Giant Revive manual Hand Brakes, Braking Technique

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pressure you apply, the more braking force, up to the point where the rear wheel stops rotating and begins to skid

(see paragraph 3. Braking Technique, below).

Coaster brake service and adjustment requires special tools and special knowledge. Do not attempt to disassemble or service your coaster brake. Take the bicycle to your dealer for coaster brake service.

2. Hand Brakes

It’s very important to your safety that you learn and remember which brake lever controls which brake on your bike.

The braking action of a bicycle is a function of the friction between the brake surfaces - usually the brake pads and the wheel rim. To make sure that you have maximum friction available, keep your wheel rims and brake pads clean and free of lubricants, waxes or polishes.

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 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 figs. F, G, H & I) and check each time to make sure both brakes work correctly. Fully tighten the coaster brake arm securing nut and bolt.

fig. F

fig. G

fig. H

fig. I

3. Braking Technique

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 and stopping smoothly without locking

up a wheel. The technique is called progressive brake modulation. Instead of jerking the brake lever to the position where you think you’ll generate appropriate braking force, squeeze the lever, progressively increasing the braking force. If you feel the wheel begin to lock up, release pressure just a little to keep the wheel rotating just short of lockup. It’s important to develop a feel for the amount of brake lever pressure required for each wheel at different speeds and on different surfaces. To better understand this, experiment a little by walking your bike and applying different amounts of pressure to each brake lever, until the wheel locks.

When you apply one or both brakes, the bike begins to slow, but your body wants to continue at the speed at which it was going.

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Contents Welcome to Team Giant Contents General Warning Special note for parentsRevive at a Glance What it’s called Saddle Height Seating AdjustmentGetting the Right Fit Saddle Fore/Aft PositionLumbar Support Height Handlebar/Stem AdjustmentHandlebar Height Enclosed Chain Device ECD Shock Absorber AdjustmentLuggage Carrier Revive DX Cycle Computer Removal and Installation of Cycle ComputerRiding Tips Page Bike fit Safety firstGiant Bicycle Owner’s information Mechanical Safety Check First ride Safety BasicsPage Off Road Safety Wet Weather RidingNight Riding Changing Components or Adding Accessories Downhill or Competition BikingFit Standover height Saddle positionFig. C Brake Reach Control Position AdjustmentsHandlebar height and angle Installing a Bolt-On Front Wheel WheelsRemoving a Bolt-On Rear Wheel with Coaster Brake Installing a Bolt-On Rear Wheel with Hand BrakeRemoving a Bolt-On Rear Wheel with Hand Brake Installing a Bolt-On Rear Wheel with Coaster Brake Seatpost Quick ReleaseAdjusting the seatpost quick release mechanism Fig. EHand Brakes Braking TechniqueShifting gears How a derailleur drivetrain worksShifting the Front Derailleur Shifting GearsShifting the Rear Derailleur Which gear should I be in? How an internal gear hub drivetrain worksShifting internal gear hub gears Pedals Tires Bicycle SuspensionTires and Tubes Tire Valves Fig. QFig. R Service Service IntervalsIf your bicycle has a coaster brake, also Before every ride Mechanical Safety Check .CIf your bicycle has hand brakes, also About your Dealer If your bicycle sustains an impactContact Warranty InformationPosition of the Frame Serial Number Free 60-Day Repair Labor Giant Bicycle Limited WarrantyRequired Assembly When Purchased Limited RemedyWhat You Should Do