Chapter 3: inspection, adjustment, and lubrication

Opening a caliper brake

An open brake allows the tire to pass the brake pads during installation or removal of a wheel. Opening and closing the brake is not the same as adjusting the distance from the pads to the rim.

Do not ride with the brake in the open position; the brake lever may contact the handlebar during hard braking, preventing the rider from applying full brake force.

· For most calipers, lift the brake release lever (Figure 1) to the open UP position. To close, simply turn the lever to the DOWN position.
To close, reverse the instructions.

· For Campagnolo Ergopower levers, slightly depress the brake lever, and push the button (Figure 2) until it is flush with the lever body. Release the lever and the brake will open.
To close, reverse the instructions.