How to Adjust Brakes on a Bicycle (Step-by-Step Guide)

Congcheng Yang
How to Adjust Brakes on a Bicycle

Proper brake adjustment is one of the most important aspects of bicycle maintenance. Whether you're using an electric bike or a traditional cycle, having dialed-in brakes means safer, smoother, and more confident riding. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to adjust the brakes on a bicycle, whether you're running disc or rim brakes.

Why Brake Adjustment Matters

Poorly adjusted brakes can:

  • Decrease stopping power

  • Cause brake rub (slowing you down)

  • Lead to squeaking or grinding

  • Increase wear on rims or rotors

Regularly checking and adjusting your brakes improves ride quality and reduces long-term repair costs.

What Type of Brakes Do You Have?

Most modern bikes use either:

  • Rim Brakes: Brake pads grip the wheel rim (common on older bikes and road bikes)

  • Disc Brakes: Pads grip a metal rotor at the center of the wheel (common on eBikes and mountain bikes)

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Allen wrenches (4mm–6mm)

  • Phillips screwdriver (for rim brake pads)

  • Bike stand or way to prop up your bike

  • Rag or gloves (for greasy parts)

How to Adjust Rim Brakes

  1. Inspect the Pads: Make sure pads aren't overly worn or cracked. Replace if less than 3mm thick.

  2. Align the Pads: Loosen the pad bolt with an Allen wrench and ensure the pad contacts the rim flatly, without touching the tire.

  3. Center the Brakes: Squeeze the brake lever and tighten the centering bolt so both arms move evenly.

  4. Tighten the Cable: Loosen the pinch bolt, pull the cable tighter (for more braking power), and retighten.

  5. Test: Squeeze the lever—it should stop 1–2 fingers away from the handlebar.

How to Adjust Disc Brakes (Mechanical)

  1. Check Pad Alignment: Spin the wheel and watch the rotor. If it rubs, adjust caliper position.

  2. Center the Caliper:

    • Loosen the mounting bolts

    • Squeeze the brake lever to center the pads

    • While holding the lever, tighten bolts evenly

  3. Tighten the Cable: Like rim brakes, tighten the pinch bolt and test lever pull.

  4. Noisy Brakes? Clean your rotor with isopropyl alcohol and check for oil contamination.

How to Adjust Hydraulic Disc Brakes

  • These self-adjust in most cases, but if pads are rubbing:

    1. Loosen caliper bolts

    2. Pull the brake lever

    3. Retighten bolts evenly

  • If the rotor is bent, carefully straighten it with a rotor truing tool

⚠️ Tip: Never pull the brake lever without the rotor or pad spacer in place—it can cause pistons to overextend.

When to Replace Brake Pads

  • Rim Brake Pads: Replace when the grooves are worn away

  • Disc Brake Pads: Replace when under 1mm thick or contaminated with oil

Final Tips

  • Always test brakes before riding

  • Keep tools in your saddle bag for on-the-go adjustments

  • Consider upgrading to hydraulic disc brakes for better performance on eBikes

Want a safer, easier ride? Proper brakes are just the beginning.

👉 Browse eBikes with hydraulic brakes and high-end components in our collection here

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