Bike School 2005

United Bicycle Institute

Professional Repair and
Shop Operation Class

Monday, December 5, 2005

Brakes

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Most people wouldn't think it was possible to spend an entire day of class discussing brakes. Anyone who has cycled much knows that there are nearly an endless variety of brakes used on bikes. In fact, one day wasn't really enough to cover the subject, especially given the complexity of some of the newer hydraulic disc brakes.

Gary

There are two primary types of brakes, those that are located on or near the wheel hub, and those that work on the wheel rim. Hub brakes include coaster, drum, and disc. Rim brakes include two main types, with connected arms, caliper (side pull, center pull, and dual pivot side pull), and those with arms brought together by a cable, cantilever (low profile, wide profile, linear pull, and roller cam).

Gary was the reluctant instructor. He knows a great deal about brakes and bikes in general, but seems like he'd rather be wrenching than teaching. There were several exercises on measuring and adjusting brakes and pads. One of the more useful tasks was to bleed a hydraulic brake line, a job that takes patience and a steady hand, a useful skill for the future.

Lunch at the hostel

I continued by walking routine before and after class, going to the public library to read email and a little news. Walked past Anne Hathaway's B&B and Garden Suites, where John will be staying in January; a spacious room to himself for about $5 a night more than I was paying, excluding the weekends. While I missed the privacy, I enjoyed the ability to interact with the other students during the day, comparing observations about the classes, and generally having a good time together.

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