How to Toe in V-Brakes

A popular model of bicycle brake, the V-Brake features two upright arms connected by a cable that runs horizontally from one arm to the other. Rubber pads, attached to the inside of each arm, provide stopping power upon operation of the brake. When adjusted correctly, the front of each pad "toes in" toward the rim ("pad toeing"). Angling the pads thus provides effective braking while also reducing the pads' tendency to "squeal" when gripping the rim.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 mm hex key
  • 2 rubber bands
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a 5 mm hex key to loosen the nut on the side of each V-Brake pad.

    • 2

      Wrap a rubber band once around the back end of each pad. The "back end" of the pad points toward the rear of the bicycle. The rubber band acts as a shim, creating a gap between the back end of the pad and the side of the wheel's rim.

    • 3

      Tie a knot in each rubber band to secure it firmly to its respective brake pad.

    • 4

      Align the first V-Brake pad with the vertical center of the rim. Angle the pad, too, so that it is even with the edge of the rim. Hold the pad still once you align it.

    • 5

      Use the 5 mm hex key to tighten the pad nut, securing the adjustment.

    • 6

      Align the second V-Brake pad with the vertical center of the rim. Angle the pad to be even with the edge of the rim. Hold the pad still.

    • 7

      Use the 5 mm hex key to tighten the pad nut.

    • 8

      Remove the rubber band from each V-Brake pad.