Look After V-Brakes On A Bike

Introduction

It's important to keep your V-brakes in working order. There are 3 main elements - the lever, the cable and the brake itself. Pads need to be checked most frequently, but are easily replaced if need be. As the pad wears sometimes you will need to correct the point of contact by adjusting the position of the brake.

This is a long guide, so you can choose to either watch the entire video above, or follow it in smaller chunks by clicking on the individual steps below.

Steps to Look After V-Brakes On A Bike:

1. Troubleshooting Brake Problems On A Bike

A cable operated rim brake has three elements. The lever, the cable and the brake itself. Separating the elements helps decide which element needs attention, and where your brake problems lie.

Troubleshooting Brake Problems On A Bike | MadeGood.bikes

2. Open A Bike's V-Brake

It's simple to open a V-brake to remove a wheel or dismount the cable.

3. Check And Service A Bike's Brake Blocks

Rim brakes slow and stop the bike by pressing soft blocks against the wheel rim to produce friction. A brake block wears away with use.

Check And Service A Bike's Brake Blocks | MadeGood.bikes

4. Replace Rim Brake Blocks On A Bike

Brake pads wear in use and need to be replaced before the indicator slots disappear. Rubber hardens with age, so replacing old pads after a couple of years will improve braking performace regardless of wear. Some brakes have removable blocks that sit inside the shoe, these can be replaced independently without the need to replace the entire shoe. Other brakes have an integrated shoe, where the whole unit needs to be replaced.