That Most Basic Repair: Brakes

Note round end of brake cable in brake lever, and black cable adjusting barrel at far left

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Cables
If you prevent cable fraying through the use of end caps (the little metal caps crimped into place onto the ends of cables) or soldering, and if you inspect your cable housings for rips or tears (and repair them with a turn or two of waterproof tape), your brake cables will last a long, long time. You should still pack a spare for that day long down the road when one breaks, as well as pay very close attention to how the old cable is attached before you begin trying to replace it.

When you dismantle your brakes, you will see a barrel or round end (most cables have both) trapped inside the brake lever. Pulling the old cable from this end—once you have released it on the other one—will slide it out of its housing. Do this slowly, since using the old cable as your guide, you'll see how to thread the new cable through the housing. Attach the new cable to the brake with the cable anchor bolt, adjust, and you will be ready to roll.

Most brakes have a "barrel adjuster" of some kind near the brake lever or at the brake itself, the turning of which allows you to fine-tune pad clearance (the pad-to-rim distance). When you study this barrel you will see it's actually two pieces—one that tightens the cable, the other that locks the adjusting barrel into place. The adjusting barrel should be screwed down all the way when a new cable is being installed. Make sure your brake cable release mechanism isn't tripped (open) before you trim the excess cable from the anchor bolt, and leave one to two inches of excess cable past the anchor.

Lubrication and General Cleaning
The easiest way to keep your brake pads clean is to clean the rims that get them dirty. Of course the time for such an operation is just when you don't want to do it—immediately after a ride, before the wet mud turns to cement.

A damp cloth will do this after a dirty ride; the addition of alcohol (to the rag, not yourself) will assist in removing rubber buildup. Mild detergents and a paintbrush might be necessary as well.

The points of lubrication vary greatly amongst all the hub and rim brake models out there, but one rule is absolute regardless of the brake: Lubricate sparingly. Wipe off all excess before it drips toward the pads and rim.