Brake System Maintenance

Course Description

This is an essential class for all riders. Reliable braking and traction are crucial for safe riding. Learn how to prevent serious problems and make minor and major adjustments to any bike with mechanical brakes. (This class does not cover hydraulic brakes)

Learn how to:

• Identify your brake type and parts
• Inspect, clean, and replace your brake pads
• Adjust your front and rear brakes
• Small class size and low instructor to student ratio allow you to learn the specifics of your braking system.

Pre-requisites: If you do not know what general type of braking system you have (rim or disc, mechanical or hydraulic) it may be best to start with Maintenance for Every Rider. 

Type of bike this class is for: 

• Bring your own standard (non-electric) bike as you will be practicing brake maintenance on your own bike. 
• This class is for bikes with rim or mechanical disc brakes.  Hydraulic brakes require minimum adjustment and we will not be covering how to bleed hydraulic brakes.
• If you want to try to replace your brake pads, be sure to bring new pads (of the correct type) with you to class!
• This class uses bike stands so please take any extra bags off of your seat post as that is often the best place to clamp. 
• If you are unable to bring a bike to class one will be provided for you, but we cannot guarantee that it will have similar components to your personal bike.

Class Size: minimum: 5, maximum: 9

Youth attendance: see more information here

Other classes you may be interested in: Chains and Derailleurs; Roadside Repair; Essential Biking Knowledge; Urban Cycling Techniques

Contacts:  adultclasses@cascade.org

Edited on 2/25/23