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27
4.3
BRAKES
Your OHM comes equipped with a front and rear hydraulic disc brake
system.
WARNING:
Riding with
improperly adjusted brakes or
worn brake pads is dangerous
and can result in serious injury
or death.
Braking systems today are very effective in providing responsive
braking power.
• Applying brakes too hard or too suddenly can lock up a wheel,
which can cause you to lose control and fall. Sudden or excessive
application of the front brake may pitch the rider over the
handlebars, which may result in serious injury or death.
• Your hydraulic disc braking system, when properly set up and
maintained, is extremely powerful. Take extra care in becoming familiar
with these brakes and exercise particular care when using them.
• Always apply your rear brake (RH lever) first.
• Disc brakes can get extremely hot with extended use. Be careful
not to touch a disc brake until it has had time to cool.
• See the brake manufacturer’s instructions for installation, operation
and care of your disc brakes. If you do not have the manufacturer’s
instructions, see your OHM dealer for assistance.
HOW BRAKES WORK:
It is very important for your safety that you learn how the brake
system works and which brake levers engage the front and back
brakes on your bike. Check to ensure your brakes are working
properly before every ride.
The braking action on your bicycle is a function of the friction
between the brake surface – the disc – and the brake pad. To ensure
you have maximum friction available, keep the disc and caliper clean
and free of lubricants, waxes or polishes.
Make sure the brake levers are positioned correctly by testing to see
that your hands can reach and squeeze the brake levers comfortably.
If your fingers cannot reach the levers and operate the braking
system comfortably, consult your dealer before riding the bike. The
lever reach can be adjusted to suit your hand or you may need a
different brake lever design.
>>
NOTE:
Along with the purpose of stopping your bike, braking
is used to control your speed. Maximum braking force for each
wheel occurs at the point just before the wheel “locks up” (stops
rotating) and starts to skid. Once the tire skids, you actually lose
most of your stopping force and all-directional control. You need to
practice slowing and stopping smoothly without locking up a wheel.
The technique is called
progressive brake modulation
. Instead
of jerking the brake lever to the position where you think you will
generate appropriate braking force, squeeze the lever smoothly
to progressively increase the braking force. If you feel the wheel
beginning to lock up, release pressure just a little to keep the
wheel rotating just short of lockup. It is important to develop a feel
Fig 4.3
Summary of Contents for bicycle
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