The following sections describe final brake system adjustments required before riding. Determine which style you have and follow the instructions.
Sidepull Brake | Cantilever Brake |
1.Check tightness of caliper brake mounting nut or cantilever mounting bolt:
-Make sure each caliper brake mounting nut or cantilever mounting bolt is tightened securely.
2.Center brake shoes on rim:
-If you have a cantilever brake, turn the adjustment screw on the cantilever arm to move the arm in or out so each brake shoe is the same distance from the rim
-If you have a caliper brake, hit downward lightly on the return spring of the brake shoe that is farther away from the rim
-Make sure both ends of the return spring stay hooked around the inside edge or between the studs on the back of the caliper arms
-Squeeze the brake lever two times
-Do this step again, until both brake shoes are the same distance from the rim.
3.Put the brake shoes the correct distance from the rim:
-Position each brake shoe 1/16 inch away from the rim
-Turn the brake lever adjusting barrel or caliper brake adjusting barrel in or out to make the adjustment
-If the brake shoes cannot be positioned the correct distance from the rim
-Hold both brake shoes against the rim and loosen the cable clamp
