Tektro R580 Instructions

While your bicycle is otherwise ready to go, it still lacks a set of brakes. You've chosen a pair of Tektro R580 brakes for their lightweight, dual pivot action and affordability. The R580 features a cable-actuated caliper. When operating the brake lever, the brake cable forces the caliper to close against the sides of your wheel. Each caliper arm is fitted with a rubber pad, and these pads provide the grip necessary for stopping. Whether using the brakes to reduce speed or help control steering, proper installation and adjustment is crucial to the achievement of both.

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle grease
  • 5 mm hex key
  • 4 mm hex key
  • 3 mm hex key
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Instructions

  1. Assembly

    • 1

      Apply bicycle grease to the tip of the bolt on the backside of the Tektro R580 brake. This bolt is permanently affixed to the brake. The bolt allows the brake to be attached to the bicycle frame.

    • 2

      Fit the bolt through the brake mounting hole in the bicycle frame. Whether installing a front or rear brake, the hole in the frame is directly above the tire.

    • 3

      Hold the brake in place, centered above the tire, and thread the nut included with the bolt onto the tip of the bolt.

    • 4

      Use a 5-mm hex key to tighten the bolt.

    • 5

      Pass the tip of your brake cable through the cable adjustment bolt, at the top of the Tektro R580 brake.

    • 6

      Check the quick release lever, directly below the adjustment bolt, is down in the closed position.

    • 7

      Thread the brake cable beneath the pinch bolt on the backside of the quick release lever.

    • 8

      Use the 5-mm hex key to tighten the pinch bolt, securing the cable to the Tektro R580 brake.

    Adjustment

    • 9

      Check that both brake pads are center with the side of the rim. The "rim" is the hoop portion of your wheel. Its sides serve as the braking surface for your brakes.

    • 10

      Use a 4-mm hex key to loosen the "shoe fixing" bolt on the side of any brake pad that needs to be repositioned. Reposition the pad with the center of the side of the rim, and tighten the bolt.

    • 11

      Check that the brake has remained centered over the wheel, with both brake pads the same distance from the side of the rim.

    • 12

      Use a 3-mm hex key to turn the centering adjustment bolt atop the brake, to center the Tektro R580 brake. Turn the bolt clockwise to pull the brake to the right. Turn the bolt counterclockwise to pull the brake to the left.

    • 13

      Check the space between each pad and the rim. Tektro recommends a distance of approximately 2 mm between each pad and the rim.

    • 14

      Use the cable adjustment bolt to adjust the gap. Turn the bolt clockwise to increase clearance. Turn the bolt counterclockwise to decrease clearance.

    • 15

      Squeeze the brake ten times, and check the position of the brake pads and brake once again. Make any necessary adjustments.