Operation Manual

33
9.3.1 Functional check
Check whether the brake pads are perfectly
aligned with the rims and still sufficiently thick.
You can tell this by the grooves in the brake
pad. If the pads are worn down to the bottom
of the grooves, it is time to replace them.
The brake pads should hit the rim simulta-
neously, both first touching it with their front
part. At the moment of the first contact the
rear part should be a millimetre away from
the rim. Viewed from the top the brake pads
form a “V” with the trough pointing to the
front. This V-shaped setting prevents screech-
ing when the brakes are applied.
9.3.2 Synchronizing and adjusting the
brakes
Almost all brake designs have a bolt located
next to one or both brake pads for adjusting
the initial spring tension. Adjust this bolt until
the distance between brake pad and rim is
the same on either side.
9. The brake system
To adjust the brakes, release the knurled lock
ring located at the point where the brake
cable enters the brake lever at the handle-
bars.
Release the knurled, slotted adjusting bolt by
a few turns. In this way you shorten the free
travel of the brake lever.
Tighten the lock ring against the brake lever
mount while holding the adjusting bolt. This
prevents the adjusting bolt from coming loose
by itself.
Ensure that the slot of the bolt faces neither
forward nor upward, as this would permit
water or dirt to enter.
Adjusting the brake pads to the
rims requires a considerable degree
of skill. Replacing and adjusting the brake
pads is a job best left to your MERIDA deal-
er.
The brake lever must always remain clear of
the handlebars. You should not be able to pull
it all the way to the handlebars – not even in
the event of an emergency stop.