Operation Manual
24
adjustable. If you don’t like the feel of your brakes,
ask your dealer about adjusting the brake force
modulation.
5. Disc brakes can get extremely hot with
extended use. Be careful not to touch a disc brake
until it has had plenty of time to cool.
6. See the brake manufacturer’s instructions for
operation and care of your brakes, and for when
brake pads must be replaced. If you do not have
the manufacturer’s instructions, see your dealer or
contact the brake manufacturer.
7. If replacing worn or damaged parts, use only
manufacturer-approved genuine replacement parts.
1. Brake controls and features
It’s very important to your safety that you learn and
remember which brake lever controls which brake on
your bike. Traditionally, in the U.S. the right brake lever
controls the rear brake and the left brake lever controls
the front brake; but, to check how your bike’s brakes are
set up, squeeze one brake lever and look to see which
brake, front or rear, engages. Now do the same with the
other brake lever.
Make sure that your hands can reach and squeeze
the brake levers comfortably. If your hands are too
small to operate the levers comfortably, consult your
dealer before riding the bike. The lever reach may be
adjustable; or you may need a different brake lever
design.
Most rim brakes have some form of quick-release
mechanism to allow the brake pads to clear the tire
when a wheel is removed or reinstalled. When the
brake quick release is in the open position, the brakes
are inoperative. Ask your dealer to make sure that you
understand the way the brake quick release works on
your bike (see gs. 12, 13. 14 & 15) and check each time
to make sure both brakes work correctly before you get
on the bike.
2.Howbrakeswork
The braking action of a bicycle is a function of the
friction between the braking surfaces. To make sure that
you have maximum friction available, keep your wheel
rims and brake pads or the disk rotor and caliper clean
and free of dirt, lubricants, waxes or polishes.
Brakes are designed to control your speed, not
just to stop the bike. Maximum braking force for each
wheel occurs at the point just before the wheel “locks
up” (stops rotating) and starts to skid. Once the tire
skids, you actually lose most of your stopping force
and all directional control. You need to practice slowing