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Preventive brake maintenance on a bicycle

Brakes are one of the most important parts of a bicycle, as they allow it to stop safely and effectively. For this reason, it is essential to carry out preventive maintenance of the brakes, in order to ensure their correct functioning and avoid possible accidents. SDT Brakes will briefly explain how to carry out this maintenance and other important related aspects.

Before going into detail on how to carry out preventive maintenance on the brakes of a bicycle, it is important to note that this process may vary slightly depending on the type of brakes your bike has (whether it is rim brakes, disc brakes, hydraulic brakes, mechanical brakes, etc.). However, most require some basic maintenance. Here we explain the most common ones:

1. Brake pad adjustment: brake pads are the parts that press against the rim to stop the bicycle. If they are out of adjustment, they can cause uneven rim wear and reduce the effectiveness of the brakes. To adjust them, first loosen the bolt that holds them in place, adjust them to the proper height (about 2-3 mm from the rim) and then retighten the bolt.

2. Check and clean the cables and levers: they must also be in good condition for the brakes to work properly. It is advisable to check that they are not worn, broken or frayed, and to lubricate them with oil to prevent them from sticking or rusting. It is also important to clean the brake levers to remove accumulated dirt.

3. Check the brake pads: these are the parts that press against the disc or rim to stop the bike. They usually wear out over time and need to be replaced.

How much does it cost to replace brake pads?

This can vary depending on the type of pads you need, the make and model of the bike, as well as the quality of the pads. In general, it is estimated that the cost of changing brake pads on a bike is around 70-150 euros, depending on the factors mentioned above. Of course, if you want to save money, you can always try to change the brake pads yourself in your garage, following the proper steps. However, if you are not sure how to do it or if you don't have the right tools, it is better to go to a specialised mechanic.

When to change brake discs?

In addition to brake pads, discs can also wear out over time and affect the effectiveness of your brakes. While it's not something you should do as often as changing brake pads, it's important to watch for signs that brake discs need to be changed. Some of these signs include: a squealing sound when braking, a vibrating sensation in the bike when braking, or a decrease in braking ability in general.

In general, it is recommended to replace brake discs if they are less than 1.5 mm thick, if they are cracked or deformed, or if they have been damaged by overheating. If in doubt, it is always best to consult a bicycle mechanic. Contact us with any questions you may have, we, as brake manufacturers and distributors, will do our best to make sure you have no doubts!

How often should brake pads be changed?

How often you should change the brake pads on a bicycle will depend on several factors, such as how often you use the bike, the type of brakes it has, and the conditions in which the bike is used (for example, if it is used in a hilly or dusty area). In general, it is recommended that brake pads are changed every 3-6 months, or every 1000-2000 km of use, although this can vary.

If you notice that the brakes take longer to stop the bike, or if you hear a squealing sound when braking, it is possible that the pads are worn and need to be replaced prematurely.

In summary, it is essential to carry out preventive brake maintenance on a bicycle in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience. It is essential to replace brake discs or pads when necessary and to do it correctly in order to avoid accidents and save money in the long run. In case you are not confident in performing preventive brake maintenance yourself, you can turn to a bicycle mechanic for help - contact us for more questions or have a look at our brake catalogue!

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