18
BRAKES
BRAKE SYSTEM ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING:
You must adjust the front brakes as written before you ride the bicycle.
1. Put the brake shoes in the correct position:
Loosen the nut (1) of each brake shoe. Adjust each brake shoe so it is flat
against the rim and aligned with the curve of the rim. Make sure each brake
shoe does not rub the tire. If the surface of the brake shoes has arrows,
make sure the arrows point toward the rear of the bicycle. Hold each brake
shoe in position and tighten the nut.
2. Test the tightness of each brake shoe:
Try to move each brake shoe out of position. If a brake shoe moves, do Step
1 again, but tighten the nut tighter than before. Do this test again, until each
brake shoe does not move.
3. Stretch the cable:
Hold both brake shoes against the rim. Loosen the cable clamp. Pull the
cable tight and tighten the cable clamp
WARNING: Do not overtighten the cable clamp. Overtightening the
cable clamp may cut the cable and cause injury to the rider or to
others.
Squeeze each brake lever firmly 20 times. Hold both brake shoes against
the rim and loosen the cable clamp. Pull the cable tight and tighten the
cable clamp.
The following sections describe final brake system adjustments required before riding. Determine
which style you have and follow the instructions.
1. Check tightness of caliper brake mounting nut or cantilever
mounting bolts (1):
Make sure each caliper brake mounting nut or cantilever mounting bolt is
tightened securely.
2. Center brake shoes on rim:
If you have a cantilever brake, turn the cable anchor bolt (6) on the
cantilever arm (4) to move the arm in or out so each brake shoe is the
same distance from the rim (3). If you have a caliper brake, hit downward
lightly on the return spring of the brake shoe (2) that is farther away from
the rim. Make sure both ends of the return spring stay hooked around the
inside edge or between the studs on the back of the caliper arms. Squeeze
the brake lever two times. Do this step again, until both brake shoes are
the same distance from the rim.
3. Put the brake shoes the correct distance from the rim (5):
Position each brake shoe 1/16 inch away from the rim. Turn the brake lever
adjusting barrel or caliper brake adjusting barrel in or out to make the
adjustment. If the brake shoes cannot be positioned the correct distance
from the rim, hold both brake shoes against the rim and loosen the cable
anchor bolt (6). Position each brake shoe 1/16 inch away from the rim. Pull
brake cable tight getting rid of any excess slack. Be careful not to pull
brake arm out of center. Tighten anchor bolt securely. Squeeze the brake
lever to check brake action.
