MERIDIAN OWNER'S MANUAL THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY, PERFORMANCE AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION. READ THE MANUAL BEFORE TAKING YOUR FIRST RIDE ON YOUR TRICYCLE, AND KEEP THE MANUAL HANDY FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. To register your bike visit www.schwinnbikes.com/registerbike Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
Contents 1 Introduction Safety Signal Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 Safety User Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Protective Gear and Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Riding Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Wet Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Night Riding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3 Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 Introduction This manual contains important information regarding safety, assembly, use, and maintenance of the tricycle but is not intended to be a complete or comprehensive manual covering all aspects concerning bicycle ownership. We recommend consulting a bicycle specialist if you have any doubts or concerns regarding your experience or ability to properly assemble and maintain the tricycle. Our customer service department is dedicated to your satisfaction with Pacific Cycle and its products.
2 Safety Safety Signal Words The following safety signal words indicate a safety message. The symbol alerts you to potential hazards. Failure to follow the warning may result in damage to property, injury, or death. WARNING! ! Indicates a hazard or unsafe practice that will result in severe injury or death. Failure to read, understand and follow the safety information in this manual may result in serious injury or death.
Protective Gear and Clothing Always wear proper attire when riding the tricycle, you should wear: • Colors that are easily seen and, if possible, reflective clothing. • Clothing appropriate for the weather conditions. • Use of protective gear such as pads for the knees and elbows is highly recommended for children. • A properly fitted, ASTM or SNELL approved, bicycle helmet shall be worn at all times by riders of the tricycle. For information regarding how to properly fit a helmet visit: http://www.
• Always ride defensively in a predictable, straight line. Never ride against traffic. • Wear proper riding attire, reflective if possible, and avoid open toe shoes. • Concentrate on the path ahead. Avoid pot holes, gravel, wet road markings, oil, curbs, speed bumps, drain grates and other obstacles. • Avoid wearing loose pants. If you are wearing loose pants, tuck the pant leg into a sock or use leg clips/elastic bands to prevent them from being caught in the drive chain.
Night Riding • Riding at night is not recommended. Check with local law or regulations regarding the use of lights for night riding. • Ensure bicycle is equipped with a full set of correctly positioned and clean reflectors. • Use a white light on the front and a red light on the rear. If possible, use lights with flashing capability. Flashing lights enhance visibility. • If using battery powered lights, make sure batteries are well charged. • Wear reflective and light colored clothing.
3 Parts Before assembly check and see that all the parts are included. If parts are missing or damaged call customer service toll free at 1-800-626-2811. front brake lever rear brake lever handlebar front fender seat stem saddle wire basket plastic wheel caps (2) main frame front wheel rear fenders (2) rear frame rear brake secondary chain pedals (2) rear wheels (2) 6 Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
4 Hardware Handlebar Hardware Rear Wheel Axle Hardware stem wedge cap Frame Assembly Hardware 4 nuts 4 washers Secondary Chain Hardware secondary chain 2 master links 2 plastic caps 2 nuts 2 washers Basket Hardware 4 bolts 4 washers Rear Fender Hardware Front Wheel Axle Hardware 2 nuts 7 Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
5 Assembly ! WARNING! Improperly assembly of the tricycle may result in unexpected product performance and serious injury or death. Assemble the tricycle according to the instructions in this manual or have a professional bicycle mechanic assemble the tricycle.
Initial Set-up - Attach the Handlebars Parts: Handlebar, main frame 5. Rotate the handle bar so it is square with the fork. Hardware: The stem wedge bolt and binder bolt come 6. Tighten the stem wedge bolt to lock the stem attached to the handlebar. Stem wedge bolt cap. in place. Tools: 6 mm allen wrench, grease 7. Replace the cap onto the stem wedge bolt. 1. Position fork so the front brake is facing the front of the bike. Make sure the brake cables are not tangled 8.
4 binder bolt 8 Stem Minimum insertion mark 2 3 5 6 1 stem wedge bolt main frame 10 Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
Attach the Rear Frame Parts: rear frame, main frame Hardware: 4 nuts, 4 square bolts, 4 washers, come attached to the frame. Remove the nuts and washers only. Tools: None required. 1. Attach the rear frame to the main frame of the tricycle. Slide the U-shaped slot at the end of the rear frame onto the bolts next to the chain on the main frame. At the same time align the L-shaped slots of the rear frame with the bolts at the rear of the main frame. 2.
Attach the Secondary Chain Parts: secondary chain, frame assembly Hardware: 2 master links Tools: 17 mm open and box end wrench. 1. Wrap the secondary chain around the front sprocket on the rear hub and rear sprocket on the rear axle. 5. Firmly tighten the four bolts holding the rear frame to the main frame. Tighten nuts to 240in-lbs. 3 rear sprocket a 2.
Attach the Rear Wheels ! WARNING! Failure to properly tighten the nuts holding the wheels onto the tricycle may result in poor riding performance, the tire falling off and serious injury or death. Always be sure the wheels are securely attached to the frame before using the tricycle. 4. Screw the plastic caps on each end of the axles. Note: The drive wheel hub has a half-moon opening that matches the half-moon axle. Parts: Drive wheel, non-drive wheel Hardware: 2 plastic caps, 2 locknuts, 2 washers.
1 5 2 3 4 14 Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
Attach the Front Fender Parts: Front fender, main frame Hardware: washer, long screw, small screw, Tools: Phillips head screwdriver or 10mm hex wrench See the facing page for diagrams of the following steps. 1. Remove the fork protector (not shown). 2. Lift the brake noodle and cable out of the brake carrier. brake carrier 3. Remove the fender hardware from the fork (bolt, washer). 4.
5. Place a washer on the large screw and slide it through the fender attachment bar, and into the threaded hole in the fork. 6 6. Align the fender braces with the small hole on the ends of the fork. 7 3 7. Loosely screw the fender braces to the fork. Note: The fender will be positioned and firmly fastened after the front tire is attached. 5 Tip! 4 Decal should be on the outside of the frame. 16 Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
Attach the Front Wheel ! WARNING! Failure to properly tighten the nuts holding the wheels onto the tricycle may result in poor riding performance, the tire falling off and serious injury or death. Be sure the wheels are securely attached to the frame before using the tricycle. Parts: Front wheel, main frame assembly Hardware: 2 large nuts, 2 washers Tools: 15 mm open and box end wrench, Adjustable Pliers 3 1. Loosen nuts on the front wheel axle.
Assemble the Front Brake ! WARNING! cable adjustment barrel slot cable nut slot Failure to properly set the brakes may result in the inability to stop the tricycle movement and cause serious injury or death. Be sure the brakes are functioning properly before using the tricycle. 1 2 brake lever slot brake lever Note: The tricycle is shipped with the brake cable attached to the brake lever. Follow these steps if there is a need to re-attach the brake cable to the brake lever: 1.
Attach the Brake Noodle to the Brake Carrier 1. Squeeze the two brake arms together until the brake pads touch the wheel rim. brake noodle 2. With your opposite hand, pull the brake cable and insert the end of the brake noodle into the brake carrier. brake cable 2 1 brake arm brake arm wheel rim 19 Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
Aligning the Brake Pads Tools: 5 mm Allen wrench Pad alignment should be done before centering. Improper alignment can cause centering issues. For example the pad could be touching the tires or part of the pad may be contacting the rim. 1. Check for proper brake pad alignment on the wheel rim. If necessary, adjust the position or rotation of the pads. 2. Using a 5 mm Allen wrench, loosen the screw holding the pad. 3. Move and rotate the pad so it is centered on the rim and parallel with the ground. 4.
Centering the Brake Pads If you squeeze the brake lever and one brake arm moves more than the other, (or not at all), the brake is not centered. You will need to fine tune the brake pads. Multiple adjustments may be necessary to center the brake pads, correctly set the brake pressure, and set the gap between the brake pad and rim. Tools: 15 mm open and box end wrench, adjustable pliers, 5 mm allen wrench, phillips Head screwdriver See the facing page for diagrams of the following steps. 1.
5 1 Brake pads are centered on each side of the wheel Even space between brake pad and wheel 4 2 Wheel is centered 3 Even space between wheel and fork axle nut brake arm screw brake arm screw Note: If you run out of adjustment capability on one side, adjust the screw on the opposite side. If you run out of adjustment capability on both screws do a minor adjustment to the brake cable. Adjustments should be made to each side as equally as possible to prevent running out of adjustment capability.
Front Brake Adjustment Checks 1. Squeeze the brake lever as hard as you can several times to determine the cable is securely attached and the brake pads return to the center position. 2. Squeeze on the brake lever and check the brake cable tension allows the brake lever to travel about one-third of the way towards the handlebar when the brake pads make contact with the rim. 3. Check that both brake pads move evenly when the brake lever is squeezed and retract completely when the brake lever is released.
Check the Rear Band Brake System ! WARNING! Failure to properly set the brakes may result in the inability to stop the tricycle movement and cause serious injury or death. Always check the brakes are functioning properly before using the tricycle. NOTICE Lubricating the drum can cause faulty braking. Tools: 10 mm wrench or adjustable wrench. The tricycle is shipped with the rear brake assembled and connected.
2 cable adjustment barrel rear brake lever 7 adjustment barrel lock nut brake band on drum brake cable inner wire 5 brake cable seated in the adjusting barrel bolt 3 adjusting barrel bolt 4 pad control lever 1 rear brake shell 6 pinch bolt 25 Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
Brake Locking Buttons 1 2 Both the rear and front brake handles are equipped with brake locking buttons. The purpose of the brake locking button is to keep your tricycle from rolling when you have it parked. To lock the brakes: 1. Squeeze the brake lever tight. 2. While holding the brake lever closed, press down on the brake lever button. 3 3. Release the brake lever while holding down on the brake lever button. The brake will now be in the locked position. To unlock the brakes: 4.
Attach the Rear Fenders Parts: Rear Fenders, rear frame 6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the second fender. Tools: Phillips Head screwdriver or 10mm box wrench (minimum 4” shaft) Hardware: 3 small screws 1 The hardware comes attached to the frame. Remove the hardware before you begin this procedure. 5 4 1. Position the fender so the rear reflector is facing away from the bike. 2. Align the slots on the fender tabs with the slots on the rear frame tabs.
Assemble the Wire Basket 1. Fold the basket sides up. 2. Align the rings located on two corners of the basket. 3. Insert the pins on the end of the chain through the rings on the corners of the basket. 1 3 2 2 28 Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
Attach the Wire Basket ! 2 WARNING! Basket should not be used to carry people or pets. Parts: Wire basket, rear frame Tools: Phillips Head screwdriver Hardware: 4 screws, 4 washers The hardware comes attached to the frame. Remove the hardware before you begin this procedure. 1. Place the wire basket on the rear frame and align the slots on the basket with the threaded screw holes in the frame. Note: The slots on the wire basket are positioned so the basket can only be attached one way.
Attach the Saddle ! WARNING! Insufficient locking pressure on the seat stem may result in the seat slipping, loss of control and serious injury or death. Be sure the seat is locked and capable of supporting the weight of the rider before using the tricycle. Parts: Saddle, saddle stem Tools: 14 mm open and box end wrench, Adjustable Pliers 1. Place the saddle on the saddle stem. 2. Tighten the nuts on each side of the saddle stem until the saddle is securely attached to the stem.
Attach the Pedals NOTICE: Attaching a pedal to the incorrect side can strip the pedal threads and cause irreparable damage. Visually match the R and L stickers on the pedal and crank arm before attaching the pedals. 5. If the spindle is entering the hole cleanly then use a 15 mm wrench or pliers to tighten completely. 6. Repeat steps 2-5 for the opposite pedal. Parts: Left and right pedals, crank arms Tools: 15mm open and box end wrench, Adjustable Pliers 1.
Adjust the Handlebar ! WARNING! Failure to firmly tighten the handlebar stem wedge bolt, handlebar binder bolt, seat stem, and bar end extension clamping bolts may cause a sudden shift of the handlebar or seat and result in loss of control, falling, serious injury or death. Be sure the stem wedge bolt, handlebar binder bolt, seat stem, and bar end extension clamping bolts are firmly tightened before using the tricycle.
Adjust the Seat ! WARNING! Failure to insert the handlebar and seat stems beyond the “Minimum Insertion” line may cause the stem to break resulting in damage to the stem, loss of control, falling, serious injury or death. Insert the handlebar and seat stem into the frame until the Minimum Insertion Mark is not visible. If necessary, adjust the seat height and angle so the rider is comfortable and has complete control.
6 Use ! WARNING! Failure to follow all local and state regulations and laws pertaining to bicycle use as well as the safety warnings in this manual may result in serious injury or death. Always follow all local and state regulations and laws pertaining to bicycle use, follow the safety warnings in this manual and use common sense when riding the tricycle. Always conduct a pre-ride check of the tricycle condition before riding.
binder bolt Wheels and Tires handlebar The rims do not have dirt or grease on them. The wheels are properly attached to the stem tricycle and the axle nuts are tight. The wheel spokes are not loose or broken. The wheel rotation is smooth and there is no side to side movement. The tires are inflated to within the fork recommended pressure as displayed on the tire sidewall. wheel rim tire spokes The tires have tread and there are no bulges or excessive wear.
Accessories Chains The chains are oiled, clean and run smoothly Note: Extra maintenance is required in wet or dusty conditions. Bearings All bearings are lubricated, run freely and display no excess movement, grinding or rattling (Note: Check headset, wheel bearings, pedal bearings and bottom bracket bearings). The reflectors are good shape, properly placed and not obscured. All other fittings on the bike are properly and securely fastened, and functioning.
6 Maintenance and Troubleshooting ! WARNING! Failure to conduct maintenance on the tricycle may result in malfunction of a critical part and serious injury or death. Proper maintenance is critical to the performance and safe operation of the tricycle. The recommended intervals and need for lubrication and maintenance may vary depending on conditions the tricycle is exposed to. Always inspect the tricycle and conduct necessary maintenance before each use of the tricycle.
Lubrication Schedule Component Lubricant Weekly Method Chains Chain lube or light oil Brush on or squirt Brake levers Oil Two drops from oil can Brake calipers Oil Freewheel Oil Brake lever and caliper pivot points Light oil Brake cables Three drops from oil can Every Six Months Lithium based grease Two drops from oil can Remove cable from casing. Grease entire length. Wipe off excess lubrication from other surfaces.
Parts Maintenance Wheels Frequency: Inspect and maintain before each use. Inspect Action Rims Inspect for dirt and grease Wheels Check the wheels are securely fastened to the tricycle and axle nuts are tight. Spokes Hub Bearings Maintenance Use a clean rag or wash with soapy water, rinse, and air dry. Adjust if necessary and tighten axle nuts. Spin wheel and check that rotation and alignment are true See bicycle mechanic for repair.
Tires Frequency: Inspect and maintain before each use Inspect Tire Inflation Check tire pressure Action Check the bead is properly seated while inflating or refitting the tire. Spin wheel and check rotation / alignment is smooth and even. Bead Seating Check for broken or loose spokes Valves Check that valve caps are fitted and free of dirt. Tread Inspect for signs or excessive wear, flat spots or cuts and damage. Maintenance Inflate tire to the pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.
Brakes Frequency: Inspect and maintain before each use Inspect Levers Pads Cables Action Maintenance Check the levers are securely fastened to the handlebar. Position the levers to fit the rider’s grip and screw tight to handlebar. Check the outer casing for kinks, stretched coils and damage. Check cables for kinks, rust, broken strands or frayed ends. Check the outer casing for kinks, stretched coils and damage. Replace cable. Check pad position, gap and pressure.
Drivetrain (pedals, chains, chainwheel, crank set, freewheel) Frequency: as noted Inspect Pedals Pedal Bearings Chains Action Maintenance Every month, check each pedal is securely set and tighten into the crank arm. If necessary, re-set and tighten. Every month, check the pedal bearings are properly adjusted. Move the pedal up and down, left and right. If looseness or roughness is detected, adjustment, lubrication or replacement is required. See bicycle mechanic for repair.
Drivetrain maintenance continued . . . Inspect Crank Set Action Every month, check the crank set (crank arms, chain rings, and bottom bracket axle and bearings) is correctly adjusted and tight. Remove the primary chain. Replace cable. Maintenance Hub Bearings Hub bearings require special thin wrenches called “cone wrenches”. If you do not own these tools, do not attempt hub bearing adjustments. Have a qualified bicycle mechanic perform the adjustment if you have any doubts. 4.
Inflating the Tire Tube ! WARNING! An unseated tire can rupture unexpectedly and cause serious injury or death. Be sure the tire is properly seated when inflating the tube. ! CAUTION! 5. Complete inflation. 6. Be sure the tire is evenly seated on the rim, both sides. If not release some air and repeat steps three through six. 7. Check for dirt in the valve cap or stem. If necessary, clean dirt from cap or stem. 8. Securely replace the valve cap on the stem.
Repairing a Flat Tire ! WARNING! An unseated tire can rupture unexpectedly and cause serious injury or death. Be sure the tire is properly seated when inflating the tube. Follow these steps to fix a flat tire: 1. Match tube size and tire size (see tire sidewall for size). 7. Inflate the tube ¼ full and place inside tire. 8. Insert the valve stem through valve stem hole in rim. 9. Start at the valve stem and install the first bead onto the rim. Repeat for the second bead. 10.
7 Warranty LIMITED WARRANTY AND POLICY ON REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES & RESPONSIBILITIES Your purchase includes the following warranty which is in lieu of all other express warranties. This warranty is extended only to the initial consumer purchaser. No warranty registration is required. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
subject to the Terms and Conditions of the warranty listed below. If failure of any part should occur due to faulty materials or workmanship during the warranty period, the part will be replaced. All warranty claims must be submitted to the address located on the back cover, and must be shipped prepaid and accompanied by proof of purchase. Any other warranty claims not included in this statement are void. This especially includes installation, assembly, and disassembly costs.
8 Purchase Record Fill out this record and retain it as well as your sales receipt a record of your purchase and potential warranty claims. Name: Address: State/City/Zip: Date of Purchase: Place of Purchase: Serial Number: Model Number: Date Code: 48 Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
4902 Hammersley Road Madison, WI 53711 Service: 1-800-626-2811 www.pacific-cycle.com ©2012 Schwinn Meridian Manual R3 0918112 .
