Brake System Maintenance

Course Description

This is an essential class for all riders. Reliable braking and traction are crucial for safe riding. Learn how to prevent serious problems and make minor and major adjustments to any bike with mechanical or hydraulic brakes.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify your brake type and parts
• Inspect, clean, and replace your brake pads
• Adjust your front and rear brakes
• Small class size and low instructor to student ratio allow you to learn the specifics of your braking system

Prerequisites

If you do not know what general type of braking system you have (rim or disc, mechanical or hydraulic) it may be best to start with Maintenance for Every Rider. 

Type of Bike this Class is For

• We will not be covering how to bleed hydraulic brakes.
• If you want to try to replace your brake pads, be sure to bring new pads (of the correct type) with you to class!
• This class uses bike stands so please take any extra bags off of your seat post as that is often the best place to clamp.
• Bring your own bike if you can so you can have some real-world practice!
• If you are unable to bring a bike to class one will be provided for you, but we cannot guarantee that it will have similar components to your personal bike.

Have an e-Bike?

This class is primarily designed for acoustic (non-electric) bikes. However, the curriculum does apply to most e-bike models. In general, students with e-bikes will need to work with their bike on the ground (not in a stand) and we will not be covering information on motors, e-assist, electrical components or other e-bike specific technology.

Class Size: minimum: 4, maximum: 10

Youth attendance: see more information here 

Contacts: adultclasses@cascade.org