Bike Repair DVD

Firstly , there are the so-called rim brakes. The most common types are the V-brake, the cantilever and the caliper. All three of them work in a similar way. A lever pulls a cable, so that the two brake arms move towards each other and bring the contact pads into contact with the braking surface of the wheel rim. When you release the lever, the arms move back.

Secondly, there are the hub-mounted brakes, the most common types being the cable disc brake, the hydraulic disc brake, the roller-brake and the coaster brake. In disc brakes, the pads act on discs attached to the hub. In roller and coaster brakes, on the other hand, the braking surface is inside the hub. The pads slow down the hub and therefore the wheel.

Not only is it very important to know which type of brake you use and how it works, but, mostly, how to keep it working efficiently. More info on this in this bike repair DVD.

To allow smooth, safe steering you have to properly adjust your headset. After all, its main function is to enable you to change the direction of the front wheel under any conditions. The headset rotates on bearings, which are held in place by cups, one above the head tube, the other below. The two cups press on the bearings just enough so that the forks can turn freely.

Attached to it is the handlebar, which could be either a straight or a drop handlebar. Some owners of road bikes prefer the former, some the latter. In fact there are 1001 reasons to opt for one of the two types. Whatever type you choose, be sure there are no scratches, stress marks, or cracks on the surface. If so, replace the handlebar before using your bike again.

A suspension fork softens the blow of a bump on the road or trail.

The fork on the front wheel absorbs the energy of the bump and prevents its force from reaching the rider. It has a main spring, that can be trapped air or a metal coil. This spring is compressed so as to absorb the shock of the bump. Once the shock is completely absorbed, compression ends. A process called damping controls the speed of compression and rebound, so as to keep the fork's movements from reacting too brusquely.

The rear suspension works in a similar way as the front suspension. The extra use of the rear suspension is the enhancement of the rider's control of the bike. Both suspensions work with shock absorbers, or, more commonly called, shocks. It goes without saying you should check these shocks, keep them clean and well lubricated at all time.

Check out this bike repair DVD for more info.