Operation Manual

34
9.4 Checking, adjusting and synchro-
nizing racing or side-pull brakes
With side-pull brakes, the brake arms are
suspended from a common point, thus form-
ing an integral system.
9.4.1 Functional check
Check whether the brake pads are accurately
aligned with the rims and sufficiently thick.
You can judge the wear of the brake pads by
appearance of the grooves.
Do the arms contact the rim simultaneously
when you pull the brake, and do they stay
clear of the tire? They must not come in con-
tact with the spokes.
Do you get a clear-cut braking response when
you pull the brake lever hard, and does the
lever remain clear of the handlebars no mat-
ter how hard you pull? If your brakes pass on
all these points, they are properly adjusted.
Test the brake in standing after adjus-
ting it. Make sure the brake pads
engage fully with the rim when you pull them
hard. You should not be able to pull the lever
all the way to the handlebars!
9.4.2 Vertical adjustment of the brake
pads
Release the fastening bolt of the brake pad by
one to at most two complete turns.
Push the brake pad to the required height
and tighten the fastening bolt again.
To adjust the brake, turn the knurled nut or
bolt, through which the brake cable passes
at the arms, until the travel of the brake lever
suits your needs.
9. The brake system
9.4.3 Synchronizing and adjusting the
side-pull brakes
With double-jointed brakes, turn the small
(headless) bolt located at the side or slant-
ingly above until the left and right brake pads
are at the same distance from the rim. Check
whether the bolt fastening the brake to the
frame is still sufficiently tight.