How to Adjust Brake Levers

A brake lever requires proper cable tension to work.

Brake levers are a common feature on bicycles. Brake levers attach to either end of the handlebar and are normally linked to the actual brake by a cable. Each time the brake lever is squeezed, the cable causes the brake arms to compress. Rubber pads attached to the insides of the arms grip the sides of the wheel, slowing the bicycle. As the brake cable stretches with use, brake levers have to be squeezed harder to engage the brake. Adjusting cable tension periodically allows the brake lever and the brakes to work effectively.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Locate the brake cable adjusting barrel. The barrel is found either beside the brake lever or where the cable meets the actual brake.

2. Turn the barrel away from the brake lever or brake, depending on the design. Turning the barrel away from the brake lever or the brake increases tension on the cable.

3. Take the bicycle for a brief ride in a safe area.

4. Check the adjustment by operating the brake lever. Check that the bicycle decelerates effectively but not abruptly.

5. Turn the adjusting barrel in the proper direction if further adjustment is needed. Abrupt response from the brake indicates too much tension on the cable. Slow response from the brake indicates a lack of tension.

References

• Park Tool: Linear Pull Brake Service
• Park Tool: Dual Pivot Brake Service
• "Bicycle Maintenance and Repair for Road and Mountain Bikes"; Todd Downs; 2005