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Checking, Readjusting and Synchronizing Racing/Side-Pull Brakes
Functioning and Wear
Via levers on the handlebar and cables the brake pad are pressed on the
braking surfaces. The friction produced slows down the wheel. If water, dirt or oil
come into contact with one of the braking surfaces, this changes the coefficient of
friction and deceleration is reduced. This is why brakes respond with a slight delay
and less powerfully in wet weather.
In order to maintain their effectiveness, brakes need to be checked and read-
justed regularly.
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, they need to be replaced. 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. Risk of
accident!
Danger:
Damaged brake cables
that are for example
frayed have to be
replaced immediately,
otherwise there is the
risk of brake failure
which can result in a fall.
Functional Check
Check whether the brake pads are accurately aligned with the rims and still
sufficiently thick. You can judge the wear of the brake pads by the appearance
of grooves. If the pads are worn down to the bottom of the grooves, it is time to
replace them. Be sure to observe the according instructions of the respective
manufacturers.
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.
They have special measuring devices for determining the remaining thickness of
the rims.
Both brake arms must hit the rim simultaneously, when you actuate the brake
lever. They must keep off the tyre.
The brake lever must always remain clear of the handlebar. You should not
even be able to pull them all the way to the handlebar in the event of an emer-
gency braking. If this is the case, however, observe the following chapter
“Syn-
chronising and Readjusting”
.
The brake is correctly adjusted only when all these tests have been passed
successfully.
Synchronising and Readjusting Dual Pivot Brakes
With dual pivot brakes, turn the small (headless) screw, located at the side or
on top of the calliper, until the left and right brake pad are at the same distance
from the rim.
Furthermore, check whether the bolt connecting the brake to the frame is still
tightened to the prescribed torque value, as specified in the chapter
“Recom-
mended Torque Settings”
.
The position of the brake lever where the brake starts to act, also referred to
as pressure point, can be adjusted to the size of the hand as well as to individual
convenience 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 making this adjustment, observe the notes
in the chapter
“Adjusting the Brake Lever Reach on STEVENS Road Racing
Machines, Cyclocross Bicycles and Gravel Bikes”
.
With ongoing brake pad wear, the pressure point at the brake lever moves
towards the handlebar. Check the free travel at regular intervals; it should not be
longer than a quarter of the whole travel. To adjust the brake, turn the knurled nut
or bolt through which the brake cable passes at the yoke until the travel of the
brake lever suits your needs. Test the brakes subsequently in a place free of traffic.
Danger:
Have your rims regularly
inspected and measured
by your STEVENS dealer.
Danger:
Adjusting the position of
the brake pads relative
to the rims requires a
considerable degree
of skill. Replacing and
adjusting the brake pads
is a job best left to your
STEVENS dealer.
Danger:
Adjusting the position of the brake pads relative to the rims requires
a considerable degree of skill. Replacing and adjusting the brake pads is a
job best left to your STEVENS dealer.
Danger:
Always test the brakes’ function when stationary after adjusting them,
making sure the brake pads engage fully with the rim without touching the
tyre when you pull them hard. Make sure that you cannot pull the lever all
the way to the handlebar.
