Bicycle Brake Repair

There are basically two types of bicycle brakes that are currently in use. The first one is a normal or conventional brake that makes use of brake pads to create friction around the rim of the wheel in order to stop the bicycle. The second one is the disc brake. A metallic disc is attached to the wheel of the bicycle in order to reduce the centrifugal force of the wheel. To make the brakes full proof, frequent repairs and alignments are required.

Loosening and Tightening of Brakes
To have a safe ride, it is always important to have good brakes. The brakes should not be either too tight or too loose. In case of tight brakes, the rider will have to put in more energy while paddling and on the other hand, if the brakes are loose, it becomes rather risky to ride the bicycle.

There are basically two screws that have to be tightened or loosened to set the brakes right. The first screw is situated in the middle of the bracket, and is used to balance the pressure of the brake pads. Tightening or loosening this screw, balances the pressure of the brake pads. The second screw is used to increase the pressure of the brake wire. The best way to tighten or loosed the brake wire is to loosen the screw and then adjust the wire as you want with your fingers. The repairs for disc brakes is rather simple, as the brake is tightened or loosened by just adjusting a simple screw. The tightening increases the force of braking and loosening the screw reduces the force.

Changing the Brake Cable
When you press down the lever of brake that is on the handle of the bicycle, the brake cable is pulled, activating the brake mechanism. The everyday usage of the brake makes the cable weak and unreliable. A reliable cable is dangerous as it, often, does not activate the mechanism. There is also a possibility that an old cable will break, leaving you helpless on the road. It is also very dangerous to use only one brake as the balance of the rider is lost.

Oiling the Brake
The brake wire is enclosed in a hollow, plastic tube (usually black) of a very small diameter. It is advisable that as a part of repair, you should oil the wire thoroughly before you put it into the tube. Oiling the brake wire ensures that it activates the brake mechanism when you pull the brake lever. Oiling the tightening screws, is also an important part of bicycle maintenance. A well oiled, brake system ensures a guaranteed, gradual and safe braking.

Many bicycle manufacturers provide their customers with a bicycle brake repair kit and a manual. It is advisable to use the kit and ensure a safe ride. As a fellow bicycle enthusiast, I would recommend that you oil your brake system once a month and change the brake wire once a year. Tighten and loosen the brakes as and when required and if your bicycle has very good brakes that never become loose, then adjust the balance once a month. It is also advisable that you purchase a riding helmet. Wearing the helmet ensures that your head is not harmed in case of a fall. Remember to ride safe!