I SHOULD be able to do this...

[coyote]

but after I read about the mess Coyote made, I don't know if I should try this at home.

Ohhh, did I forget to mention that I am totally mechanically inept and that this attempt at adjusting my derailler has had the best results ever...atleast I'm able to still ride the bike

Didn't mean to make you bike maintenance shy

Hope you have a fun charity ride.

[DebW]

To make the barrel adjuster really easy to turn, hold the brake calipers against the rim. Then there is slack in the cable and the barrel turns very easily.

[VeloVT]

To adust brake travel, I think the following will prove easier/more precise than fiddling with the barrel adjusters:

1. Locate the cable insertion point for the affected brake. You'll see an allen bolt on the brake caliper over the insertion point. Loosen it.

2. With one hand, grab the cable end (you *might* need pliers for this, but I usually don't), and with the other hand squeeze the calipers (leave the brake lever itself alone, just squeeze the brake over the rim) until the brake pads are about an eighth of an inch from the rim. While holding the pads in this position, pull the cable taught. Keeping pressure on the cable, tighten the allen bolt.

3. Check travel by using your brake lever. This takes a teeny bit of trial and error to get just the right distance, but you have a lot more control and ability to fine-tune than with the barrel adjusters. It's also pretty easy, but even easier if you can recruit an assistant (one person holds the brake calipers/cable and the other person loosens/tightens the allen bolt).

Good luck!

oh one more thing -- make sure your brake quick release is down when you do this.

[DebW]

To adust brake travel, I think the following will prove easier/more precise than fiddling with the barrel adjusters:
This takes a teeny bit of trial and error to get just the right distance, but you have a lot more control and ability to fine-tune than with the barrel adjusters. It's also pretty easy, but even easier if you can recruit an assistant (one person holds the brake calipers/cable and the other person loosens/tightens the allen bolt).

The "assistant" is called a third hand. Or an old toe straps usually works. These devices are known to save friendships.

[LBTC]

The "assistant" is called a third hand. Or an old toe straps usually works. These devices are known to save friendships.

mmmmmmmmmm I love Park tools. I miss buying them for DH all the time.

H&B
~T~

[Zen]

To adust brake travel, I think the following will prove easier/more precise than fiddling with the barrel adjusters...
even easier if you can recruit an assistant (one person holds the brake calipers/cable and the other person loosens/tightens the allen bolt).

Good luck!

oh one more thing -- make sure your brake quick release is down when you do this.

My friend/assistant doesn't have opposable thumbs Maybe I should get one of those helper monkeys.

I did see this exact method in my research travels but can't find it now, it also showed the "third hand".

It also said this is one of the easiest things for a new mechanic to screw up. I may just have the on site mechanic look at it on Saturday.

Thanks, guys!