Adjusting Back Brakes On A Bicycle
Adjusting the back brakes on a bicycle is an important maintenance task that every cyclist should know how to do. Brakes are one of the most important safety features on a bike, so it's essential that they work correctly. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of adjusting the back brakes on your bicycle.
Tools you'll need
Before you get started, you'll need a few tools:
- Wrench set
- Allen key set
- Cable cutters
Step-by-step guide
Follow these steps to adjust the back brakes on your bicycle:
Step 1: Check the brake pads
The first thing you should do is check the brake pads. Make sure they're not worn down or damaged. If they are, you'll need to replace them before you can adjust the brakes.
Step 2: Locate the brake cable
Next, locate the brake cable. It runs from the brake lever on the handlebars to the brake caliper on the wheel. You'll need to adjust the tension on this cable to adjust the brakes.
Step 3: Loosen the cable
Use your wrench or Allen key to loosen the nut that's holding the brake cable in place. This will allow you to adjust the tension on the cable.
Step 4: Adjust the brake pads
Use your cable cutters to adjust the position of the brake pads. They should be positioned so that they're hitting the rim of the wheel when you apply the brakes. Make sure they're hitting the rim evenly on both sides.
Step 5: Tighten the cable
Once you've adjusted the position of the brake pads, tighten the nut on the brake cable again. Make sure the cable is tight enough that the brake pads hit the rim of the wheel when you apply the brakes, but not so tight that they rub against the wheel when you're not using the brakes.
Step 6: Test the brakes
Finally, test the brakes to make sure they're working correctly. Squeeze the brake lever and make sure the brake pads hit the rim of the wheel evenly on both sides. If they don't, you may need to adjust the position of the brake pads again.
Conclusion
Adjusting the back brakes on a bicycle is a simple process that can make a big difference to the safety and performance of your bike. Make sure you check your brakes regularly and adjust them as needed to keep them working correctly.