How to Replace the Brakes on a 1 Speed Bicycle

One-speed bicycles derive their name from the single rear cog and front sprocket that form part of the bicycle's drive train. The relatively simple arrangement eliminates the need for a derailleur -- a spring-loaded mechanism that moves the chain between multiple gears. Despite its basic gearing, the one-speed bicycle still relies on brakes to slow and help control the bicycle. A traditional side-pull rim brake is housed just above the wheel and is attached to the frame of the bicycle by a single bolt. An old brake can be swapped out for a new one.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 mm hex wrench or 10 mm open-end wrench
  • Bicycle grease
  • Bicycle brake cable end cap
  • Bicycle cable cutters
  • Pliers
  • Rag (as needed)
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Instructions

  1. One-Speed Brake Removal

    • 1

      Loosen the bolt that anchors the cable to the brake. Depending on the design, a 5 mm hex wrench or 10 mm open-end wrench in generally required.

    • 2

      Use bicycle cable cutters to cut the end cap from the tip of the brake cable. Throw the end cap away.

    • 3

      Pull the cable up and away from the brake, separating the two. So long as the cable is in good shape and not frayed, it can be used for the replacement brake.

    • 4

      Hold the brake steady with one hand while using a 5 mm hex wrench to loosen the nut that attaches the brake mounting bolt to the frame of the bicycle. The nut is located on the tip of the mounting bolt.

    • 5

      Remove the nut. Pull the brake free of the one-speed bicycle.

    One-Speed Brake Installation

    • 6

      Remove the nut from the tip of the mounting bolt of the new brake. Apply bicycle grease directly to the mounting bolt threads, and use your fingers or a rag to cover the threads with grease.

    • 7

      Insert the mounting bolt through the hole in the bicycle frame directly above the wheel. Hold the brake in place.

    • 8

      Fit the mounting bolt nut onto the 5 mm hex wrench. Use the wrench to guide the nut onto the tip of the mounting bolt.

    • 9

      Hold the brake centered over the wheel while tightening the nut onto the mounting bolt.

    • 10

      Pass the existing brake cable through the cable guide at the top of the brake. Pass the cable beneath the brake cable anchor bolt.

    • 11

      Squeeze both sides of the brake until the brake pad on either side of the wheel clears the wheel by 3 to 4 mm. Holding this position, pull the cable tight and use the 5 mm hex wrench or 10 mm open-end wrench to tighten the anchor bolt onto the cable.

    • 12

      Insert a new cable end cap onto the tip of the cable. Use pliers to squeeze the sides of the cap onto the cable.