Bicycle Brake Lever Too Hard To Pull
Having a bicycle brake lever that is too hard to pull can be a frustrating experience for any cyclist. It can make riding more difficult and even dangerous, as it can take longer to stop the bike. There are several reasons why this can happen, and luckily, they are often easy to fix.
Reasons Why the Brake Lever is Too Hard to Pull
There are several reasons why a bicycle brake lever can be too hard to pull:
1. Brake Cable Tension
The brake cable tension could be too tight, causing the brake lever to be hard to pull. To fix this, you can loosen the brake cable tension by adjusting the barrel adjuster located near the brake lever. You can also adjust the cable tension at the brake caliper.
2. Brake Caliper Adjustment
The brake caliper could be misaligned or not adjusted properly. To fix this, you can loosen the mounting bolts on the caliper and adjust it until it is centered on the rim. You can also adjust the brake pads to ensure they are making proper contact with the rim.
3. Brake Pad Wear
The brake pads could be worn down, causing them to not make proper contact with the rim. To fix this, you can replace the brake pads with new ones.
4. Brake Lever Adjustment
The brake lever could be adjusted too tightly, causing it to be hard to pull. To fix this, you can adjust the tension on the brake lever by turning the adjustment screw located near the brake lever.
How to Fix a Bicycle Brake Lever that is Too Hard to Pull
Here are the steps to fix a bicycle brake lever that is too hard to pull:
Step 1: Inspect the Brake System
Inspect the brake system to see if there are any obvious issues, such as misaligned calipers or worn brake pads.
Step 2: Adjust the Brake Cable Tension
If the brake cable tension is too tight, adjust it by loosening the barrel adjuster located near the brake lever or adjusting it at the brake caliper.
Step 3: Adjust the Brake Caliper
If the brake caliper is misaligned, loosen the mounting bolts and adjust it until it is centered on the rim. Adjust the brake pads to ensure they are making proper contact with the rim.
Step 4: Replace the Brake Pads
If the brake pads are worn down, replace them with new ones.
Step 5: Adjust the Brake Lever Tension
If the brake lever tension is too tight, adjust it by turning the adjustment screw located near the brake lever.
Conclusion
A bicycle brake lever that is too hard to pull can be a frustrating experience, but it is often an easy fix. By inspecting the brake system and adjusting the cable tension, caliper, brake pads, and lever tension, you can get your bike back to stopping smoothly and safely. If you are unsure about any of these steps, it is always best to take your bike to a professional for repair.