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PART 3
Caliper Brakes
STEP 9. Front Brake
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
Caliper Brakes
Most common on road bikes:
Locate the front brake quick release lever on the brake caliper. This is the lever that opens and closes
brake clearance to create tire clearance for wheel removal and installation. Move this lever down. You
will see the caliper arms and brake pads move in.
Check brake function:
Stand over the bike with the saddle between your legs. Squeeze both brake levers as hard as possible
about 10 times. The brake cables should not slip or become looser and the brake pads should not rotate.
Roll the bike forward and apply the brakes, you should see and feel the brakes work to stop the bike.
The brake pads should fully contact the rim or brake rotor within 1 inch of brake lever movement. The
brake lever must never bottom out or contact the handlebar or handlebar grip.
For caliper and linear pull type brakes, check that the brake pads contact the brake track of wheel rim
squarely, making full contact with the brake track. Properly set up, the brake pads should be close to, but
not touching the brake track of the rim. About 2mm clearance each side. No brake pad must ever make
contact with the tire or be positioned below the brake track on the wheel rim. If you see incorrect
alignment bring your bike to a professional bicycle mechanic.
WARNING
Brake set up is critical to your safety. If you discover a problem with your brakes, or if you have any
question or concern you must get help before riding. See Contact Information in this manual or
bring your bike to a professional bicycle mechanic.
