How To Adjust Bike Brakes

Learning how to adjust bike brakes will make your riding experience both more enjoyable and a lot safer. There are many types of bike brakes and the most the common are the standard the common side-pull brakes. When adjusting your bike brakes there are two important adjustments to be made, the first is the actual bike brake cable and the second is the position of the bike brakes. Learning how to adjust bike brakes is a fairly simple process and only a few tools may be required.

You will need the following tools:

• Pliers
• Allen Wrench Set
• Standard Screwdriver Set

Steps

1. Adjust brake cables. Adjust the cable tension for the bike brakes. Locate the barrel adjusted typically at the connection of the brake cable and the brake handle. Check and adjust the secondary barrel adjust located between the cable and the actual brake if necessary. Adjust the brake cable tension to a comfortable level as to allow your bike brakes to close tightly.
2. Adjust brake pads. Adjust the bike brake pads as needed. Start by loosening the connecting screw or bolts. Reposition the bike brakes and then tighten the brake pads again. Remember to place the big brakes in a way in which they make solid and even contact with the bike tire.
3. Center the bike brakes. Adjust the spring tension to center the bike brakes as needed. Do not adjust the centering of the bike brakes if they are positioned correctly.

Tips: Contact a qualified professional if you have doubts about your bike brakes. Remember, safety first.