FROM THE WORKSHOP...

This month we show you how to adjust your rim brakes for more reliable stopping in the wet...

CHECK EVERYTHING 1

Inspect the cables for signs of fraying, especially at the ends, as frayed cables should be replaced. Also check your brake pads for wear. They have an indicator to let you know.

ALIGN CALIPER 3

Loosen the caliper bolt at the back of the fork and adjust the caliper with an offset brake tool, or by hand, so that both pads are equidistant from the rim. Then retighten, but don’t over-tighten, the caliper bolt.

FINE TUNE 5

Use the barrel adjuster if you need to fine-tune the distance of the pads from the rim. Anti-clockwise will pull the pads closer to the rim, clockwise will move them away to eliminate brake rub.

ADJUST PADS 2

Align your pads by loosening the bolt at the back and aligning them with the rim. You can squeeze the caliper while you do this to hold them in place when tightening back up.

ADJUST TENSION 4

Wind the barrel adjuster in a clockwise direction, then unwind by a turn or two. Squeeze the pads together and release the cable tension bolt. Pull the cable down to take the slack out of it and retighten the bolt.

CHECK BRAKES 6

Pull the front lever while pushing the bike forward and down, then repeat with the rear lever and pulling the bike back. If the wheels remain locked, then it’s safe to take the bike out for a test ride.