Chapter. 7 Braking System - MARIN Owner's Manual

INSTALLING THE REAR WHEEL:
Roll the rear wheel in underneath and in between the rear stays and
rear dropouts. Lower the bike onto the wheel, ensuring that the
upper length of the chain seats on the small cog and the lower length
of the chain hangs freely. Make sure that the wheel axle is at the very
top of the dropout slots and the wheel is centered properly before
adjusting the Quick Release Mechanism. Close the Quick Release
Mechanism. Again, you should need to use the palm of your hand to
firmly close the Lever. Do not ride until the Quick Release Mechanism
is securely fastened and the wheel is securely attached. Rap the wheel
with your hand to ensure that it is attached. Spin the wheel to make
sure that it is centered and spins freely.
Reattach the brake cable and noodle and make sure that the brakes
are working and that the pads do not touch the tire. Test the
derailleurs to ensure that they work properly.
C H A P T E R 7
B R A K I N G S Y S T E M
Warning: Inspect your brake system and test your
brakes before every ride. If brakes are not working
properly or if any parts are damaged or worn, do not
ride until they have been fixed.
Every rider should be able to make minor, "fine-tuning" adjustments
to the brakes. Eventually your brakes will require major adjustments
that involve adjustments to the brake cables and/or replacement of
the brake pads. These major adjustments are difficult and should only
be done by an experienced and well trained bicycle mechanic. If you
are uncertain of your ability to adjust your brakes properly, have your
Marin dealer adjust them for you. If you have done major adjustments
to your brakes yourself, it is probably a good idea to have your dealer
inspect your work. Remember: for your safety and the safety of oth-
ers it is important for you to be able to stop your bicycle under any
circumstance you may encounter. The braking system must be func-
tioning properly during every ride.
WHY YOU NEED TO ADJUST YOUR BRAKES:
There are two reasons why you need to adjust your brakes occasion-
ally: (1.) brake cables stretch with use and, since brake cable length
determines the distance from the brake pad to the rim of the wheel,
the brake pads will move farther away from the rim. You'll need to
remove cable slack to keep the brake pads at the proper distance from
the rim to ensure optimal stopping power. (2.) Brake pads eventually
wear down or harden. When the braking surface wears off, the brake
pads should be replaced.
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