Entries Tagged 'safety' ↓

• It is important to change brake pads before braking performance is compromised.
• It is also worth checking the surface of the rim - there shouldn’t be too much inward indention
• Check that the new pads are the right way round. Many will have an arrow pointing to front.
• Tighten the pads using allen key or nut and bolt. Make sure the pads are securely fastened so they close on to the rim. They should never touch any part of the tyre and should be about 1 -2 mm from top of rim.
• Adjust the brake cable so that the brakes are about 2-3mm from the rim. The gap between pad and wheel should be the same for both side. This may take a bit of fiddling depending on your brake system and your experience.
• Pull on the Brakes and make sure the pads are in complete contact with the rim. If only part of the pad touches the rim, it suggests they are at the wrong angle. Adjust the angle of the pad holder.

Checking Brakes on a bike
Brakes and Spare Pads at Pro Bike Kit

Brake Pads at Wiggle

Cycling trouser clips are the simplest way to avoid getting your trousers caught in the chain. It is quite easy to do and can be dangerous.

These are some basic trouser clips from wiggle at only £2.99. Personally I would prefer luminous yellow. But, these black clips are good if you want to be discreet.

The main alternative to trouser clips is wearing a pair of long socks and tucking the trousers in. The benefit of this is that you don’t have anything to lose. The disadvantage is that, people like me, forget to take the trousers out of the sock and spend all day walking around work, looking like a  hippy. - It makes people smile anyway.