41
e
f
g
h
Synchronizing and readjusting
Almost all brake designs have a bolt located next to one
or both brake calipers for adjusting the spring preload
(f)
. Turn the bolt slowly and watch how the gap changes
between brake pads and rim.
Adjust the spring in a way that with an unapplied brake
the gaps are equal on either side and the brake pads
touch the rim simultaneously during braking.
The position of the brake lever where the brake starts to
act, also referred to as the pressure point, can be adjust-
ed to the size of the hand as well as to individual conve-
nience by readjusting the brake cable. Make absolutely
sure you cannot pull the brake lever all the way to the
handlebar grip. With an unapplied brake the brake pads
should not be too close to the rim sides, otherwise they
could drag along the rim during riding. Before doing this
adjustment, observe the notes in the chapter “Adjusting
the brake lever reach”.
To readjust the brakes, unscrew the knurled lock ring lo-
cated at the point where the brake cable enters the brake
lever on the handlebars
(g)
. Unscrew the knurled, slot-
ted adjusting bolt by a few turns. This reduces the free
travel of the brake lever. Keeping the adjusting bolt firm,
tighten the lock ring against the brake lever unit. This
prevents the adjusting bolt from coming loose by itself.
Ensure that the slot of the bolt faces neither forward nor
upward, as this would permit water or dirt to enter more
easily.
G
Always test the brakes’ function when sta-
tionary
(h)
after adjusting them, making sure
the brake pads engage fully with the rim
when you pull them hard.
Hydraulic rim brakes
Functioning and wear
Common hydraulic rim brakes consist of two brake as-
semblies that are mounted on the left and right side of
the rim and connected by an assembly plate and, if nec-
essary by a brake booster. W Actuating the brake lever
compresses the hydraulic pistons through oil pressure,
pushing the brake pads against the rims.
The friction generated by braking causes wear to the
brake pads as well as to the rims. Frequent rides in the
rain and dirt and over hilly terrain can accelerate wear
on both braking surfaces. Some rims are provided with
wear indicators, e.g. grooves or circular indentations.
If the rim is worn down to the point where the grooves
or indentations are no longer visible, it needs to be re-
placed.
Summary of Contents for City Bikes
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