prob-
lem becomes particularly acute when riding
downhill. When performing an emergency
stop, you have to try to put your weight as
far back as possible.
Actuate both brakes simultaneously. Bear
in mind that due to the weight transfer, the
front brakes take by far the greater part of
the load.
9. Brakes – how they work and
what to do about wear
Actuating the hand lever on the handlebars
or the back pedal brake causes a brake pad
to be pressed against a brake surface, and
the ensuing friction slows down the wheel. If
water, dirt or oil gets in contact with one of
the engaging surfaces, this changes the coef-
ficient of friction and deceleration is reduced.
This is why brakes respond at a slight delay
and less powerfully in wet weather. This
applies above all to rim brakes.
In order to maintain their effectiveness, brakes
need to be checked and readjusted once in a
while.
Be careful while getting used to the
brakes. Practise emergency stops in a
place clear of traffic until you have perfect
command of your bike. This can save you
from having accidents in road traffic.
The assignment of brake lever to brake
pad, e.g. right lever acts on rear
brake, can vary. Please make yourself
familiar with the lever-to-brake assignment
on your bike or ask your MERIDA dealer to
change the brakes as you want them.
Always brake carefully when riding
on wet or slippery roads, as the
wheels can easily slip away. Make a habit
of riding more slowly in such conditions.
If parts of the brake system, e.g. the
brake pads, must be replaced, please
use original spare parts only.
Do not imitate!