Brake release problem

[Catrin]

I admit it, I am too embarrased to take Ms. Plum Blossom (Gunnar) to the LBS and admit that I can't figure out how to do this :o At least the good women of TE can't see me blush. Also that would take all of my riding time tomorrow night and I would prefer to RIDE :)

On my ride yesterday, there was a lot of sound from my front tire that was probably related to all of the wet cr*p on the road. This was very obviously not from the wheel but from my tire so I wasn't worried about it - but planned on taking the wheel off after the ride and make certain my brake pad didn't have anything in it.

Except...I can't seem to release the brake. My LHT has cantilevers, while my Gunnar has long-pull V-brakes? There is a rubber thingie that looks like an accordion and am not quite sure how I go about releasing the brake - I've been looking for a video but so far haven't been successful. The brakes on the LHT may not be as good as on my Gunnar, but they are certainly easier to release!

[SadieKate]

You probably need to search for linear brakes.

http://bicycletutor.com/adjust-v-brakes/

I put my hand over the top of the brake to squeeze the two arms together.

[alice]

If your brakes are *really* well adjusted (as in, they are almost barely touching the wheel (but not) when they're not engaged), it can be really difficult to release these without loosening the brakes a little bit. Just something for you to keep in mind if you try to follow directions/a video and can't get it to work.

[Catrin]

If your brakes are *really* well adjusted (as in, they are almost barely touching the wheel (but not) when they're not engaged), it can be really difficult to release these without loosening the brakes a little bit. Just something for you to keep in mind if you try to follow directions/a video and can't get it to work.

Yep, they are "toed in" (or toed out?) and the part of the pad that is closest to the tire is as you describe. I did call my LBS to make certain they were supposed to have that angle on the pads just to make certain I didn't scr*w it up - and that is how they installed them.

[Susan]

On one side of this "accordion rubber thingy" the brake-cable goes through a metal clamp. If you pull the rubber thing back a little bit and squeeze the two arms of the brake together, you can normally see where you can get the cable out.
You have to squeeze the arms together with one hand and then pull the cable outwards and up to come out.
It's hard to describe but easy to do...
Ok maybe my limited Photoshop skills will help ;) (I forgot the "u" in "squeeze". No, I won't write it again.)

[Catrin]

Ok, I had the right idea at least :) I didn't know how much I could pull the rubber thingie.

I will try this as soon as computer repair person comes/leaves. I am SO thankful I paid for in-home extended warrenty for this 55 pound all in one computer :D

It is fine, just a recent storm torched my sound card...

[Catrin]

I got the brake off and back on :) Couldn't get the wheel out though - will just ask LBS about it at fitting next Friday. I don't think it will stop me from riding it...

computer repair guy left me with an inoperable computer :( they had to replace motherboard and replacement isn't working & his office was closed by the time he figured it out. I love my all in one 27 inch computer but it is more complex than the average computer...he has to find out from his office what they want him to do next.

[lph]

good for you! If you've got the brake open and have released the QR on the wheel skewer (plus maybe a turn or two if it was really tight) there should be nothing holding the wheel on - except the tires not passing through the brake pads. Especially if you have fattish or knobby tires and the brake pads were adjusted close to the rims. Just let out some air and try again, squeezing the tires together with one hand to ease them through the brakes.

If this is the rear wheel there's a bit more wiggling to do because of the rear derailleur, but do have the lbs show you how to do it.

[Catrin]

The tires have knobbies on the sides and are considerably wider than I've had before. I loosened the QR so much the end cap thing came off so it must be the tires. Will keep this in mind and will experiment again after my ride tonight. Assuming computer repair guy doesn't come back tonight. Thank goodness for my iPhone!

[moderncyclista]

On one side of this "accordion rubber thingy" the brake-cable goes through a metal clamp. If you pull the rubber thing back a little bit and squeeze the two arms of the brake together, you can normally see where you can get the cable out.
You have to squeeze the arms together with one hand and then pull the cable outwards and up to come out.
It's hard to describe but easy to do...
Ok maybe my limited Photoshop skills will help ;) (I forgot the "u" in "squeeze". No, I won't write it again.)

"sgeeze" = yes. always this.

Your photoshop skills bring me joy. The laughter of a child. But how sweet of you to help with a diagram, really. That's so nice. :)

[Savra]

With brakes like that the tires do seem to need a little more "pull" to get them out than others. They don't simply slide out after you disengage the brake. They have more of a popping out kind of movement. Or, you could just release some of the air in the tire - that would help. Although, they still won't just slide out like butter.