Bike service · MTB Evolution

V-Brake Service

V-brake service at the MTB Evolution workshop in Istočno Sarajevo: rim and arm inspection, cable and housing replacement, pad toe-in adjustment and spring tension balancing. Adjusting a brake costs 10 KM, and parts are charged separately.

Mon–Sat

8:00 – 19:00

from 10 KM

brake adjustment

5.0

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Overview

What a V-brake service includes

We inspect the rims and brake arms, replace worn parts and set the pad and spring geometry. Here is the whole process at a glance, with every step explained in detail below.

01

Booking a slot

02

Bike drop-off

03

Rim and arm inspection

04

Cables, housing and pads

05

Toe-in and adjustment

06

Final check and pick-up

Booking a V-brake service by phone, Viber or WhatsApp

01

Booking a slot

Get in touch by phone, Viber, WhatsApp or through the booking form. Tell us whether the brakes squeal, the lever is stiff or one pad rubs the rim. We recommend booking to avoid waiting.

4 ways to get in touch

Bike drop-off for a V-brake service at the workshop

02

Bike drop-off

You bring the bike to the workshop. Together we go through the problem you reported, and we note the condition of the bike before anything is touched.

Drop-off at the workshop

Inspecting the rims and arms of V-brakes before service

03

Rim and arm inspection

The mechanic checks the braking surfaces on the rims, play in the arm pivots, the levers and the return springs. If the wear indicators are gone, the rim is dangerous to ride and we tell you before any work starts.

Estimate before work

Why do brakes squeal or feel weak?

The most common causes are dirty rims, a poor pad angle and friction in the housing. Read more in the guide on squeaky bike brakes. A general overview of the system is on Wikipedia.

Choosing cables, housing and pads for V-brakes

04

Cables, housing and pads

If needed, we install stainless cables and compression housing with a PTFE liner, carefully cut and finished at the ends. We replace pads when the grooves are worn, because otherwise the metal holder grinds the rim.

Less friction, more power

Cable and housing go as a pair

A new cable in old housing keeps the friction of the old system, so we recommend replacing them together. See cable and housing replacement.

V-brake service and pad toe-in adjustment in the MTB Evolution workshop

05

Toe-in and adjustment

We set the pads with a slight toe-in so the front of the pad touches the rim first, which removes vibration and squeal. Then we balance the spring tension so both arms release at the same time.

Work done by procedure

Checking the braking after a V-brake service

06

Final check and pick-up

Before handing the bike back, we test the braking and check that the wheel stays centered and the pads do not rub. You get a bike that brakes instantly and quietly.

Final check

Book a service →

Price

How much does a V-brake service cost?

Prices are for labor, as listed in the workshop price list. Parts (pads, cables, housing) are charged separately, and you get the exact price before any work begins.

10 KM

Brake adjustment

Adjusting the brake arms, pads and spring tension. Replacing pads or calipers also costs 10 KM.

5 to 10 KM

Cable or housing replacement

Replacing a cable costs 5 KM and replacing housing costs 10 KM, as listed in the price list.

You get the exact price for labor and materials after the inspection, before any work begins. Work starts only after you confirm, and if the estimate changes, we let you know before continuing.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much does a V-brake service cost?

Adjusting a brake costs 10 KM, replacing pads or calipers 10 KM, replacing a cable 5 KM and replacing housing 10 KM. Parts are charged separately.

Why do my brakes squeal?

Squeal is most often caused by vibration from a poor pad angle or dirty rims. The fix is toe-in adjustment and cleaning the braking surface with a degreaser.

The brake lever is stiff. What does that mean?

It is a classic sign of corrosion inside the housing or dirt in the noodle. Friction is too high and the return spring struggles to pull the cable back. The fix is replacing the cable and housing.

How often should I replace the pads?

It depends on the rubber compound and riding conditions. Check the grooves on the pads, and if they are gone, replace them right away, because the metal holder ruins the rims.

Are V-brakes strong enough for hills?

A quality V-brake with good pads has a lot of stopping power, similar to disc brakes in dry conditions, if it is set up properly.

One side of the brake keeps touching the wheel?

The spring tension on the brake arms needs balancing, which we do as part of every V-brake service.

Book a V-brake service

Weak or noisy brakes ruin safety. Book a slot for a V-brake service in Istočno Sarajevo. The workshop is run by Marko Ristivojević, Bosch eBike Expert and Master Bike Mechanic.

Bike service Istočno Sarajevo: Riste Anđića 20, 71123 Istočno Sarajevo · Mon–Sat 8:00–19:00 · Closed on Sundays

Evolution bike service, East Sarajevo