Know your disc brakes

OLIVE AND INSERT

These are the small components used to connect the hose to the lever. Spares are often included but some companies are more generous than others.

BITE-POINT ADJUSTMENT

Technically this adjustment doesn’t move the brake pads any closer to the disc rotor, but it does make the brake feel like it by closing off the timing port inside the master cylinder a little earlier. This adjustment is either done by a dial, screw or bezel on the master cylinder or lever.

SHIFTER MOUNTS

To eliminate a clamp and free up handlebar space, several brake manufacturers offer dedicated adapters that allow you to bolt a shifter or dropper remote directly to the lever. SRAM is the only company that includes them in the box.

REACH ADJUSTMENT

Brake levers come pre-set from the factory, but you can adjust the position of the brake lever relative to the bar, to suit different hand sizes and preferences, by turning a grub screw or a small knob/dial on the inside of the lever.