|
|
| *Vultures Knob>>>Bicycle Shop |
What is the best way to fix a bicycle's brake cable? |
I have a Honda Racing bike and, unfortunately, my mother left it out in the rain. (Tragic isn't it?) Now, the back hand brakes do not work (very well that is, they barely slow down the bike) and whenever I use my front handbrakes, the tire squeaks and it takes awhile to slow down. Does anyone know what I can do or how I can fix it without going to a bike repair shop?? A honda racing bike? Could you post what model it is? I've never heard that honda makes bicycles. I'd like to look it up. You need new cables, as a minimum. It's possible that you also should have the brakes rebuilt. Leaving the bike out in the rain will not cause this if it was done once. It takes months of building up crud and water getting into the brakes and able to do this. Sorry to say, but the best thing for you to do is to take it to a shop. Try new cables at first. It will certainly be less than $100 including labor for them to put them on, and they will at least put them on right. If there are any other issues, like sticky pivots, they'll let you know and can lube them probably for no extra fee. Worst case, they'll tell you the posts/pivots are corroded and you need to replace the brakes. Look to spend another $50-75 if that's the case. If you want to do it yourself, buy new cables and try it. The best way to learn about how something goes together is to take it apart. Note: improperly adjusted brakes can lead to serious injury or DEATH. DO NOT attempt this if you have no mechanical experience. -Loosen the bolt/nut that tightens the cable to the brake. -Open the brake lever slightly and push the cable from the brake end toward the lever end. it should push out far enough to grab it with needle-nosed pliers. -remove the old cable -Remove the old housing. -removve the new cable from the new housing -Cut the new housing to the same length as the old one (http://sheldonbrown.com/cables.html#cutt... -install the new housing -feed the new cable through the new housing and the cable binder on the brake from the first step -Squeeze the brakes closed on the rim, pull the cable tight with your other hand and retighten the binder from the first step. -spin the wheel. -You may need to give a little more 'slack' to the brake cable if you can't get the wheel to turn without rubbing. Not too much though, or you'll be right back where you started. Once the brake is adjusted per above, again squeeze the lever. the lever should squeeze with a light touch and feel little resistance until the pads touch the rim. It should bounce right back to position when you let it go. If you try this and the bike still won't stop well, take it to a shop. It won't cost you any more money to try it yourself first, and you shouldn't risk the brakes failing if you don't get it right. (see warning above) The mechanic may even help you figure out how to do it yourself if you're nice to him. u don't need brakes First let us fix ur cable then ... we try fix the bicycle. take to bike shop get new repairs. |
| Tags |
| Cycling Bike Race Bike Insurance Bike Repair Bicycle Shop Bike Tours Trail Map Bike Pedals Bike Lock |
Bike Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |