Operation Manual
These types of brakes are hardly found any more and only still common on
city and kids’ bicycles . The brake mechanism of these brakes is fully
enclosed and combined with a geared hub. Their brake pads and surfaces
are largely protected against the influences of the weather.
The braking force is transmitted through cables from the levers to the brakes.
Check whether the inner cables of the Bowden cables in the area of the
grips and brake itself are still in sound condition. They must not be frayed.
Damaged cables should be replaced immediately, as they can snap. Brakes
that have been adjusted at the brake lever only can lose their braking power.
Regularly check whether you get a positive braking response before the
lever touches the handlebars .
To a certain extent, wear of the brake pads can be compensated directly at
the hand lever. Unscrew the union nut on the bolt through which the cable
enters the lever and then unscrew the bolt until the lever has the desired
travel.
Retighten the lock nut by taking care that the slot of the bolt does not face
upward or forward, as this would permit an unnecessarily high amount of
water or dirt to enter .
Now check the functioning of the brake and see to it that the brake pads
do not drag along the braking surface when you release the brake lever and
let the wheel spin.
Repeated readjustment at the brake lever makes the arm on the brake calli-
per change its position. This can reduce braking power which may be insuf-
ficient in an extreme case! After having repeatedly readjusted your brake on
your own, ask your bicycle dealer to do this delicate job.
If you intend to do any further adjustment on your brake, be sure to read the
original instructions of the brake manufacturer before you start. In case you
are in doubt, ask your bicycle dealer for help.
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Check regularly whether the torque support is still firmly attached to the
frame or fork . Use a torque wrench and never exceed the maximum
tightening torque! You will find the prescribed values in chapter
, directly on the components and/or in the
manuals of the component manufacturers.
The risk of overheating is particularly high with closed brake systems .
Brake overheating occurs on prolonged (steep) downhill rides with perma-
nent brake dragging. Brake fade is a result thereof which, in extreme cases,
may lead to brake failure. Therefore, if you notice a reduction of the brak-
ing effect, stop and let the brake system cool down. Sometimes, it will be
enough to operate the front and rear brake in an alternating pattern. If that
will not suffice, stop for a couple of minutes before you set off again.
This brake is operated by pedalling backward. For maximum braking power,
step on one of the pedals in its rearmost position with the cranks horizontal.
With SRAM models braking power is increased when you have switched to
a lower gear beforehand.
With back-pedal brakes the chain tension has to be checked regularly .
The amount of play, midway between chainring and sprocket, should not be
more than two centimetres.
If there is any play, have the chain tightened by your bicycle dealer!
Check regularly whether the brake torque arm (torque sup-
port) is still firmly attached to the frame or fork. Use a torque
wrench and never exceed the maximum tightening torque!
You will find the prescribed values in chapter “Recommended
Tightening Torques”, directly on the components and/or in the
manuals of the component manufacturers.
Please note that there is no rear wheel braking with a slipped
chain! Risk of an accident!
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