Brakes Adjustment; Progressive Brake Modulation - Kogan FORTIS 700C User Manual

Installing a Bolt-On Rear Wheel:
1. Shi the rear derailleur to its outermost position and pull the derailleur body back with
your right hand.
2. Put the chain onto the smallest sprocket. Then, insert the wheel into the frame dropouts
and pull it all the way into the dropouts. The axle nut washers should not be on the
outside, between the frame and the axle nuts.
3. Tighten the axle nuts securely, using a 6 inch adjustable wrench or a 15mm box wrench.
4. Push the rear derailleur back into position.
5. Close the brake; then spin the wheel to make sure that it is centered in the frame and
clears the brake shoes.

Brakes Adjustment

For most effective braking, use both brakes and apply them simultaneously.
It is important for you to know which brake lever controls which brake on your bike. Ensure
that your hands can reach and squeeze the brake levers comfortably.
The braking action of a bicycle is a function of the friction between the brake surfaces -
usually the brake shoes and the wheel rim. To make sure that you have maximum friction
available, keep your wheel rims and brake shoes clean and free of lubricants, waxes or
polishes.

Progressive Brake Modulation

Brakes are designed to control the speed and to stop the bike. Maximum braking force for
each wheel occurs at the point just before the wheel stops rotating and starts to skid. Once
the tire skids, you lose most of the stopping force and all directional control.
You need to practice slowing and stopping smoothly without locking up the wheel. The
technique is called progressive brake modulation. Instead of jerking the brake lever to the
position where you think you will generate appropriate braking force, squeeze the lever,
progressively increasing the braking force. If you feel the wheel begin to lock up, release
pressure just a little to keep the wheel rotating just short of lockup.
It is important to develop a feel for the amount of brake lever pressure required for each
wheel at different speeds and on different surfaces. To understand this, experiment by
walking your bike and applying different amounts of pressure to each brake lever, until the
wheel locks.
CAUTION: Some bicycle brakes, such as linear-pull and disk brakes, are extremely
powerful. You should take extra care in becoming familiar with these brakes and
exercise particular care when using them. Applying these brakes too hard or too
suddenly can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to lose control and fall.
CAUTION: Sudden or excessive application of the front brake may pitch the rider
over the handlebars, causing serious injury or death.