Brake Adjustment
Spongy brakes, rubbing pads, or levers that pull to the bars, all fixable in minutes. Covers rim brakes (caliper and V-brake) and a basic disc brake pad check.
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The barrel adjuster is your friend. Turn it anti-clockwise (out) to tighten the cable and bring pads closer to the rim. Quarter turns at a time.
On a fixie like the SE Lager, your front brake is your only brake (plus leg resistance). Keep it in perfect condition, it's all you've got.
Brake pads have wear lines. If the grooves have disappeared, replace them immediately.
Toe-in your brake pads slightly (front of pad touches rim first) to eliminate squealing.
Spin the wheel. Check if pads are rubbing, if so, the caliper needs centring
CABLE TENSION: Turn barrel adjuster anti-clockwise ¼ turn at a time until brake bites firmly at half-lever pull
If the barrel adjuster runs out of adjustment, you need to pull slack through the cable clamp bolt
CENTRING (rim brakes): Loosen the caliper mounting bolt slightly. Squeeze the brake, hold it, re-tighten the bolt
Check pad alignment, pads should hit the rim squarely, not touching the tyre
For toe-in: bend the pad holder slightly so the front of the pad contacts the rim first
DISC BRAKES: Check pad thickness through the caliper window. Replace if less than 1mm of material
Test ride: brake firmly from moderate speed. Both brakes should stop you smoothly without pulling to one side
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