…the guy who took it was trying to scrap it for parts and the brakes aren't engaging. Police haven't charged the guy who did it, so I can't have him cover repairs, so I'm going to try and DIY.
The brake lines are slack and the brake pads aren't anywhere close to the wheels.
I just got back into cycling and I know close to nothing about bike repair. Can anyone point me out in the right direction? Thank you!
by Pegussassin
9 Comments
Look for park tools on YouTube excellent videos on setting V brakes up and just general bike maintenance
Pinch the top of the calipers together, find the side with the housing for the brake cable and slide the cable back in
That rubber bit on the cable is hiding the part that slides into the metal bracket on the opposite side of the brake. Peel it back, then set it into the metal bracket.
That is likely the only issue here friend.
https://preview.redd.it/am82jwp4aupd1.jpeg?width=678&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b754773d25239d98a38a6b8b3be5f54350aaaf0a
The yellow circled bit needs to be attached to the brake arm, it seems in place on the other side so just copy that. It just hooks back on. Then there is a silver metal bit that I’ve circled, hidden in a little rubber boot thingy, that goes into the metal cage bit that I’ve circled as well. You then need to repeat the process on the front brakes.
pretty simple. watch this video to understand how the whole system works and it should be pretty easy to put back together.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMa9UqY9obk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMa9UqY9obk)
The front is almost right – hold brake pads tight on rim using hand, pull silver J shaped part on cable back until the tapered cone on the end goes in the slot on the other side. Then fix the rear.
Brakes like these have a “quick release” mechanism so that you can easily remove the wheel when you get a flat. All that needs to happen here is the quick releases need to be re-engaged. Totally not broken, no wrenches needed. Watch the video posted by the other commenter.
Cable locks into the bracket that hinges on your brake calipers arm. Put the metal elbow into that bracket and you have brakes again.
This seems like an easy fix, fortunately. Plenty of good tips here in the comments.
But I’m curious: how did you find it?? It must have been pretty quick; looks like he was getting ready to take the wheels off, etc.