How to Improve Your Bike's Braking Performance
If your brakes squeak or squeal or they just don't seem to have the stopping power they used to, it's time to think about repairs or adjustments.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Bike Shorts
- Bike Brake Pads
- Bike Shoes
- Bike Tools
- Bike Water Bottle/cage
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-
1
Replace your brake pads if they are worn. See "How to Replace a Bike's Brake Pads," under Related eHows.
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2
Clean your rims. This can be done with alcohol and a clean rag.
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3
Check your cables. You may need to adjust the cable tension, or even replace your cables if they are worn or damaged.
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4
Consider upgrading your brakes. For mountain bikes, V-brakes are more powerful than cantilevers. On a road bike, dual pivot brakes are more powerful than conventional side-pull systems.
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5
Adjust your brake levers. If you have small hands, you may be able to adjust the reach on your brake levers to make them more comfortable.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you are not confident of your repair or adjustment skills, you may want to have the work done by a qualified bicycle mechanic.
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Comments
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Nov 22, 2005
Periodically sand down your brake pads. This can be done with a nail file or medium-grit sandpaper. Also grease the studs that your brakes bolt on to. -
Nov 22, 2005
Periodically sand down your brake pads. This can be done with a nail file or medium-grit sandpaper. Also grease the studs that your brakes bolt on to.
