Tech
cont’d
A. Brake Controls and Features
Its very important to your safety that you learn and
remember which brake lever controls which brake your bike.
Traditionally, the right brake lever controls the rear brake and the
left brake lever controls the front brake; but, to make sure your
bike’s brakes are set up this way, squeeze one brake lever and look
to see which brake, front or rear, engages. Now do the same with
the other brake lever.
Make sure that your hands can reach and squeeze the
brake levers comfortably. If your hands are too small to operate the
levers comfortably, consult a certified bike mechanic before riding
the bike. The lever reach may be adjustable; or you may need a
different brake lever design.
Most rim brakes have some form of quick-release mechanism to
allow the brake pads to clear the tire when a wheel is removed or
reinstalled. When the brake quick-release is in the OPEN position,
the brakes are inoperative. Ask a certified bike mechanic to make
sure that you understand the way the brake quick-release works on
your bike (see fig. 12-15) and check each time to make sure both brakes work correctly before
you get on the bike.
B. How Brakes Work
The braking action of a bicycle is a function of the friction between the braking surfaces.
WARNING
:
1. Riding with improperly adjusted brakes, worn pads, or wheels on which the rim
wear mark is visible is dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.
2. Applying brakes too hard or too suddenly can lock up a wheel, which could 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.
3. Some bicycle brakes, such as disc brakes (fig. 11) and linear-pull brakes (fig. 12), are
extremely powerful. Take extra care when using them.
4. Some bicycle brakes are equipped with a brake force modulator, a small, cylindrical
device through which the brake control cable runs and which is designed to provide a
more progressive application of braking force. A modulator makes the initial brake
lever force more gentle, progressively increasing force until full force is achieved. If
your bike is equipped with a brake force modulator, take extra care in becoming
familiar with its performance characteristics.
5. Disc brakes can get extremely hot with extended use. Be careful not to touch a disc
brake until it has had plenty of time to cool.
6. See the brake manufacturer’s instructions for operation and care of your brakes, and
for when brake pads must be replaced. If you do not have a manufacturer’s
instructions, contact Kettler’s Parts & Service, [email protected] / 866-804-0440.
7. If replacing worn or damaged parts, use only manufacturer-approved genuine
replacement parts.
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Summary of Contents for KC720-220
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