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INSPECTING THE BRAKE SYSTEM
DANGER:
Defective brakes can endanger your life. Inspect the brakes carefully.
1. Inspecting brake pads/shoes
Firmly squeeze the brake levers so that the brake pads/shoes grip the rim/disc (the distance
between the lever and the grip should be 35 mm). The wheels should be locked completely
once you try to move them. The right lever brakes the rear wheel, the left brakes the front wheel.
2. Inspecting rim brakes and cables
It is important to keep the cables clean and in a good condition. The adjusting screws
should be securing them tightly.
Check the state of the screws by squeezing the braking levers
– the range of movement
should not be excessive (you should not be able to squeeze the levers fully).
The brakes are functioning correctly, if the entire brake shoe surface touches the rims when the
lever is squeezed and if the brake shoes are in line with the rim. After releasing the lever, the
distance between the rim and the brake shoe should be the same on both sides. If you have rim
brakes, it is important to check the brake shoes regularly for wear. The brake shoes’ rabbets
mark maximum possible wear.
3. Inspecting coaster brakes
You brake by back pedalling.
Check if the brake arm is sufficiently tightened to the frame. You should not have to back
pedal for more than ¼ spin. With drum brakes, visually check the cables and all
components (the inner mechanism can be checked only by authorized professional).