How to Adjust Road Bike Brakes
One of the most important safety features on a road bike is the brakes. In order to stop quickly and safely, it is imperative that your brakes are properly adjusted.
Here are tips on how to adjust road bike brakes.
- Inspect your brake pads regularly and replace them when they reach the wear limit indicated by the manufacturer.
- Check your brake pads for alignment and adjust them if necessary. Misaligned brake pads can cause premature wear and impact braking performance.
- Clean your brake pads and rims periodically with a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and grime build-up.
- Adjust the distance between your brake pads and rims so that there is a slight gap of about 1-2mm. If the gap is too large, your brakes will be less effective. If the gap is too small, your brake pads may rub against your rims which can cause damage.
- Check that your brake cables are in good condition and replaced them if necessary. Broken or frayed cables can cause poor braking performance or failure entirely.
- Adjust the tension of your brake cables periodically to ensure they are not too loose or too tight. Loose cables can cause poor braking performance while tight cables can make it difficult to pull the levers.
- Lubricate your brake cables and levers periodically with a light oil such as WD-40 to prevent rusting and improve performance.
- Make sure that your rims are true and free of any dents or bends. Damaged rims can cause poor braking performance or even failure.
- Practice emergency stops frequently to get a feel for how much pressure is needed on the levers to engage the brakes fully. It is better to practice this in a safe environment such as an empty parking lot rather than out on the road where you may need to use your brakes suddenly.
- If you are still having difficulty getting your brakes adjusted properly, consult a professional mechanic for help.
