22
23
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 the manufacturer’s instructions,
see your dealer or contact the brake manufacturer.
7. If replacing worn or damaged parts, use only
manufacturer-approved genuine replacement parts.
1. Brake controls and features
It’s very important to your safety that you learn and
remember which brake lever controls which brake on 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 your dealer 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 your dealer to make sure
that you understand the way the brake quick release works on
your bike (see figs. 12, 13. 14 & 15) and check each time to make
sure both brakes work correctly before you get on the bike.
2. How brakes work
The braking action of a bicycle is a function of the friction
between the braking surfaces. To make sure that you have
maximum friction available, keep your wheel rims and brake pads
or the disk rotor and caliper clean and free of dirt, lubricants,
waxes or polishes.
Brakes are designed to control your speed, not just to stop
WARNING: Riding with an improperly tightened seat post can allow the saddle to
turn or move and cause you to lose control and fall. Therefore:
1. Ask your dealer to help you make sure you know how to correctly clamp your seat
post.
2. Understand and apply the correct technique for clamping your seat post.
3. Before you ride the bike, first check that the seat post is securely clamped.
Adjusting the seat post cam action mechanism
The action of the cam squeezes the seat collar around the seat post to hold the
seat post securely in place. The amount of clamping force is controlled by the tension
adjusting nut. Turning the tension adjusting nut clockwise while keeping the cam lever
from rotating increases clamping force; turning it counterclockwise while keeping the
cam lever from rotating reduces clamping force. Less than half a turn of the tension
adjusting nut can make the difference between safe and unsafe clamping force.
WARNING: The full force of the cam action is needed to clamp the seat post
securely. Holding the nut with one hand and turning the lever like a wing nut with
the other hand until everything is as tight as you can get it will not clamp the seat post
safely.
WARNING: If you can fully close the cam lever without wrapping your fingers
around the seat post or a frame tube for leverage, and the lever does not leave a
clear imprint in the palm of your hand, the tension is insufficient. Open the lever; turn
the tension adjusting nut clockwise a quarter turn; then try again.
C. Brakes
There are three general types of bicycle brakes: rim brakes, which operate by
squeezing the wheel rim between two brake pads; disc brakes, which operate by
squeezing a hub-mounted disc between two brake pads; and internal hub brakes. All
three can be operated by way of a handlebar mounted lever. On some models of bicycle,
the internal hub brake is operated by pedaling backwards. This is called a Coaster Brake
and is described in Appendix C.
WARNING:
1. Riding with improperly adjusted brakes, worn brake 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 in becoming familiar with these brakes
and exercise particular care when using them.