22
b
c
da
Be careful while getting used to the brakes (a). Practise
emergency stops in a place free of trafc until you are comfort-
able controlling your bicycle. This can save you from having
accidents.
Wet weather reduces your braking power and the road grip of
the tyres. Be aware of longer stopping distances when riding in
the rain, reduce your speed and actuate the brakes carefully.
Ensure that braking surfaces are absolutely free of wax, grease
and oil. Risk of accident!
5.1.1 Brakes – How They Work and What to Do about Wear.
Actuating the hand lever on the handlebars (b) causes a brake pad to be
pressed against a brake surface, and the ensuing friction slows down the
wheel. If water, dirt or oil gets in contact with one of the braking surfaces,
this changes the coefcient of friction and deceleration is reduced. This
is why brakes respond with a slight delay and less powerfully in wet
weather.
In order to maintain their effectiveness, brakes need to be checked and
readjusted regularly.
5.2 Rim Brakes.
The friction generated by braking causes wear to the brake pads (c) as
well as to the rims. Frequent rides in the rain and dirt and over hilly ter-
rain can accelerate wear on both braking surfaces.
Rims are provided with wear indicators, i.e. grooves (d) or circular
indentations. If the rim is worn down to the point where the grooves or
indentations are no longer visible, they need to be replaced. Once the
abrasion of the rim has reached a certain critical point, the rim may break
under the tyre pressure. This can make the wheel jam or the inner tube
burst, both of which can cause an accident!
The grooves in the brake pads are worn down by braking. See a bicycle
specialist shop of your trust and ask them to examine the remaining
thickness of the rims when you have worn through your second set of
brake pads at the latest. They have a special measuring device for deter-
mining the remaining thickness of the rims.
Wet weather reduces your braking power. Be aware of longer
stopping distances when riding in the rain!
When replacing any parts be sure to only use parts that bear
the appropriate mark and, to be on the safe side, original spare
parts. Your BMW partner will be pleased to order the respective
original spare parts for you!
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
