trek road bike brake lever

• Stores Stores

Brake Adjustment

Trek and Shimano facing legal claim of $2m after cyclist ‘impaled’ by brake lever

Lawsuit alleges 17 counts, including negligent design

• Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

A man in the US has brought a legal case against Trek and Shimano after his bike’s brake lever impaled his thigh in a crash. 

Rhode Island resident Timothy Lynch is suing the two companies for negligent design and is seeking $2million (£1.6million) in damages. 

The plaintiff has filed a case with the US District Court for the District of Rhode Island, detailing the allegations and demanding a jury trial. 

The filing says: “This action is instituted by Plaintiff for damages that arise from serious impalement and laceration bodily injuries suffered by Plaintiff which were caused by a defective Shimano V-Brake lever on a Trek bicycle.”

According to the alleged facts, Lynch bought a Trek road bike in early 2017, equipped with Shimano V-brake levers that were “metallic with a thin end”. 

He was then involved in a crash while riding with his wife in June 2022, and, as he fell, the brake lever “impaled his left thigh and tore a twelve-inch long laceration deep into his left thigh”. 

As a result of his injury, Lynch was transferred to Rhode Island Hospital, where he stayed for 10 days. He underwent three surgeries and a skin graft, and says he has now been left with “permanent numbness” and “visible scarring” in his left thigh. 

Get The Leadout Newsletter

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

The lawsuit alleges that both Trek and Shimano provided “improperly designed” products that led to the plaintiff suffering serious bodily injury. It adds that Trek “failed to inspect and assess the safety of the V-Brake for end users before installing it”. 

An example of a Shimano V-Brake lever

The case brings 17 counts against the defendants, and also alleges breach of warranty and failure to warn. 

Lynch is seeking a compensatory sum of $2million in damages to cover “medical bills, scarring and disfigurement, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of consortium”. 

The lawsuit was filed on 29 January against Trek Bicycle Corporation and Shimano North American Holding Incorporated and has since been assigned to a judge. It is unknown at this stage whether it will go to trial. 

A spokesperson from Shimano told Cycling Weekly that the brand does not comment on any open investigations or lawsuits. Cycling Weekly also contacted Trek for comment on the allegations.  

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Tom joined Cycling Weekly as a news and features writer in the summer of 2022, having previously contributed as a freelancer. He is the host of The TT Podcast , which covers both the men's and women's pelotons and has featured a number of prominent British riders. 

An enthusiastic cyclist himself, Tom likes it most when the road goes uphill and actively seeks out double-figure gradients on his rides. 

He's also fluent in French and Spanish and holds a master's degree in International Journalism. 

Black Inc's 48/58 wheelset now available for the rest of us and Fizik makes a light but bright statement...

By Luke Friend Published 12 April 24

Lidl-Trek have got the perfect recipe for beating SD Worx-Protime

By Tom Davidson Published 12 April 24

Brand's reported plan to reduce product line by 40% is a "sensible move", says one industry expert

By Tom Davidson Published 12 March 24

Japanese bike component giant reports a 24.6% drop in revenue and 52.3% drop in net profit

By Adam Becket Published 13 February 24

New invention shows automatic seatpost, suspension and saddle adjustments made through machine learning

By Tom Davidson Published 11 January 24

The Japanese components company suffered a ransomware attack earlier in November, now its data has been leaked

By Adam Becket Published 24 November 23

There might be better groupsets, but why would I want them when I love my trusty 11-speed?

By Adam Becket Published 15 November 23

Ransomware attack on Japanese company left it in a "conundrum"

By Adam Becket Published 7 November 23

760,000 Hollowtech road cranks recalled in USA and Canada originally

By Adam Becket Last updated 22 September 23

760,000 Hollowtech road cranks recalled in USA and Canada; the programme is expected to be expanded globally

By Adam Becket Published 21 September 23

Useful links

• Tour de France
• Giro d'Italia
• Vuelta a España

Buyer's Guides

• Best road bikes
• Best gravel bikes
• Best smart turbo trainers
• Best cycling computers
• Editor's Choice
• Bike Reviews
• Component Reviews
• Clothing Reviews
• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy
• Advertise with us

Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

• Find Us Store
• My Account My Account
• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart

Availability

• In Stock at Clermont location 60
• Kool-Stop 40
• Show More Brands
• Black Ops 8
• Bontrager 4
• Campagnolo 11
• Cane Creek 4
• Ciclovation 1
• Lizard Skins 1
• Microshift 1
• Paul Component Engineering 2
• Problem Solvers 3
• Sun Bicycles 2
• SwissStop 26
• Show Fewer Brands
• Not Designated 11
• 10x1.0x11.5mm 1
• 10x1.25x11.5mm 1
• 140mm (5.5") 1
• Show More Sizes
• 160mm (6.3") 1
• 160mm/Rear 1
• 180mm (7.1") 1
• 180mm/Front 1
• 26.0mm clamp 1
• 31.8mm clamp 1
• 8x1.25x15mm 1
• Aluminum MC body 1
• F-180mm/R-160mm 1
• Long Reach 1
• MC/lever pushrod kit 1
• Short Reach 1
• Show Fewer Sizes
• Up to $10 72
• $10 to $19.99 138
• $20 to $49.99 194
• $50 to $124.99 123
• $125 to $199.99 42
• $200 to $499.99 40
• $500 to $749.99 5
• $750 to $999.99 1
• & up 10
• & up 18
• & up 19
• Show More Model Years
• Show Fewer Model Years
• Bicycling Catalog

Brakes/Levers/Pads

• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart
• Mobile CartLink

Availability

• In Store - Select Locations Only 42
• Kool-Stop 6
• Bontrager 3
• Show More Brands
• SwissStop 1
• Show Fewer Brands
• Not Designated 2
• Show More Sizes
• Show Fewer Sizes
• Up to $10 6
• $10 to $19.99 7
• $20 to $49.99 16
• $50 to $124.99 16
• $125 to $199.99 5
• $200 to $499.99 1
• Show More Model Years
• Show Fewer Model Years
• Bicycling Catalog

Brakes/Levers/Pads

The faster you go, the more speed worthy your brakes need to be.

High-performance wheel systems require high-performance braking power. From innovative lightweight calipers to carbon specific brake pads and everything in between. Bontrager has a select line of brake components to keep your speed in check.

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 11:00am - 5:30pm Wed, Sun: Closed Sat: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Availability

• In Store Now 9
• Bontrager 2
• Kool-Stop 1
• Show More Brands
• Show Fewer Brands
• Not Designated 1
• Up to $10 4
• $10 to $19.99 6
• $20 to $49.99 5
• $50 to $124.99 4
• Bicycling Catalog

Brakes/Levers/Pads

We're Hiring! Learn More and Apply Here.

• Account Account
• Stores Stores
• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart

Availability

• In-Store 86
• Kool-Stop 10
• Bontrager 5
• Show More Brands
• Cane Creek 1
• Problem Solvers 1
• Wheels Manufacturing 1
• Show Fewer Brands
• Not Designated 17
• 10,12,14,16,18,20,22 and 30mm 1
• 2000 x 5.5mm 1
• Show More Sizes
• 26.0mm clamp 1
• 31.8mm clamp 1
• Show Fewer Sizes
• Up to $10 5
• $10 to $19.99 23
• $20 to $49.99 41
• $50 to $124.99 19
• $125 to $199.99 3
• $200 to $499.99 2
• Show More Model Years
• Show Fewer Model Years
• Bicycling Catalog

Brakes/Levers/Pads

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Cars & Other Vehicles
• Bicycle Maintenance
• Bicycle Brake and Chain Maintenance

How to Adjust Bike Brakes

Last Updated: March 29, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Jonas Jackel and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall . Jonas Jackel is the Owner of Huckleberry Bicycles, a bicycle retail store based in San Francisco, California. Jonas has over 20 years of experience managing bicycle retail stores and has operated Huckleberry Bicycles since 2011. Huckleberry Bicycles specializes in servicing, repairing, and custom building road, cross, gravel, touring, folding, and e-bikes. Jonas was also previously sat on the Board of Directors for Bike East Bay, a bicycle-advocacy non-profit organization based in Oakland, California. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 18 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 999,032 times.

Routinely adjusting your bike brakes will help them perform better and ensure you’re riding safely. The two main things you’ll want to adjust in your bike’s brake system are the brake pads and the brake cables. Worn down brake pads that are too low or high on the rim can be a safety hazard. Brake cables that are too loose will make it harder to brake. Fortunately, you can easily fix these issues with some simple tools!

Bike Brake Adjustment Guide

Loosen the bolts on the brake pad with an Allen wrench. Then, move the pad up or down until it is centered and re-tighten the bolts. To tighten the brake cables, turn the barrel adjusters counterclockwise. Or, loosen the bolt on the brake cable and pull the cable outward.

Adjusting Your Brake Pads

• If the wear lines on your brake pads aren't labeled, they should be marked by grooves on the side of the pads instead.
• You can order new brake pads online or pick some up at your local bike shop.

• Crouch down to get a good look at the brake pads as you're squeezing the brake lever.

Tightening Your Brake Cables

• Loosen the barrel adjuster attached to the loose brake cable by turning it counterclockwise. Loosening the barrel adjuster will actually slightly tighten the brake cable.
• After you loosen the barrel adjuster, pull the brake lever to see if it fixed the problem. If the brake cable is still too loose, you’ll need to adjust it on the caliper. Leave the barrel adjuster as it is. Don’t tighten it yet.
• Don’t unscrew the bolt all the way. Just rotate the Allen wrench counterclockwise 2-3 times until the bolt is loose.
• If you can't turn the tire at all, pull less hard on the brake cable so it's not as tight.
• Test the brake cables again by pulling the brake levers. When you pull the levers now, there should be 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm) between the lever and the grip on the handlebars.

Community Q&A

Things You’ll Need

• Allen wrench

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/gear/repair-maintenance-how-to-adjust-your-road-bike-brakes-w434268
• ↑ Jonas Jackel. Bicycle Shop Owner. Expert Interview. 18 February 2020.
• ↑ http://www.cyclingweekly.com/videos/bike-fit-and-maintenance/how-to-set-up-your-brakes-video
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qba8JOggjbA&feature=youtu.be&t=167
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg6s596PPRY&feature=youtu.be&t=36
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg6s596PPRY&feature=youtu.be&t=92

About This Article

To adjust the brakes on your bike, start by checking your brake pads, which are the pads that clamp down on the front tire of your bike when you pull the brake lever. Pull on the brake lever and see where the pads hit the rim. They should hit the center of the rim with an equal amount of space above and below them. If they're hitting too high or low on the rim, you'll want to adjust them. Just loosen the bolts holding the brake pads in place with an Allen wrench, and move the pads up or down so they're centered on the rim. Then, retighten the brake pads with your wrench. You might also need to adjust your brake cables if your brake levers hit the grip on the handlebars when you pull on them, which is a sign that the cables are too loose. If your cables are just slightly loose, loosen the barrel adjuster attached to each cable by turning it counterclockwise. This will tighten the cables. If one of the cables is still too loose, unscrew the bolt that's holding the cable to the caliper. Then, pull the brake cable out away from the bike and hold it taut to tighten it. You want the cable to be tight enough that there's some resistance when you turn the tire, but not so tight that you aren't able to turn the tire at all. Once you've found the right position, tighten the bolt that's holding the cable on the caliper. Finally, tighten the barrel adjusters you loosened before. For tips on how to tighten or loosen the brake cables on your bike, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Matt Jackson

May 28, 2019

Did this article help you?

Jul 7, 2019

Sherrie Murray

Jan 27, 2020

Charles Bouchard

Aug 11, 2019

Aug 19, 2018

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

WE'VE MOVED! NOW OPEN AT 710 FRONT ROAD!

Note: We are currently experiencing difficulties with our online payment processing - If you'd like to make a purchase, please contact the store by phone or email.  We apologize for the inconvenience. 

STORE HOURS: TUES-FRI: 10AM - 5PM | SAT: 10AM - 4PM | SUN, MON: CLOSED |

• Stores Stores

Availability

• In Stock at Store 29
• SwissStop 27
• Campagnolo 6
• Show More Brands
• Bontrager 2
• Show Fewer Brands
• 10,12,14,16,18,20,22 and 30mm 1
• Show More Sizes
• Show Fewer Sizes
• Up to $10 11
• $10 to $19.99 16
• $20 to $49.99 68
• $50 to $124.99 78
• $125 to $199.99 20
• $200 to $499.99 45
• $500 to $749.99 8
• $750 to $999.99 4
• & up 14
• Show More Model Years
• Show Fewer Model Years
• Bicycling Catalog

Brakes/Levers/Pads

Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00am - 6:00pm Tue, Sun: Closed Thu: 11:00am - 7:00pm Sat: 10:00am - 5:00pm

• Account Account
• Stores Stores
• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart

Mississauga

• SwissStop 3
• Show More Brands
• Bontrager 1
• Kool-Stop 1
• Show Fewer Brands
• Not Designated 11
• Up to $10 18
• $10 to $19.99 7
• $20 to $49.99 9
• $50 to $124.99 22
• $125 to $199.99 2
• $200 to $499.99 3
• $500 to $749.99 1
• Show More Model Years
• Show Fewer Model Years

Brakes/Levers/Pads

• Trek Kids' Brake Levers

We'll take care of you. Period.

It's our mission to provide you with world-class hospitality every time you visit us online or in-store. We're always here to help you. It's the Trek way.

30 Day Unconditional Guarantee

Ride it and love it, or we'll take it back. If for any reason you're not 100% happy with your trekbikes.com purchase, you can send it back within 30 days for a refund - no questions asked.

Free shipping on all orders over $49

Simple, free delivery options for however you prefer to shop. Orders over $49 ship to your home for free, and all orders ship free to your local retailer for in-store pickup

More options