69
. The headset
Using a torque wrench, tighten the stem
clamping bolts gradually up to the maximum
value given in chapter 29
“Recommended
torques for bolted connections”
. You should
not be able to turn the stem against the fork
after tightening the bolts.
Check the headset for play as described
before. Take care not to tighten the bearing
too much, as this could easily destroy it.
To check the stem for tightness, stand in
front of the bike, fix the front wheel
between your knees, take hold of the han-
dlebars and try to twist them against the
front wheel. A loose stem can cause bad
accidents.
Riding the bike with a loose headset
subjects the fork and bearings to
extreme stress. This can lead to a fork rup-
ture with serious consequences!
With road bike steerer tubes made
of carbon the manufacturer’s manual
must be followed strictly. Be particularly
careful when clamping the stem, otherwise
you may damage the steerer tube.
Adjusting the headset requires a
certain amount of experience and
should therefore be left to your MERIDA
dealer. Be sure to follow the instructions of
the bearing manufacturer in any case.
Do not tighten the upper bolt com-
pletely, it only serves the purpose of
adjusting the bearing play.
