as explained in the section for installing a brake cable, but without removing it.
Centering V-Brake, Cantilever and Caliper brakes.
Turn the central screw in short intervals, checking the centering often.
Adjusting the alignment of the brake shoes
- Loosen the brake shoe holder bolt.
- Follow the instructions for inspecting the alignment and tightening the shoes.
- After the brakes are adjusted, fully depress the levers 10 times. Make sure the cables do not
come loose, the shoes remain in the correct position with respect to the rim and that the tires
do not come in contact with the shoes.
Installing a brake cable
The installation of the cable in Cantilever brakes requires specific tools and know-how. Therefore
it should be done by an authorized dealer.
- Determine the reach of the old cable, loosen the brake cable anchor bolt and disassemble the
old cable.
- Grease the new cable and install it, positioning it with the same reach as the old cable.
- Check that the end of the cable is well-secured and properly adjust the housing.
- If necessary, follow the instructions for adjusting brake shoe alignment.
- Turn the bolt clockwise so the shoe is not above or outside the rim.
- Hold the shoes against the rim and tighten the bolt.
- Cut the end of the cable so that only 5mm of cable overhangs from the bolt.
- Attach an end cap to the end of the cable.
- Follow the inspection and adjustment instructions.
Opening the brake to remove the wheels:
Note: you must follow the inspection instructions in the wheels section to complete this installa-
tion.
- For most brakes, lift the brake release lever to the Open position. To close it, turn the lever to
the Closed position.
adjuster screw
- For Cantilever and Caliper brakes: release the straddle cable. With one hand, squeeze the
brake shoes against rim, and with the other, pull the cable end cap away from the retention
holder. Once the shoes are released, the brake will open. To close the brake, follow these ins-
tructions in reverse.
- For V-Brakes: disconnect the noodle from the noodle holder. With one hand, squeeze the brake
shoes against rim, and with the other, pull the noodle backwards from the holder and lift the
noodle. Once disconnected, the brake will open when you release the shoes. To close the brake,
follow these instructions in reverse.
Lubrication
- Every 3 months, lubricate the brake lever pivots with synthetic lubricant as you would for the
chain.
- When you are going install a brake cable, you should grease it with a thin layer of synthetic
lubricant.
HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES:
Introduction
Instead of a shoe exerting pressure on the rim of wheel, a pad acts on a disc located in the front
or rear hub. The disc fits onto the hub with bolts on the left side. The braking system is made up
of:
- Braking levers / Fluid reservoir
- Hydraulic hose
- Disc brake pad
Brake fluid from disc brakes is highly corrosive. Avoid contact with the skin or bicycle, as it
could corrode the paint.
Disc brakes can become very hot after use. Be very careful when inspecting them. Like with
other parts of your bike, avoid inserting your fingers in the disc.
WARNING Disc brakes can even burn your skin. Moreover, the corners can be sharp and cut
you. Avoid touching the disc and brakes when they are hot or rotating.
You should not depress the brake levers when the disc is not inside the caliper. If the lever is de-
pressed when the disc has been removed, the distance between the pads is almost null due to
the self-adjuster. Therefore, you will not be able to reassemble the disc. If this were to happen,
consult the disc brake manual or go to your authorized dealer.
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