Brake lever setup.

[manual63]

Reading a post in Riding Tips made me think of brake lever setup. I like to put my levers in an inch or so from the grip so I can get 1 finger on the farthest tip of the lever for best leverage. Also, I have them set at an angle that matches my wrist angle. This way, when I reach to grab the lever I don't have to twist my wrist at all. You should be able to easily reach the levers without twisting or moving your hand.

For people with smaller hands (Usually kids and women), make sure to adjust the lever so it is closer to the grip (brakes need to be readjusted to do this). There is a little allen screw on most brake levers that allow the lever to be setup so it is closer to the grip. This makes it easier for smallers hands to hold the grip and grab the lever at the same time.

[danger!]

I do a similar setup, and have my sram x7 trigger on the right in between the grip and the brake lever. It spaces it out just perfectly for me.

[Tetreves]

There is a little allen screw on most brake levers that allow the lever to be setup so it is closer to the grip.

Many many economical (cheap) or older brake levers won't have this screw. It's sometimes referred to as a reach adjustment.

If you have a problem reaching your levers, and don't have an adjustment screw, you may need a new set of levers. I recommend Avid SD5 or better.

[fisherbikefreak]

So, how do you adjust where your lever engages the caliper with disc brakes?

Lately, I've noticed that my rear brake lever is pulling in too close to the grip. So, how does one go about adjusting the lever so the brake engages sooner in the pull?

How do you know if the actual brake pad has worn down and needs to be replaced? The bike is less than a year old. I don't think the pad needs to be replaced... still, good info to know.

[Tetreves]

So, how do you adjust where your lever engages the caliper with disc brakes?

Lately, I've noticed that my rear brake lever is pulling in too close to the grip. So, how does one go about adjusting the lever so the brake engages sooner in the pull?

How do you know if the actual brake pad has worn down and needs to be replaced? The bike is less than a year old. I don't think the pad needs to be replaced... still, good info to know.

That's all specific to the manufacturer. And if it's hydraulic or not. If it's a mech disc, you may just need to tighten the cable. If it's hydraulic, there may be an adjustment knob, or you may need to bleed. Again, older disc models may not have some of these adjustments.

The pads have a wear line on them, and if you remove them from the caliper, you can see when they're worn down too far (when the line is gone). Similar to the wear line on rim brakes.

[bikeoutback]

Lately, I've noticed that my rear brake lever is pulling in too close to the grip. So, how does one go about adjusting the lever so the brake engages sooner in the pull?

I actually adjusted my rear brake to be like that so I wouldnt' engage it as easliy... but that was mainly to prevent myself from skidding.

[mara]

but that was mainly to prevent myself from skidding.

Give the man a banana! :banana:

[Tetreves]

I actually adjusted my rear brake to be like that so I wouldnt' engage it as easliy... but that was mainly to prevent myself from skidding.

I honestly did the same thing a while ago. At the time it was more for control than the trails, but now it's for both. :D

[steef]

I like my brakes set up pretty loose, too. Must be why Shad said my brakes don't work when he tried my bike. :D

[Danimal]

Say, anyone have any suggestions as to a good maker of Brake Levers. I have stock brake levers on my C-dale Prophet and they are pretty flimsy. Looking to upgrade, I currently have Avid BB7 disc brakes (cable actuated) I love the brake set up but hate the levers.

Thanks in advance.

Danimal

[KleinCrazy]

Say, anyone have any suggestions as to a good maker of Brake Levers. I have stock brake levers on my C-dale Prophet and they are pretty flimsy. Looking to upgrade, I currently have Avid BB7 disc brakes (cable actuated) I love the brake set up but hate the levers.

Thanks in advance.

Danimal

Best Cable levers out there...IMHO...

Avid Speed Dial Ultimates

http://www.sram.com/en/avid/levers/ultimate/

I have them on all my bikes pulling either Avid mechanical or Arch Rivals.

Absolutely no flex or play in them at all, very very smooth action. Huge amounts of cable pull, reach, and throw adjustment. You will pay more for them but the sets I have are 7, 5, and 3 years old and you can not tell the difference between them.

As an added bonus, you can take them off and put them on, without having to remove your grips!!!

[danger!]

I'm running Avid Speed Dial 7s, and have been happy with them. They have a really good feel.

[manual63]

Yep, I would have to agree on the Avid Speed Dials. They are a good bend and they have a lot of adjustment abilities. The speed dial is nice because you can make the front and rear brake feel the same and not notice the flex of the longer rear brake cable as much.

[Tetreves]

I like my SD 7's. But the Avid Ultimate's are definately nicer.

[soupboy]

These are Juicys with the Dangerboy levers. Unbelievable feel.

The Ultimates are great cable-pullers as are the Paul's.

[Paul Swenson]

These are Juicys with the Dangerboy levers. Unbelievable feel.



Do those levers match your wheels? Bling bling.:cool:

[soupboy]

Do those levers match your wheels? Bling bling.:cool:

Pour out the Haterade and jump on the Bang Bus.:D

[mtnbykr]

Say, anyone have any suggestions as to a good maker of Brake Levers.
Danimal

xtr.......