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 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

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

[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.