Brakes - Priority Bicycle Owner's Manual

WARNING: If you can fully close the cam lever without wrapping your fingers around the seat post or a frame tube for
leverage, and the lever does not leave a clear imprint in the palm of your hand, the tension is insufficient. Open the lever; turn
the tension adjusting nut clockwise a quarter turn; then try again.
C. Brakes
There are three general types of bicycle brakes: rim brakes, which operate by squeezing the wheel rim between two brake
pads; disc brakes, which operate by squeezing a hub-mounted disc between two brake pads; and internal hub brakes. All
three can be operated by way of a handlebar mounted lever. On some models of bicycle, the internal hub brake is operated by
pedaling backwards. This is called a Coaster Brake and is described in Appendix C.
WARNING:
1. Riding with improperly adjusted brakes, worn brake pads, or wheels on which the rim wear mark is visible is dangerous
and can result in serious injury or death.
2. Applying brakes too hard or too suddenly can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Sudden or
excessive application of the front brake may pitch the rider over the handlebars, which may result in serious injury or death.
3. Some bicycle brakes, such as disc brakes (fig. 11) and linear-pull brakes (fig. 12), are extremely powerful. Take extra
care in becoming familiar with these brakes and exercise particular care when using them.
4. Some bicycle brakes are equipped with a brake force modulator, a small, cylindrical device through which the brake
control cable runs and which is designed to provide a more progressive application of braking force. A modulator makes the
initial brake lever force more gentle, progressively increasing force until full force is achieved. If your bike is equipped with a
brake force modulator, take extra care in becoming familiar with its performance characteristics.
5. Disc brakes can get extremely hot with extended use. Be careful not to touch a disc brake until it has had plenty of time
to cool.
6. See the brake manufacturer's instructions for operation and care of your brakes, and for when brake pads must be
replaced. If you do not have the manufacturer's instructions, see your dealer or contact the brake manufacturer.
7. If replacing worn or damaged parts, use only manufacturer-approved genuine replacement parts.
1. 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; but, 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.
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