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MERIDA USERS MANUAL
and handlebar stem are parallel to the bike’s center line
and clamped tight enough so that you can’t twist them out
of alignment. If not, align and tighten them.
6. Handlebar ends:
Make sure the handlebar grips are se-
cure and in good condition. If not, replace them. Make sure
the handlebar ends and extensions are plugged. If not, plug
them before you ride. If the handlebars have bar end ex-
tensions, make sure they are clamped tight enough so you
can’t twist them. If not, tighten them.
7. Battery Pack Attachment:
Ensure your battery pack is firmly
attached to your bicycle before riding. To test battery at-
tachment, pull up on the battery pack handle after battery
is locked in place. If attached properly you will be able to
lift the bike off the ground. If not, the battery pack will come
off the bike.
8. Generator Powered Light:
Verify your front generator
mounting bolt is tight prior to riding to ensure light does
not interfere with your wheels.
WARNING: Loose or damaged handlebar grips or
extensions can cause you to lose control and fall.
Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut your body,
and can cause serious injury in an otherwise minor
accident.
2e. BEFORE YOUR FIRST RIDE
Before your first ride study this manual. Then make sure
you fully charge your battery with the appropriate charger.
Be sure to firmly attach the battery to the bicycle. Lift the
bike off the ground by the battery handle to ensure proper
installation.
2f. FIRST RIDE
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your first fa-
miliarization ride on your new bicycle, be sure to pick a con-
trolled environment, away from cars, other cyclists, ob-
stacles or other hazards. Ride to become familiar with the
controls, features and performance of your new bike.
1. Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the bike.
Test the brakes at slow speed, putting your weight toward
the rear and gently applying the brakes, rear brake first.
Sudden or excessive application of the front brake could
pitch you over the handlebars. Applying brakes too hard
can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to lose control
and fall (see section 5e).
2. If your bicycle has toe clips or clipless pedals, practice
getting in and out of the pedals.
3. If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how
the suspension responds to brake application and rider
weight shifts.
nuts? Check Section 5 to make sure. Riding with an improp-
erly adjusted wheel quick release or axle nut can cause the
wheel to wobble or disengage from the bicycle, and cause
serious injury or death.
5. Does your bike have suspension? Suspension can change
the way a bicycle performs. Follow the suspension
manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment and care.
6. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles
your toe or toe clip may be able to contact the front wheel
when a pedal is all the way forward and the wheel is turned.
2d. MECHANICAL SAFETY CHECK
Check the condition of your bicycle before every ride.
1. Nuts, bolts and straps:
Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the
front wheel off the ground by two or three inches then let
it bounce on the ground. Anything sound, feel or look loose?
Do a quick visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike.
Any loose parts or accessories? If so, secure them. If you’re
not sure, ask someone with experience to check.
2. Tires and Wheels:
Make sure tires are correctly inflated (see
section 5i). Check by putting one hand on the saddle, one
on the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then
bouncing your weight on the bike while looking at tire
deflection. Compare what you see with how it looks when
you know the tires are correctly inflated; and adjust if nec-
essary. Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and
look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged
tires before riding the bike. Wheels true? Spin each wheel
and check for brake clearance and side-to-side wobble. If a
wheel wobbles side to side even slightly, or rubs against or
hits the brake pads, take the bike to a qualified bike shop
to have the wheel trued.
CAUTION: Wheels must be true for the brakes to work
effectively. Wheel truing is a skill that requires special
tools and experience. Do not attempt to true a wheel
unless you have the knowledge, experience and tools
needed to do the job correctly.
3. Brakes:
Check the brakes for proper operation. Squeeze
the brake levers. Are the brake quick-releases closed? All
control cables seated and securely engaged? Do the brake
pads touch the wheel rim within an inch of brake lever
movement? Can you apply full braking force at the levers
without having them touch the handlebar? If not, your
brakes need adjustment. Do not ride the bike until the
brakes are properly adjusted.
4. Quick Releases:
Make sure seat post quick release is prop-
erly adjusted and in the locked position.
5. Handlebar and saddle alignment:
Make sure the saddle
