Tech Tips from The Bike Barn: Checking Your Brakes

Inspect your brakes

To check your brakes, first inspect the following parts of your braking system:

• Brake levers: Brake levers should be firmly attached to the handlebar and positioned so you can reach them easily.
• Brakes: Both the front and rear brakes should be firmly attached to the bicycle frame.
• Brake pads: Brake pads should make good contact with the metal rim of the wheel when braking. Be sure that they don't rub on the rim when the brakes are not being applied and that they do not rub on the tire when the brakes are being applied.
• Brake cables: Also check to be sure that the brake cables are intact. If they are loose, frayed, bent, or otherwise damaged, your brakes may not work as well or they may not work at all.

Test your brakes

If all these things seem to be in working order, push your bike forward and apply first one brake then the other to see if they stop the bike. If the brakes stop the bike when you are not on it, take a short test ride to test the brakes again. If the brakes work to your satisfaction, they are ready.

Repair your brakes if necessary

If your brakes don't stop your bike well enough or if all parts of the braking system aren't securely attached, take your bike to your professional bike repair shop. Complete, professional brake repair is available at The Bike Barn.