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Adult Trike

How to Assemble a Meridian Tricycle

You got your bike, but now you have to take it out of its box and assemble it. Here is a video and written out steps on how to assemble a Schwinn Meridian tricycle.

Charles Luiting


You’re one step closer to hittin’ the pavement on your Schwinn tricycle! Before riding, always make sure your tires are inflated and that your brakes are working properly. Read the quick start guide below and your Schwinn bicycle owner’s manual. Both contain important safety information.

You’ll need the following tools:

  • 4, 5 and 6mm hex keys
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Philips head screwdriver
  • Box cutter, cable cutter, or scissors
  • Pedal wrench or adjustable wrench

Let’s get started!

Unbox

Take all bike parts out of the box and remove packaging materials.

Install Handlebars

Remove the plastic plug from the top of the fork steerer tube, then insert the stem quill into the steerer tube. Ensure the stem is inserted past the minimum insertion markings on the stem quill.

Loosen the stem faceplate bolts, just enough to allow the handlebar to rotate. Rotate the handlebar into a suitable position, then tighten the stem faceplate bolts evenly.

Install Seatpost

Open the seatpost quick-release lever, then slide the seatpost into the frame. Ensure the seatpost is inserted past the minimum insertion line marked on the post. Close the seatpost quick-release lever.

Install Front Fender

Turn the tricycle upside down. Slide the fender into place, then secure the fender struts to the fork dropout with fender bolts.

Slide the rubber cover off the brake cable carrier. Squeeze the brake arms together with one hand, using the other hand to disengage the brake cable from the slotted cable stop on the brake arm.

Install Front Wheel

Loosen both axle nuts at both ends of the axle and slide the tabbed washers out. Place the wheel into the fork dropouts, ensuring the tabbed washers are on the outside of both dropouts.

Rotate the tabbed washer so the tab engages the hole in the fork dropout, then finger tighten the nut. Repeat the process on the other side of the axle. Tighten both axle nuts.

Close the front brake by inserting the cable fitting into the slotted carrier on the brake, then slide the rubber seal over the cable fitting.

Insert the cable fitting into the slotted carrier on the brake, then slide the rubber seal over the cable fitting. Ensure the tire doesn’t rub on the fender or brakes.

Install Rear Drive Sub-Frame

Loosen and remove the four bolts at the rear of the main frame. Slide the rear drive sub-frame over the main frame until the holes in both components are aligned. Verify the secondary chain sprockets are in alignment. Reinstall the four bolts from the inside of the frame. Install washers and nuts on each of the four bolts. They only need to be finger tight at this point.

Slide the rear drive sub-frame all the way forward to ease installation of the chain. Lower the secondary chain into the frame ahead of the front gear, then wrap the chain back over the front gear. Thread the hanging section of chain back around the rear axle, but don’t put it onto the gear yet.

Push one side of the quick link onto one end of the secondary chain, then push the second side of the quick link over the opposite side of the other end of the chain. Bring the two ends of the chain together and snap both sides of the quick link together, then pull the chain taut. Inspect the quick link to verify both pins are fully engaged in the plates. Place the secondary chain over the rear drive gear.

Tighten the four bolts securing it to the main frame.

Install Rear Wheels

Locate the side of the wheel with a flat section that matches the flat section on the rear drive axle. That side of the wheel goes onto the axle first.

Align the flat sections on the hub and axle, then slide the wheel onto the axle until it stops. Slide one washer over the axle end, then thread the locknut on and tighten it with a wrench. It should be very tight. Push the plastic cap onto the locknut.

Repeat for the second rear wheel, then turn the tricycle right side up.

Install Basket & Fenders

Unfold basket panels. Raise the front panel and align it with the sleeves on the side panels, then fully insert the locking pins to secure it. Attach reflector to one rear fender.

Align the slots on the fender tabs with the slots on the wire basket frame. The reflector should face away from the tricycle.

From the inside of the basket, insert a screw through each of the three basket slots and fender braces. Secure with screws and washers. Align the slots on the basket with the threaded holes in the tricycle frame. Place a washer over each of the four screws, then install and tighten the screws.

Unfold the basket cover and place it into the middle of the basket. Fold the side pockets out over each side wall of the basket.

Install Pedals

Use wrench to tighten. Pedals are side specific, check sticker.

Adjustments & Safety Check

Adjust seat height. It should be about hip level when you’re standing next to the bike.

Verify Brakes Work

Roll bike back and forth slightly while operating the brakes.

Check Tires

Inflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which is marked on the tire sidewall.

And that’s it! Just put on your helmet and you’re ready to ride.

Adult Trike Assembly

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