Adjusting The Brake Lever Reach; The Brake System - Canyon Urban Manual

46 ADJUSTMENT TO THE RIDER BRAKE LEVER REACH
ADJUSTING THE
BRAKE LEVER REACH
With many brake systems the distance between the
brake levers and the handlebar grips is adjustable.
This gives riders with small hands the convenience
of being able to bring the brake levers closer to the
handlebar. The length of the rider's fingers also de-
termines how the lever position for first brake contact
should be set.
Check the point, when the brake pads touch the
braking surfaces. If this point is reached after the
lever has only travelled a short distance, you have
to readjust the brakes. For more information on the
adjustment of the brake lever reach, see chapter
"The brake system". Otherwise the brake might
drag after the adjustment. If this point is, however,
reached after the lever has travelled half of its way,
there is a little play to reduce the gripping distance
of the levers.
On most bikes there is a small (headless) bolt near
the point where the brake cable or brake line enters
the brake lever mount. Screw in the bolt and watch
how the lever moves as you do so.
In the case of hydraulic brakes there is in general
an adjusting bolt at the lever with which you can
change the position.
When you have set the levers to the desired grip-
ping distance, be sure to check whether there is still
enough slack for the brake levers to move a little
before the brake pads hit the brake surfaces.
Brake lever reach
Adjusting the gripping distance of the brake lever
Note that the bolted connections of the
stem, handlebars and brakes have to be
tightened to the prescribed torque values. You will
find the prescribed values in chapter "Recom-
mended torque values" or in the enclosed manuals
of the component manufacturers. If you disregard
the prescribed values, the components may come
loose or break. This can lead to a severe crash.
You should not be able to pull the brake
levers all the way to the handlebars. Your
maximum brake force must be reached short of
this point!
Also observe the additional manuals of the
i
brake manufacturer.

THE BRAKE SYSTEM

In general the brakes of your Canyon are necessary
to adjust your speed to the traffic situation. Howev-
er, in an emergency the brakes must be able to bring
your Canyon to a halt as quickly as possible. Such
emergency stops are also a study in physics. In the
process of braking, the rider's weight shifts forward,
thus reducing the load on the rear wheel. The rate of
deceleration on a dry and grippy ground is primarily
limited by the danger of overturning and only in the
second place by the road grip of the tyres. This prob-
lem becomes particularly acute when riding downhill.
In the event of an emergency stop you have to try to
put your weight back as far as possible.
Actuate both brakes simultaneously and bear in mind
that, due to the weight transfer, the front brakes can
generate a far better braking effect on a surface with
good grip.
The assignment of brake lever to brake pad, e.g. left
lever acts on front brake, can vary. Have the brakes
changed, as you want them, before your first ride.
With disc brakes prolonged braking or permanent
dragging of brake pads can overheat the brake sys-
tem. This can result in a loss of braking power, even
to the point of total brake failure, provoking serious
accidents.
Therefore, check your riding manners and make it a
habit to brake hard and then to open the brake again,
whenever the road surface and the situation allows
it. It is better to stop for a moment and let the rotor
or rim cool down with the brake lever released rather
than to risk anything.
For more information read the notes under "Service"
at our website www.canyon.com or contact our ser-
vice hotline at +44 208 5496001.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Disc brake
The assignment of brake lever to brake
pad (e.g. left lever acts on front brake) can
vary. Have a look at the bike card and check
whether you can actuate the front brake with the
same brake lever (right or left) you are used to. If
this is not the case, have the brake levers changed
according to your wishes before your first ride.
Take your time to get used to your brakes.
Practise emergency stops in a place clear
of traffic until you have perfect command of your
bike. This can prevent accidents.
Wet weather reduces your braking power
and makes the tyres slip. Be aware of
longer stopping distances when riding in the rain.
Reduce your speed and brake carefully.
Make sure the brake surfaces and pads
are absolutely free of wax, grease and oil.
Risk of an accident!
When replacing any parts be sure to only
!
use parts that bear the appropriate mark
and, to be on the safe side, original spare parts.
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