Changing Components Or Adding Accessories; Section 4 - Fit; Standover Height; Saddle Position - Merida PowerCycle User Manual

3f. CHANGING COMPONENTS OR ADDING
ACCESSORIES
There are many components and accessories available to
enhance the comfort, performance and appearance of your
bicycle. However, if you change components or add acces-
sories, you do so at your own risk. The bicycle's manufac-
turer may not have tested that component or accessory
for compatibility, reliability or safety on your bicycle. Be-
fore installing any component or accessory, including a dif-
ferent size tire, make sure that it is compatible with your
bicycle by checking with your dealer. Be sure to read, un-
derstand and follow the instructions that accompany the
products you purchase for your bicycle.
WARNING: Failure to confirm compatibility, properly
install, operate and maintain any component or
accessory can result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION: Changing
components on your bike may void
the warranty. Refer to your
warranty, and check with your
dealer before changing the
components on your bike.
4. FIT
Make sure the bike fits. A
bike that's too big or too
small is harder to control
and can be uncomfort-
able.
NOTE:
Correct fit is an essential element of bicycling safety, per-
formance and comfort. Making the adjustments to your bi-
cycle that results in correct fit for your body and riding con-
ditions requires experience, skill and special tools. Always
have your dealer make the adjustments on your bicycle; or,
if you have the experience, skill and tools, have your dealer
check your work before riding.
WARNING: If your bicycle does not fit properly, you
may lose control and fall. If your new bike doesn't fit, ask
your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.
4a. STAND OVER HEIGHT
Stand over height is the basic element of bike fit.
It is the distance from the ground to the top of the bicycle's
imaginary top tube at that point where your crotch would
be if you were straddling the bike and standing half way
between the saddle and the handlebars. To check for cor-
MERIDA USERS MANUAL
the
rect stand over height, straddle the bike while wearing the
kind of shoes in which you'll be riding, and bounce vigor-
ously on your heels. If your crotch appears to touch the
imaginary top tube, the bike is too big for you. Don't even
ride the bike around the block. A bike that you ride only on
paved surfaces and never take off-road should give you a
minimum stand over height clearance of five centimeters.
A bike that you'll ride on unpaved surfaces should give you
a minimum of seven and a half centimeters of stand over
height clearance.
4b. SADDLE
POSITION
Correct saddle adjust-
ment is an important
factor in getting the most
performance and comfort
from your bicycle. If the saddle
position is not comfortable for you, see
your dealer, who has the tools and skill to
change it.
The saddle can be adjusted in three direc-
tions (figure 1):
1. Up and down adjustment (Figure 1A). To check for cor-
rect saddle height:
• Sit on the saddle
• Place one heel on a pedal
• Rotate the crank until the pedal with your heel on it is
in the down position and the crank arm is parallel to the
seat tube.
If your leg is not completely straight and
just touching the center of the pedal,
your saddle height needs to be ad-
justed. If your hips must rock for
the heel to reach the pedal,
the saddle is too high. If
your leg is bent at the
knee with your heel on
the pedal, the saddle is
too low.
Figure 1C
Figure 1B
Figure 1A
Once the saddle is at the correct
height, make sure that the seat
post does not project from the
frame beyond its "Minimum In-
sertion" or "Maximum Exten-
sion" mark. If you can read the
markings on the seat post - go
see your MERIDA Dealer.
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