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WARNING: Do not overtighten the cable clamp. Overtightening the cable clamp may cut the
cable and cause injury to the rider or to others.
Do step 3 until the brake shoes are the correct distance from the rim. Turn the locknut(s) against the
brake lever and the caliper brake.
WARNING:
Do not move the brake shoes away from a wheel rim that is not true (straight). This can
cause the caliper brake to be less effective and unsafe. To allow safe adjustment of the caliper brake,
have a bicycle service ship true the wheel.
4. Check sheath position:
Make sure both ends of the sheath are fully recessed in the brake lever, sheath stops (if equipped)
and brakes. If not, install sheath in correct position and do Step 3 again. Do this test again, until the
sheath is in the correct position.
5. Test the tightness of the cable clamp:
Squeeze each brake lever with firm pressure. Make sure the cable does not move in the cable clamp.
If the cable moves in the cable clamp, do Steps 3 and 4 again but tighten the cable clamp tighter than
before. Do this test again, until the cable does not move in the cable clamp.
6. Adjust the brake lever reach so the distance from the grip is comfortable to the rider.
Turn the adjustment screw (if equipped) to change the distance of the brake lever from the grip. Make
sure the back of each grip is no more than 3 inches from the front of each brake lever.
7. Test the travel of each brake lever:
Squeeze each brake lever with strong pressure. If the brake lever touches the grip, do Steps 1 through
7 again.
WARNING:
After you do Steps 1 through 7 again, if either brake lever touches the grip or does not
work well, have a bicycle service shop repair or adjust the caliper or cantilever brakes.
Reducing Caliper Brake Noise (Caliper Brake Only)
It is common for caliper brakes to make noise or "squeak" when in use. This noise does not normally
indicate a brake problem. Following the instructions below may reduce the noise:
Make sure the caliper brakes are adjusted correctly. Using a small adjustable wrench, bend each
caliper arm so the front edge of each brake shoe is the first part to touch the rim.
WARNING:
Bend each caliper only a small amount. If you bend the caliper arm too far, the caliper
brake can be damaged and performance of the caliper brake reduced.
BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION
Operate the brakes as follows:
Squeeze the brake lever on the handlebar. The brake lever pulls on a cable that is attached to the
brake. The brake squeezes the rim between two brake shoes.
Operate the brakes by slowly and continuously squeezing both brake levers until you feel the braking
action. Make a habit of always using both brakes to stop the bicycle. You will stop in the shortest
distance by using both brakes.
WARNING: If you do not obey the following instructions, injury to the rider or to others can
occur:
Before you ride the bicycle for the first time, check and adjust the brakes as written in the
"Adjustments" section. Then test the brakes and practice using them at low speed in a large and level
area that is free of obstruction.
When correctly used, the brake system is very effective. But, if you apply the front brake too strongly,
you can be thrown off the bicycle. Make a habit of always using both brakes to stop the bicycle.
Always try to brake while going in a straight line. Apply brakes earlier in the following conditions: wet
pavement, sand, gravel, leaves, or if you need to brake while turning. To reduce the chance of
skidding apply brakes intermittently.
