IDEAL Bikes RACE PRO 29 Owner's Manual page 88

When the brake quick release is open, the brakes are
inoperative. Make sure a specialized bicycle dealer
explains to you how the brake quick release works
on your bike. Always make sure both brakes work
correctly, before you start your ride.
Brakes Operation
Brakes are first designed to control the speed of
vehicles and then to stop them. The maximum braking
force occurs right before the wheel locks (e.g. stops
rotating) and starts to skid. If and when the wheel
skids, the rider has lost most of the stopping power
and all of the direction control. It is very useful to
practice progressive slowing and stopping of the
bicycle, without locking the wheels. This is mostly
a matter of experience, but a good rule of thumb is
to experiment with the force you apply on the brake
levers at different speeds and on different terrains.
The moment you feel the wheel locks, release
pressure just a little bit to keep the wheels turning.
Locking the front wheel is extremely dangerous and
can send you flying over the handlebar.
Another equally important parameter is your body
weight transfer. When you apply the brakes and
the bicycle starts to slow down, your body wishes
to keep moving on and most of your weight is
transferred to the front wheel. The heavier the
wheel the more difficult stops. This is getting worse
when your bicycle is equipped with front suspension.
The suspension element "dips" under braking and
worsens the weight transfer to the front. There is
only one solution to this problem, which is again
related to experience. You must practice, experiment
and eventually learn to shift your body backwards
while braking. This is even more important when
you ride descents, because there automatically your
weight shifts forward, even without braking.
Remember that braking gets weak on loose surfaces
and in wet weather. Tire grip is reduced and brake
pads get moisture. There is only one way to brake
safely in such conditions and this is to ride slower.
Always remember that in wet conditions braking
distance is approximately 60% longer than dry
weather.
88 •
O W N E R ' S M A N U A L
Brakes Tech
There are a number of different braking systems
available nowadays for bicycles. Hydraulic disc
brakes, mechanical/cable disc brakes, linear pull
brakes (a.k.a. v-brakes), calliper brakes, cantilever
brakes, roller brakes and coaster brakes are the
most common.
There is a lot of technology, maintenance and
adjustment technique behind each one of these
braking systems. Together with your IDEAL bicycle
you must have received detailed manufacturer's
instructions for your bike brakes. If not, contact
your specialized IDEAL bicycle dealer immediately.
In principle all adjustments and maintenance should
be done by a specialized IDEAL bicycle dealer
and service shop. You must only get involved with
brakes service, maintenance and adjustment if you
feel absolutely confident with your knowledge and
practice level and always in cooperation with your
specialized bicycle dealer in case of any questions.
Some useful tips in case you do decide to 'work' on
your bicycle brakes.
•
Disc brakes require 30 to 100 brakings to reach
their maximum braking performance.
•
Disc brake rotors must be as clean as possible.
Never touch them with greasy hands or apply any
kind of lubricant on them.
•
The clearance between wheel rims and brake pads/
shoes must be 1.5 to 2mm for v-brakes and 3 to
4mm for calipers.
inner cable lead
cable adjustment bolt
3
4
4
3
5 mm allen key
B + C = 1.5 - 2 mm
A + B = 3 - 4 mm
4
3