32
Tech
Brakes
Brake controls and features
It’s very important to your safety that you learn and remem-
ber which brake lever controls which brake on your bike. Tradi-
tionally, 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 posi-
tion, the brakes are inoperative. Ask your dealer to make sure
that you understand the way the brake quick release works on
your bike (see fi g. 4-6 through fi g. 4-8 ) and check each time to
make sure both brakes work correctly before you get on the bike.
fig. 4-5
fig. 4-6
fig. 4-7
fig. 4-8
fig. 4-9