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with the right brake lever controlling the
rear brake, and the left lever controlling
the front brake.
NOTE: If your bicycle is equipped
with both front and rear brakes, most
effective braking is achieved by
using both brakes and apply them
simultaneously. (See also par. 3. Braking
technique, below).
!
WARNING: Sudden or excessive
application of the front brake may pitch
the rider over the handlebars, which
may result in serious injury or death.
The braking action of bicycle
hand brakes is a function of the friction
between the brake shoes and the wheel
rim or brake disc. To make sure that you
have maximum friction available, keep
your wheel rims, brake shoes and brake
discs clean and free of lubricants, waxes
or polishes.
Make sure that your hands can
reach and squeeze the brake levers
comfortably. If your hands are too small
to operate the levers comfortably,
consult your dealer before riding
the bike. The lever reach may be
adjustable;oryoumayneedadifferent
brake lever design.
Some hand brakes have a quick
releasemechanism(gs.7-10)toallow
the brake shoes to clear the tire when a
your dealer or contact the brake manufacturer.
1. Coaster Brake
a. How the coaster brake works
The coaster brake is a sealed mechanism which is a part
of the bicycle’s rear wheel hub. The brake is activated by
reversingtherotationofthepedalcranks(seeg.5).Startwith
the pedal cranks in a nearly horizontal position, with the front
pedal in about the 4 o’clock position, and apply downward
foot pressure on the pedal that is to the rear. About 1/8 turn
rotation will activate the brake. The more downward pressure
you apply, the more braking force, up to the point where the
rear wheel stops rotating and begins to skid (see paragraph
3. Braking Technique, below).
!
CAUTION: Before riding, make sure that the brake is
working properly. If it is not working properly, have the bicycle
checked by your dealer before you ride it.
b. Adjusting your coaster brake
Coaster brake service and adjustment requires special
tools and special knowledge. Do not attempt to disassemble
or service your coaster brake. Take the bicycle to your dealer
for coaster brake service.
2. Hand Brakes
a. How hand brakes work
A bicycle with hand brakes may have one hand lever
which operates a rear brake, or two hand levers, one of which
operates on the front wheel and the other on the rear wheel. If
your bicycle has two hand brakes, it’s important to your safety
that you instinctively know which brake lever controls which
brake on your bike. In the U.S., bikes are required to be set up