BRAKE ADJUSTMENT
Proper brakes will have both pads contacting the rim
at the same time, centered, with the brake lever not
bottoming out against the handlebar grip. In addition to
this, the front of the brake pads (towards the front of the
bike) should contact the rim slightly before the rest of the
pad. If your side pull brake is not centered, or the pads
are not contacting the rim at the same time, loosen the
nut holding the brake to the fork (front) or the frame (rear).
Squeeze the brake lever firmly, and tighten the brake nut
while continuing to squeeze the brake lever. Squeeze the
brake lever several times to check to see if the brakes are
centered. If your U-Brake pads are not contacting the rim
at the same time, use a Phillips head screwdriver to screw
in the adjustment screw on the side that is contacting the
rim first. Squeeze the brake lever several times and re-
check the spacing.
When squeezed, the brake lever should be firm and not
bottom out against the handlebar grip. To remove slack
from the cable and make the lever more firm, use the barrel
adjuster on the brake lever or brake caliper. Unscrew the
barrel adjuster and locking nut one turn at a time until the
desired firmness is achieved. Keeping the barrel adjuster in
place, tighten the locking nut back down against the brake
lever or brake caliper. If your brake lever is still too soft after
adjusting, further adjustment may be needed by a bicycle
shop.
CAUTION:
If the barrel adjuster is loosened too
much it may fall out, causing brake failure.
WARNING:
Make sure your brake pads never make
contact with your tires. If your brake pads rub on the tires, it will
cause irreparable damage to your tire and tube, and may result
in a popped tire and could cause a loss of control resulting in
serious injury or even death.
Your brake pads should always contact the center of
the rim and not the tire. To adjust the position of the pad
on your rim, simply loosen the nut holding the pad on
enough to move the pad, reposition and re-tighten. In
addition to being centered on the rim, the front of the
pad (towards the front of the bike) should contact the
rim slightly before the rest of the pad. On a U-Brake
equipped bike, this adjustment can be made by loosening
the brake pad nut, repositioning, and re-tightening. If your
side pull brake pad is not adjusted like this, you may need
to take your bike to a bicycle shop for repair.
32
D