6
. The wheels
. Wheel fastening with wheel nuts
or quick-releases
The wheels are attached to the frame at the
hub axles. Each axle is clamped tight in its
drop-outs by means of hexagon nuts or a
quick-release.
Wheel nuts usually require a 15 mm spanner
for tightening or loosening. This tool is a must
on any bike ride, as you can have a lot of
trouble repairing a puncture without it.
Quick-releases require no tools at all. Just
release the lever, unscrew it a few turns, if
necessary, and take out the wheel (see chap-
ter 7.
“How to use quick-releases”
). The only
drawback is that a thief will find this just as
easy to do!
There are special locks available which you
can use instead of quick-release levers. For
these you need a specially coded key or
an Allen key. If in doubt, ask your MERIDA
dealer.
The front wheel is usually additionally secured
by means of drop-out catches which prevent
the wheel from coming off altogether, if the
quick-release or nuts come loose.
In case your bike is equipped with quick-
releases, please read chapter 7.
“How to use
quick-releases”
.
Never ride a bike without first having
checked whether the wheels are
securely fastened. A wheel that comes loose
en route will definitely cause an accident!
If your bike is equipped with quick-
releases, be sure to lock it to an
immovable object together with the wheels
when you leave it outside.
