Intermediate Week 5 - Brakes

Here's Some articles to get started learning about brakes

http://sheldonbrown.com/brakes/index.html This article will lead you to all the other brake pages
http://sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-adjustment.html

Also check out the Park tool website pages about brakes, the list is here: http://www.parktool.com/repair/byregion.asp?catid=14&imageField2.x=26&imageField2.y=9

And the bicycle tutor videos are good:
http://bicycletutor.com/adjust-v-brakes/ Adjusting V-brakes: (As always I have a few notes)
(0:20) tighten the clamp snug enough that the levers will still move in a crash
(0:45) don't remove the pads unless replacing, check pads for debrit and uneven wear, also inspect the rims for wear
(1:30) with v-brakes you can usually just bend the springs by hand to increase tension.
(1:50) pads may need to be toed in if brakes are squeeky. Check the brake arms for
excessive play, especially if they have the shimano "parallel push mechanism".
(2:50) leave the brakes loose enough that they won't rub on an out of true wheel, or lead to "eagle claw" on long descents. Different brands of brakes may use different methods of balancing the springs.

http://bicycletutor.com/sidepull-caliper-brakes/ Adjusting Sidepull brakes:
These are traditional single pivot brakes, newer dual pivot brakes are slightly different.
(0:55) also inspect the rims for wear
(1:50) setting the brakes too tight will make them rub on a wobbly wheel, and lead to forearm/hand cramping on long descents
(2:50 ) also lube the springs where they contact the brake arms to stop squeeks.

http://bicycletutor.com/adjust-cantilever-brakes/ Adjusting Cantilever brakes:
(0:30) tighten the clamp snugly so that the levers will move in a crash.
(1:00) DON'T tighten barrel adjuster all the way, use it to take up the slack you will need when you are done (about 6 turns out)
(1:10) only remove the pads if you're going to replace them, also inspect the rims for wear (2:00) use a folded over business card or a few layers of electrical tape as a toe in gauge.
(2:30) The straddle wire or link wire should be set for 90 degree angle.
(3:00) Different brands of brakes may use different methods of balancing the springs

http://www.blackbirdsf.org/brake_obscura/ This page has pictures and discriptions of lots of rare and interesting brakes, check it out.