Gazelle bike, User Manual

Page: 10 / 26

18 19
Brake systems
Properly working brakes are of vital importance. In this chapter
we therefore pay attention to all types of brakes. You can read,
amongst other things, how to recognize and solve possible
problems.
Coaster brake
If you notice that the braking power of your coaster brake is
diminishing, please consult your Gazelle dealer. The maintenance
and possible repair of this brake system is a specialised job that
can only be performed properly by a professional.
Rim brakes
If you have a bike with rim brakes and you notice that the braking
efficiency diminishes it might be that your brake pads are worn
down. These pads are usually designed with grooves. These give
a good indication of the degree of wear. If the pads are worn
down to the bottom of the grooves, they should be replaced.
In that case, be sure to check that you mount the correct brake
pad type.
It is also important that there is not too much distance between
the brake pads and the rim. The ideal distance can be assumed
to be 1 millimetre. If the distance is greater it can be decreased
using the fine adjustment, which is located on the brake lever or
the brake itself ( figs. 35 and 37).
Rim brakes can also cause wear of the rims. This effect is speeded
up by sand or street dirt, for instance. Have your Gazelle dealer
regularly check your rims to determine if they are still stable or in
need of replacement.
Bear in mind that V-brake type rim brakes have a very powerful
braking action. Therefore, never use the front brake only. Always
use the front as well as the rear brake! This type of brake does
feature a power modulator. It prevents powerful braking from
being applied immediately; providing a slight delay before the
brake gives maximum power (fig. 35).
Drum brakes
Over time, drum brakes also show wear. You will notice this by
the fact that the brake levers will almost be able to touch the
handlebar. Usually, readjusting the brakes suffices.
If you have a cable-operated drum brake, turn nut (S) until the
brake lining just touches the drum barrel. You will be able to
notice this by spinning the wheel. If the wheel stops quickly,
then the brake is over tightened. In this case you should unscrew
nut (S) one or two turns until the wheel keeps spinning without
interruptions. Regularly pull the brake hard during its adjustment
to make sure that it ‘beds in’ correctly.
The same procedure can be followed for a rod-operated brake.
Just beware that you first adjust the front brake before you start
working on the rear brake.
Leave the replacement of brake shoes to your dealer. Only he
knows exactly which type of brake shoe must be fitted.
Rollerbrakes
Shimano’s roller brake is also a kind of drum brake. You achieve
the correct adjustment by turning the adjusters (S in fig. 37) at
the hub and the brake lever on the handlebar.
Disc brakes
Gazelle bikes can be fitted with hydraulic disc brakes. In the
chapter “Maintenance and inspection”, on page 27, you can read
how to adjust these brakes.
Brake pads need to be replaced when they are worn down to
half a millimetre.
The use of the bike
35
36
37
Under wet conditions rim brakes
have an increased braking
distance: keep this in mind!
S
S