Cycling 101: How To Fix Bike Brakes

As any cyclist knows, well-functioning brakes are crucial for a safe and enjoyable ride. Whether you're a casual rider or a serious enthusiast, knowing how to maintain and fix your bike's brakes is an essential skill.

This guide will walk you through the basics of brake maintenance, common issues, and how to address them. With a bit of knowledge and some simple tools, you'll be able to keep your brakes in top condition, ensuring a smooth and secure cycling experience.

Understanding Your Brake System

Before diving into repairs, it's important to understand the two main types of bicycle brakes:

Rim brakes: These use pads that grip the wheel rims to slow or stop the bike.

Disc brakes: These employ a calliper that squeezes brake pads against a rotor attached to the wheel hub.

Each system has its own quirks and maintenance needs, but many principles apply to both.

Essential Tools for Brake Maintenance

To work on your brakes effectively, you'll need a few basic tools:

• Allen keys (hex wrenches)
• Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
• Adjustable spanner
• Cable cutters
• Pliers
• Brake cleaner spray

Common Brake Issues and How to Fix Them

Squeaky Brakes

Squealing brakes are often caused by contamination or misalignment. To address this:

• Clean the rim or rotor with brake cleaner and a clean cloth.
• Check the brake pad alignment and adjust if necessary.
• If the problem persists, consider replacing the brake pads.

Loose or Spongy Brake Levers

If your brake levers feel loose or spongy, the issue is likely with the cables:

• Check for frayed or stretched cables and replace if needed.
• Adjust the barrel adjuster to tighten the cable.
• If using hydraulic disc brakes, the system may need bleeding.

Brake Pads Not Releasing

When brake pads don't fully release after squeezing the lever:

• Clean and lubricate the pivot points on calliper brakes.
• Check for a bent brake arm or seized cable and address accordingly.
• Ensure the return spring is properly tensioned.

Adjusting Rim Brakes

To fine-tune your rim brakes:

• Loosen the cable pinch bolt.
• Squeeze the brake arms together until the pads are about 2-3mm from the rim.
• Tighten the cable pinch bolt while holding the brake arms in place.
• Use the barrel adjuster for minor adjustments.

Maintaining Disc Brakes

Disc brakes require slightly different care:

• Regularly check the rotor for trueness and clean it with brake cleaner.
• Adjust the calliper position to ensure even pad wear.
• Replace pads when they become thin (less than 1mm of pad material).

When to Seek Professional Help

While many brake issues can be resolved at home, some situations call for expert assistance:

• Hydraulic brake systems that need bleeding.
• Warped rotors on disc brakes.
• Structural damage to brake components.
• If you're unsure about any repair procedure.

Regular Maintenance Tips

You can save time on the road, or money in the cycle shop by taking care of your brakes. It doesn’t take much time or effort, and also contributes to your safety on a ride, ensuring your brakes do not fail when they are most needed.

To keep your brakes in top condition:

• Inspect your brakes before each ride.
• Clean your braking surfaces regularly.
• Replace cables and housing every 1-2 years.
• Keep an eye on pad wear and replace when necessary.

Brake Maintenance Is Easy

Maintaining your bike's brakes doesn't have to be a daunting task, in fact, it’s quite straightforward and simple. With regular inspection and these simple fixes, you can ensure your brakes perform reliably when you need them most. It’ll save you shelling out at the bicycle shop for a simple fix that could be performed at home, and maintenance will extend the life of your brakes.

Remember, well-functioning brakes are not just about performance – they're crucial for your safety on the road or trail. By taking the time to understand and care for your brake system, you'll enjoy smoother, more confident rides and extend the life of your bicycle components.

If you’re a budding cyclist and would like a cycling coach to elevate your riding to the next level, why not check out our cycle coaching packages? Whether you want to test the water or embark on a significant cycling journey, we’re here to help.