Technical Tips · Brakes
How to Adjust Bike Brakes
Evolution Small Workshop
You can adjust bike brakes yourself with the help of the Evolution Small Workshop. Learn the basic checks and minor fixes, and for bigger problems visit Servis bicikla Evolution in East Sarajevo.
By Marko Ristivojević, Master Bike Mechanic
In short
How do you adjust bike brakes? To adjust bike brakes, check the pads, clean the rotor, check the lever and center the caliper. On mechanical brakes you also tighten the cable. Check your brakes before every ride. Bleeding hydraulic brakes and changing the fluid are done at the workshop.
How often
Before every ride
What you can do yourself
Tighten the cable, clean the rotor, check the pads, center the caliper
Replacing pads
When less than 1 mm of material is left or the brake squeals constantly
Goes to the workshop
Bleeding, fluid change, spongy lever, major faults
Author: Marko Ristivojević, Master Bike Mechanic · BK MTB Evolution, East Sarajevo
Contents
Why is it important to adjust bike brakes regularly?
How to adjust bike brakes: mechanical (DIY)
Hydraulic brakes: adjust with caution
Disc brake alignment and pad adjustment
When should you replace brake pads?
Most common adjustment mistakes
Mini checklist before every ride
Evolution Small Workshop: a DIY approach for riders
The Evolution Small Workshop is an educational project for riders who want to learn how to do basic checks and minor repairs on their own. The goal is for riders to feel more confident on the trail and always know the condition of their bike.
But when a repair calls for special tools, experience and precision, our Servis bicikla Evolution in East Sarajevo steps in, where we handle everything professionally and without compromise.
Why is it important to adjust bike brakes regularly?
Safety – properly adjusted brakes save lives
Control – they allow precise maneuvering and safe descending
Longevity – they protect rotors, pads and calipers from unnecessary wear
Types of bike brakes
Mechanical (cable) – easy to adjust. Ideal for beginners and city riders.
Hydraulic – best performance and precision. They require bleeding and a professional approach.
Disc brakes – most common on MTBs. They deliver even, powerful braking force. Overview of brake types on Wikipedia (English).
V-brake and cantilever – easier to maintain, but weaker in tough conditions.
Tools you need
Multitool or a set of Allen keys
Caliper wrench
Fluid syringe (hydraulic brakes)
Rag and rotor cleaner
How to adjust bike brakes: mechanical (DIY)
Tighten the cable evenly with an Allen key
Position the pads so they touch the rim at the same time
Check that the calipers sit level
Hydraulic brakes: adjust with caution
Check brake firmness by squeezing the lever
If it feels spongy, it needs bleeding
Align the rotor so it doesn't rub on the pads
Pro tip: this is where problems often start at home. If you don't have the right tools, it's better to visit Servis bicikla Evolution.
Disc brake alignment and pad adjustment
Center the caliper so the gap is equal on both sides. Loosen the two caliper bolts, squeeze the lever and hold it, then tighten the bolts.
Adjust the pad distance using the fine-adjustment screw
If they squeal, clean the rotor with alcohol or a dedicated cleaner
When should you replace brake pads?
Thickness under 1 mm
Constant squeaking and squealing
Poor response and longer stopping distance
Most common adjustment mistakes
Overtightened cable – the bike brakes even when it shouldn't
Poorly aligned calipers – the rotor rubs and loses power
Touching a greasy rotor with your hands – serious loss of braking force
Mini checklist before every ride
Cable – check tension and damage
Rotor – align and clean
Pads – check thickness and wear
Fluid – check the level on hydraulic brakes
Calipers – center and adjust the gap
DIY or workshop?
DIY: tightening the cable, cleaning the rotor, basic centering
Workshop: bleeding, fluid change, complicated adjustments and major faults
If you're not sure, it's better to leave it to the experts.
Evolution Small Workshop and Servis bicikla Evolution
In the Evolution Small Workshop we teach you how to do quick, basic checks yourself. That way you feel safer on the trail and more ready to ride.
But for more serious faults and professional adjustment, visit our Servis bicikla Evolution in East Sarajevo. We use specialized tools, original parts and years of experience. When it comes to safety on two wheels, rely on the experts.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How often should you adjust brakes?
Check them before every ride. They need adjusting when the lever sinks, the brake rubs or braking gets weaker.
Can I bleed hydraulic brakes myself?
Technically yes, but it's safer to have the bleeding done at the workshop, because brakes are a safety system. We have a dedicated guide for Shimano brakes: how to bleed Shimano brakes.
Why do brakes squeal?
The most common causes are a dirty rotor or pads and a misaligned caliper. You'll find more causes in the guide on squeaky brakes.
How long do brake pads last?
On average 500 to 1500 km, depending on terrain and riding style.
Which fluid goes in hydraulic brakes?
It depends on the manufacturer. For example, Shimano uses mineral oil, while SRAM uses DOT fluid. Don't mix them, and check the marking on the lever or the manufacturer's manual.
When should you definitely go to the workshop?
When the brakes lose power, squeal even after cleaning, or need bleeding. The workshop is in East Sarajevo, Riste Anđića 20, and is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 19:00.