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| English
English |
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The Brake System
Brakes are used for adjusting one’s speed to the surrounding terrain and traf-
fic. In an emergency situation, the brakes must bring the STEVENS bicycle to a
halt as quickly as possible. In the event of such emergency braking, the rider’s
weight shifts forward abruptly, thus reducing the load on the rear wheel. On a
grippy surface it is therefore more likely that the rear wheel will come up and
that the STEVENS bicycle will overturn than that the tyres will lose grip. Such a
problem becomes particularly acute when riding downhill. Therefore, in case of an
emergency braking situation you must try to shift your weight back and down as
far as possible.
Actuate both brakes simultaneously and bear in mind that due to the weight
shift the front brakes can achieve a higher braking force.
With
rim brakes
long lasting braking or permanent dragging of the brake
pads can overheat the rim. This can affect the inner tube negatively or cause the
tyre to slip on the inner rim. Sudden loss of pressure while cycling can result in a
serious accident.
With
disc brakes
prolonged braking or permanent dragging of brake pads can
overheat the brake system. This can result in a loss of braking force, even to the
point of total brake failure, provoking serious accidents.
Therefore, check your riding manners and make it a habit to brake hard and
then to open the brake again, whenever the road surface and the situation allows
it. It is better to stop for a moment and let the rim cool down with the brake lever
released rather than to risk anything.
Functioning and Wear
Actuating the hand lever on the handlebar causes a stationary brake pad to
be pressed against a rotating braking surface generating friction. The resulting
friction slows down the wheel. The rate of deceleration is not only determined by
the force with which the brake pad is pressed against the braking surface, but
also to a decisive degree by the coefficient of friction, which depends on the two
materials that are rubbed against each other.
When water, dirt or oil gets in contact with one of the engaging surfaces, this
changes the coefficient of friction. This is why brakes respond at a slight delay and
less powerfully in wet weather. This applies in particular to rim brakes.
In order to maintain their effectiveness brakes need to be checked and read-
justed from time to time.
Rim Brakes (General)
The friction generated by braking causes wear to the brake pads as well as
to the rims. Frequent rides in the rain and soiling hasten wear on both engaging
surfaces. Once the abrasion of the rim has reached a certain critical point, the rim
may break under the tyre pressure. This can make the wheel jam or the inner tube
burst, both of which can cause a fall!
Contact your STEVENS dealer and have the remaining thickness of the rims
checked when you have worn through your second set of brake pads at the latest.
The rim thickness can be checked by a specialist with special measuring instru-
ments.
Some rims are provided with wear indicators. Once the abrasion of the rim
has reached a certain critical point, the brake indicator becomes visible in form
of small slots or a permanent strip or disappears (according to the model). In this
case you should also contact your STEVENS dealer at once and have your rim
replaced.
Danger:
Be careful while getting
used to the brakes.
Practise emergency
stops in a place clear
of traffic until you are
comfortable controlling
your STEVENS bicycle.
This can save you from
having accidents.
Danger:
Ensure that braking
surfaces and brake
pads are absolutely free
of wax, grease and oil.
Risk of accident!
Danger:
The assignment of brake lever to brake calliper can vary, e.g. left lever acts
on front brake. Have a look at the bike card and check whether the brake
lever of the front brake is on the side you are used to (right or left). If it is
not, ask your STEVENS dealer to switch the brake levers before you set off
for the first time.
Danger:
Wet weather reduces
the braking effect and
the road grip of the
tyres. Be aware of
longer stopping distanc-
es when riding in the
rain, reduce your speed
and actuate the brakes
carefully.
