Brake Care Basics - Pt 2

Mounting Bolts
Always ensure that the calliper mounting bolt is long enough. The recessed Allen nut that secures the brake calliper should have at least 8 mm of thread engaged with the calliper mounting bolt. The recessed nut can be obtained in various lengths as required.
Mounting Bolts
Quick Release
Most brakes have a quick release system of some description. Undoing it will provide greater tyre clearance when removing the wheel. It can also be used as an emergency ‘get me home’ solution if you get a badly buckled wheel whilst out on a ride. With a calliper mounted quick release, such as Shimano or SRAM, you will have very poor brake performance when the quick release is undone. Campagnolo’s brake lever mounted quick release makes it difficult to grab the lever but still provides reasonable stopping performance. Only ride with the quick release undone if you absolutely have to and test them first to see how much braking power has been lost.
Quick releaseQuick release
Cable Cutting
Never attempt to cut cables with pliers or tin snips—you will wind up with a ragged finish and curse it when you jab your fingers on the frayed ends. Only use proper bicycle cable cutters. They are designed for the task and will last for many years.
Cable cutting
Cable Anatomy
Brakes rely on smooth cables to transmit your braking effort through from the lever to the calliper. Good quality cables have a Teflon liner (in the centre of the photo) that sits between the steel inner wire and the metal part of the outer casing. When replacing old cables, you should renew both the inner and outer cable. The friction reducing liner on the outer cable wears with age and should be replaced periodically to ensure good brake performance.
Cable anatomy
Cable Care
Oil or lightweight grease can help to lower the friction in your brake cables. Some bikes have ‘slotted cable guides’ which make this task much easier. Undo the quick release and hold your brake pads in so they contact the rim. This will slacken your cable tension and allow you to slide the cable out through the slot in the frame mounted guide. You can then slide the cable back and lube it as required.
Cable Care
Tidy Cables
Always cut off any extra inner cable after the brakes have been set and adjusted. Excessive lengths of inner wire can contact your wheel if they are not cut down. Crimp a cable end onto the inner wire to prevent it from fraying and give your bike a tidy finish.
Tidy Cable
Rim Rejuvenation