V-BRAKES (BIG FOOT 12)
To disconnect the brakes (to remove the wheel for example)
you need to release the curved metal tube (the guide pipe or
noodle) from it’s retainer connected to the brake arm. Grab
both brake arms with one hand and squeeze the brakes onto
the rim. There should now be enough slack in the cable to
unhook the lead pipe. If not, use the barrel adjuster on the
brake lever to add a little slack, but remember to take up
this slack before riding.
The brake pads on V-brakes have grooves in them to clear
water from the rim, replace pads before the pad is worn to
the bottom of these grooves. The pads can be simply
unbolted to replace. When unbolting be sure to keep the
washers and shims in the correct order. Slip these onto the
post of the new pad.
Hold the bed flat against the rim and tighten up the Allen
bolt. Double check the pad hits the rim squarely without
overlapping the edge of the rim.
To reconnect the brakes, squeeze the brakes against the rim
and hook the lead pipe back into the retainer. Make sure that
the lead pipe is correctly located and that the outer cable is
properly seated in the brake lever. As the pads wear, you can
take up additional cable slack with the barrel adjuster on the
brake lever. Keep an eye on the pads though, make sure that
they still hit the rim squarely. It only takes a few moments to
correct and may avoid problems later.
It is important that the parents or carers ensure that
the child is properly instructed in the use of the bicycle,
particular in the safe use of the braking systems.
IMPORtant stuff
