The Brake System - Canyon Mountain bike Manual

56 PEDAL SYSTEMS
ADjUSTMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Current pedal systems can show considerable differ-
ences in design. Nevertheless, there are some gen-
eral rules for adjustment which apply to all of them:
The cleat has to be fastened to the shoe in such a
position that the ball of the foot comes to rest on the
pedal spindle.
Your feet should assume a natural position when
pedalling. For most people this means that the heels
will point inward a little.
Make sure the fastening bolts are properly tight-
ened, as you will find it almost impossible to disen-
gage your shoe from a loose plate! Risk of an acci-
dent!
Adjust the required releasing force according to
your needs. It is advisable to adopt a low releasing
force setting to begin with. Turn the small Allen bolt
and examine the change in releasing force when
you engage and disengage the shoe from the pedal.
Exposed springs and other components that attract
dirt have to be cleaned and regreased regularly.
Squeaking or creaking cleats can often be silenced
by applying a little grease to the point of contact
between cleat and pedal.
Regularly check the cleats for wear. If your shoe
wobbles on the pedal, the cleat or the sole of your
shoes might be worn.
Your feet should assume a natural position when pedalling
Adjust the required releasing force according to your needs
Make sure pedals and shoe soles are
always clear of mud and other impurities
and grease the lock-in mechanism with lubricant
at regular intervals.
Only use clipless pedals that allow you to
engage and disengage smoothly. A defec-
tive pedal or a badly worn cleat can lead to an ac-
cident by causing the shoe to come off by itself or
making it harder to release.

THE BRAKE SYSTEM

In general the brakes of your Canyon are necessary
to adjust your speed to the traffic situation. However,
in an emergency the brakes must be able to bring
your Canyon to a halt as quickly as possible. Such
emergency stops are also a study in physics. In the
process of braking, the rider's weight shifts forward,
thus reducing the load on the rear wheel. The rate of
deceleration on a dry and grippy ground is primarily
limited by the danger of overturning and only in the
second place by the road grip of the tyres. This prob-
lem becomes particularly acute when riding downhill.
In the event of an emergency stop you have to try to
put your weight back as far as possible.
Actuate both brakes simultaneously and bear in mind
that, due to the weight transfer, the front brakes can
generate a far better braking effect on a surface with
good grip.
The assignment of brake lever to brake pad, e.g. left
lever acts on front brake, can vary. Have the brakes
changed, as you want them, before your first ride.
With disc brakes too, prolonged braking or permanent
dragging of brake pads can overheat the brake sys-
tem. This can result in a loss of braking power, even
to the point of total brake failure, provoking serious
accidents.
Therefore, check your riding manners and make it a
habit to brake hard and then to open the brake again,
whenever the road surface and the situation allows
it. It is better to stop for a moment and let the rotor or
rim cool down rather than to risk anything.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Brake lever
Disc brake
Braking leads to a forward shifting of the rider's weight
Be careful while getting used to the
brakes. Practise emergency stops in a
place clear of traffic until you have perfect com-
mand of your Canyon. This can save you from
having accidents.
Wet weather reduces your braking power.
!
Be aware of longer stopping distances
when riding in the rain!
57