How to Repair Hand Bicycle Brakes
The brakes on your bicycle perform a very specific and important function that keeps you safe and makes riding a bike ultimately more comfortable, less nerve-racking, and more predictable: They slow you down. But bike brakes will only work correctly if they are kept in proper order and adjustment. If your bike's brakes aren't doing as good a job as they should, or are not working at all, fix them up at home and save time and money over taking your bike to your local bike shop.
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Instructions
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Set the bicycle in a work stand or on its kickstand so that it won't fall over while you are working.
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Using a combination or hex wrench, loosen the cable stops on both the front and rear brakes. Use your hands to push the cables up and down in the housing, if they are stiff, pull the cables out of the housing and squeeze a liberal amount of oil-based lubricant into the housing. Reinsert the cables into the housing.
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3
Reset both barrel adjusters (found at the end of the housing nearest the brake handles) by twisting them clockwise into the handles. Pull the cables tight using needle-nose pliers and tighten the cable stop of each brake using a hex or combination wrench.
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Sqeeze each brake seperately, testing for quick brake response and short lever throw. If the brake lever pulls too far toward the handlebar it will not give sufficient braking power, so twist the barrel adjusters counterclockwise to tighten the cable if necessary.
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Take the bicycle for a test ride in a safe, open area. Test the braking power of each brake separately and fine-tune the position of the barrel adjusters. When you are satisfied with the braking performance, feel free to take your bike for a long ride.
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