A: Brake Controls And Features - Schwinn Hybrid Owner's Manual

3.A: Brake Controls and Features

It's very important to your safety that you learn and remember
which brake lever controls which brake on your bike. Traditionally,
in the U.S. the right brake lever controls the rear brake and the left
brake lever controls the front brake (Figure 5.4);
Left side brakes the
front wheel
to check how your bike's brakes are set up, squeeze one brake
lever and look to see which brake, front or rear, engages. Now do
the same with the other brake lever.
Make sure that your hands can reach and squeeze the brake levers
comfortably. If your hands are too small to operate the levers
comfortably, consult your dealer before riding the bike. The lever
reach may be adjustable; or you may need a different brake lever
design. (Figure 4.3)
1/3 distance to
handlebar
Right side brakes the
rear wheel
Most rim brakes have some form of quick-release mechanism to
allow the brake pads to clear the tire when a wheel is removed or
reinstalled. When the brake quick release is in the open position,
the brakes are inoperative. Ask your dealer to make sure that you
Figure 4.3
understand the way the brake quick release works on your bike
(see Figure 4.5–4.8) and check each time to make sure both brakes
work correctly before you get on the bike.
Hybrid 5
Figure 4.4
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