MARIN Owner's Manual page 28

All disk brake systems require the following additional items to be
checked.
1. All brake systems need to be adequately broken-in before giving
maximum performance. When you first take delivery of your bike
or replace brake pads, ride the bike on a flat surface, in a safe
location devoid of traffic, and apply brakes 20-30 times. Increase
the force of the braking effort as you do this. Begin with light
breaking pressure and increase slightly each time, ending with
strong breaking pressure.
2. Discs should be inspected and kept clean at all times. If oil or
grease has contaminated the rotors and pads a thorough cleaning
will need to be performed. This will include removing and either
cleaning or replacing brake pads as well as cleaning rotors with
isopropyl alcohol or an automotive brake cleaner. A trained
mechanic should perform this job.
3. Check for deep scoring, grooving or damage to the surface of the
brake disk. Replace disk as needed.
4. Check that the brake pads are not vitrified (made smooth or glass-
like from heat), chipped, or imbedded with debris. Confirm that
the pads are worn uniformly and that they move in and out
smoothly. Replace pads as needed.
5. Make sure the disks are running in the center of the brake pads.
If the disk is hitting the brake pads you will need to loosen the
caliper fixing bolts, squeeze brake lever lightly, and then re-tight-
en caliper fixing bolts.
6. Check spoke tension and condition. If spokes are loose, bent or
missing, immediately take bicycle to a Marin dealer for proper
maintenance.
If any of the above problems are detected, DO NOT ride bicycle. As
mentioned above, special tools and procedures need to be followed
when working on disk brakes. If you are not trained in these types of
repairs, taking your bike to a trained mechanic is mandatory. When
properly set up and maintained, these brakes will offer many miles of
service and performance!
BRAKE LEVERS
The brake lever should always be
tightly attached to the handlebars
in an easy to reach position. When
squeezed, the brake levers should
never contact the handlebar (i.e.
"Bottom out" on the handlebar); if
this happens, you need to tighten
the brake cable.
You can adjust the brake lever
angle by loosening the brake lever
clamp bolt, adjusting the angle and
re-tightening the bolt. To fit your
hand size and preference, many Marin models offer you the ability to
adjust the brake lever reach, (i.e. the distance from handlebar grip to
the brake lever). To do this, turn the reach adjustment screw and
squeeze the brake lever until you reach the position most comfortable
for you. The brake cable will need to be re-adjusted after this adjust-
ment.
LONG ARM CANTILEVER BRAKES:
The brake arms should be attached securely to the appropriate frame
or fork bosses. Frequently inspect the brakes to assure they are cor-
rectly centered. If you find the brakes are out of center you or a pro-
fessional mechanic should do the following:
1. Check the wheel to assure it is installed in the frame or fork correctly.
OR
2. Use the spring adjustment screws located on the side of the brake
arms. Tighten or loosen these screws to center the brake.
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BRAKE LEVER ADJUSTMENT
Brake Lever Reach
Adjustment Screw
Brake Lever
Adjustment Lock Nut
Brake Lever
Adjustment
Barrel