Procedure

Loosen the pad mounting bolts

(4mm) just enough to let the pads slide.

Set pad height:

the pad should contact the rim's brake track squarely — not riding up onto the tire or hanging off the bottom of the rim. Position the pad so its top edge sits 1 mm below the top edge of the rim brake track.

Set toe-in:

the front edge of the pad should contact the rim slightly before the back edge (a 0.5–1 mm gap at the rear). This prevents brake squeal. - To set: place a thin piece of card or business card behind the pad's rear edge while squeezing the pad against the rim. Tighten the pad bolt while held in this position. Remove the card.

Squeeze the brake lever and check pad position.

Re-adjust if not square to the rim.

Tighten pad bolts to spec

(typically 5–6 Nm).

Adjust cable tension

at the barrel adjuster so the lever has firm engagement at about 1/3 of its travel. ---

Procedure #

Loosen the pad mounting bolts (4mm) just enough to let the pads slide.
Set pad height: the pad should contact the rim’s brake track squarely — not riding up onto the tire or hanging off the bottom of the rim. Position the pad so its top edge sits 1 mm below the top edge of the rim brake track.
Set toe-in: the front edge of the pad should contact the rim slightly before the back edge (a 0.5–1 mm gap at the rear). This prevents brake squeal.
- To set: place a thin piece of card or business card behind the pad’s rear edge while squeezing the pad against the rim. Tighten the pad bolt while held in this position. Remove the card.
Squeeze the brake lever and check pad position. Re-adjust if not square to the rim.
Tighten pad bolts to spec (typically 5–6 Nm).
Adjust cable tension at the barrel adjuster so the lever has firm engagement at about 1/3 of its travel.

Rim Brake Pad Setup (Caliper Brakes)

Tools