How to Adjust the Hand Brakes on a Specialized Hotrock

As with any road or mountain bike, it is necessary to periodically adjust hand brakes on a specialized Hotrock bike. Even routine use can cause brakes to require adjustment, which is a fairly straightforward process once you understand the basics.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adjustable wrench

1. Depress the hand brake so that the brake pads come into contact with the rim of the wheel. Make sure the pads are making good contact on the rim and not the tire itself.

2. Locate the adjusting barrel, which is located on the side of the brake calipers. These are the large metal pieces that hold the pads and are connected by a pivot screw above the wheel. The barrel will have a plastic-coated cable coming into the top and only the inner wire extending through the adjusting barrel itself.

3. Locate the adjusting bolt or screw on the barrel. Loosen the bolt and pull the metal brake cable through the barrel until it is taught. Retighten the adjusting bolt or screw to hold the wire in place.

4. Release the brake handle and then depress it once again. Check for proper pad contact and make small adjustments by repeating the barrel adjustment procedure.

5. Make sure the pads are correctly mounted on the calipers and are in full contact with the rim when the handle is fully depressed.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure all connections and connectors, including bolts, are securely tightened.
• Use care when pulling the wire through the barrel as there is a possibility of receiving a puncture or cut from the bare end of the cable.

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