How to Adjust Caliper Bike Brakes

Road bicycles featuring caliper brakes.

Like the measuring instrument for which it's named, the bicycle caliper brake features a pair of pivoting arms that open and close. When the brake lever is pulled, the attached cable moves the two arms in toward the wheel. The brake pads then grip the sides of the wheel, causing the bike to slow. For this action to occur, the caliper brake cable must be properly tensioned. Cable tension allows the brake to respond swiftly and effectively to the brake lever.

Things You'll Need

• 5 mm Allen key

Instructions

1. Use a 5 mm Allen wrench to loosen the brake cable pinch bolt. The pinch bolt secures the cable to the body of the caliper brake.

2. Turn the brake cable barrel adjuster all the way into the body of the brake, and then give it three to four turns in the opposite direction. The barrel adjuster can be found where the cable first enters the body of the brake.

3. Pinch the sides of the brake so that the brake pads touch the sides of the rim. While holding the brake in this position, use the thumb and forefinger of the same hand to pull the end of the brake cable fairly tight. Hold this position for now.

4. Use the 5 mm Allen key to tighten the pinch bolt onto the cable. Release the brake and brake cable with your other hand.

5. Turn the barrel adjuster in toward the body of the brake. Continue to turn until each brake pad clears the side of the rim by 3 to 4 mm.

References

• SheldonBrown
• ParkTool