How to Adjust the Brakes on a Schwinn Hybrid

Hybrids are a type of bicycle that includes both on-road and off-road features. Using narrow tires and heavy-duty frames, hybrids are equally effective on dirt and pavement. Schwinn hybrids use a type of brake known as a linear pull, or v-brake. The design includes two brake arms, two pads, and a cable that connects the two arms and allows them to operate in unison. A properly-adjusted brake optimizes stopping power and aids in bike control.

Things You'll Need

  • Five-millimeter Allen wrench
  • Phillips screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Squeeze the Schwinn Hybrid brake lever. Observe the position of the brake pads against the side of the rim. Each pad should strike the rim squarely, without touching the tire or overlapping the bottom of the rim. If adjustment is required, proceed to Step 2; otherwise skip to Step 3.

    • 2

      Loosen the bolt at the side of the misaligned pad, using a five-millimeter Allen wrench. Slide the pad up or down as needed, and tighten the bolt. Check the adjustment by squeezing the brake lever and noting the position of the pad.

    • 3

      Squeeze the Schwinn hybrid brake lever to determine if the brake feels "loose." Too much slack in the brake cable causes "loose" braking. Loose braking forces the cyclist to pull harder on the brake lever to engage the brake. To adjust cable tension, proceed to Step 4; otherwise skip to Step 5.

    • 4

      Turn the barrel adjuster, where the cable enters the lever, counterclockwise to tighten the brake cable. Begin with a half-turn, and check the adjustment by squeezing the brake lever. Each counterclockwise turn of the barrel adjuster causes the brake to engage sooner when the brake lever is pulled. Set the brake to your personal preference.

    • 5

      Note the distance from each pad to the side of the rim. If the pads are not equidistant from the side of the rim, proceed to Step 6 for adjustment. Pads that are equidistant to the side of the rim strike the rim at the same time, optimizing the brake's ability to slow the bicycle.

    • 6

      Locate the screw at the bottom of the brake arm that is closest to the side of the rim. Use a Phillips screwdriver and turn the screw clockwise until the arm and its pad are the same distance from the rim as the opposite arm and pad.