OT: a bike question for Fred

Hey, you must have patience. I would have wrapped that bike
around someone's neck at that store! Can't help you with the
brake cable, but I'm sure Fred will be able to give some
advice. Good luck with it Linda.

Brenda

"Prairie Roots" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than a
little irritated with the shop where I purchased it. No
help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I had
to ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me
anything, or to help me get it into my van. Nothing. Nada.
One of the customers who was leaving the store right
behind me saw me struggling and came over to help. He
showed me how to take the front tire off by releasing the
lever on the front fork. He also showed me how to release
the brake cable. Apparently I can learn only one thing at
a time. I got the tire back on but I can't figure out how
to reconnect the brake. I think it's a sidepull or
centerpull type.

So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites with
clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect my bike
brake? I've been Googling but not coming up with anything.
My owner's manual isn't much help.

Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for sites
that might help.

First, do you have the link for you bike model again? That
might have info on the brake type. Or at least a pic of it.

Here's one link - page down and see if your brake looks like
the 2nd picture??? (see below)

sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗

Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so look
at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.

There are generally two types of brakes. One has a pretty
rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is might be at the
brake level (handle bars) or a small clip like thing down by
the brake shoes (rubber pads).

The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable that
slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper. You need to
squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to slip the cable's
bump into the fitting. In that web site's pic, the words
"anchor bolt" overlay the end of the wire/cable where the
bump fits into the brake.

Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you use a
credit card? Suggest you might withhold or challenge the
payment unless they give you some additional support. They
should also generally include one free checkup since cables
stretch a bit.

I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.

Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may offer
some info:

mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗

More questions?

It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital camera? a
quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -0600, Prairie Roots

Quoted message said:

I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than a
little irritated with the shop where I purchased it. No
help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I had to
ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me anything, or
to help me get it into my van. Nothing. Nada. One of the
customers who was leaving the store right behind me saw me
struggling and came over to help. He showed me how to take
the front tire off by releasing the lever on the front
fork. He also showed me how to release the brake cable.
Apparently I can learn only one thing at a time. I got the
tire back on but I can't figure out how to reconnect the
brake. I think it's a sidepull or centerpull type.

So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites with
clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect my bike
brake? I've been Googling but not coming up with anything.
My owner's manual isn't much help.

Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

A link with more pictures: pick the one close to yours?

members.aol.combrake.htmOpen ↗

Ignore the adjustment info - just find the one like yours??

And just in case, here's one on fixing flats from the
Twin Cities

thegreenguide.orgbicycleOpen ↗

Prairie Roots said:

I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than a
little irritated with the shop where I purchased it. No
help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I had to
ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me anything, or
to help me get it into my van. Nothing. Nada. One of the
customers who was leaving the store right behind me saw me
struggling and came over to help. He showed me how to take
the front tire off by releasing the lever on the front
fork. He also showed me how to release the brake cable.
Apparently I can learn only one thing at a time. I got the
tire back on but I can't figure out how to reconnect the
brake. I think it's a sidepull or centerpull type.

So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites with
clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect my bike
brake? I've been Googling but not coming up with anything.
My owner's manual isn't much help.

Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has different brakes front
and back so no help there. F: Shimano V brake / Shimano Nexus lever;
R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.

I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the sites
you found and also follow your advice about calmly ranting.
I paid by check--it cleared last week--so no recourse there.

I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've got
the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a "rubber"
accordion thing covering the cable that I thought also fit
into the hook. But I can't make it work that way.

So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
today, study the book, study the links you found for me,
call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike shops,
and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I have to.

Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made to
help.

Linda P

Fred said:

Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for sites
that might help.

First, do you have the link for you bike model again? That
might have info on the brake type. Or at least a pic of it.

Here's one link - page down and see if your brake looks
like the 2nd picture??? (see below)

sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗

Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so look
at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.

There are generally two types of brakes. One has a pretty
rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is might be at
the brake level (handle bars) or a small clip like thing
down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).

The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable that
slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper. You need to
squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to slip the cable's
bump into the fitting. In that web site's pic, the words
"anchor bolt" overlay the end of the wire/cable where the
bump fits into the brake.

Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you use a
credit card? Suggest you might withhold or challenge the
payment unless they give you some additional support. They
should also generally include one free checkup since cables
stretch a bit.

I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.

Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may offer
some info:

mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗

More questions?

It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital camera?
a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -0600, Prairie

Roots said:

I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than a
little irritated with the shop where I purchased it. No
help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I had
to ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me
anything, or to help me get it into my van. Nothing. Nada.
One of the customers who was leaving the store right
behind me saw me struggling and came over to help. He
showed me how to take the front tire off by releasing the
lever on the front fork. He also showed me how to release
the brake cable. Apparently I can learn only one thing at
a time. I got the tire back on but I can't figure out how
to reconnect the brake. I think it's a sidepull or
centerpull type.

So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites with
clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect my bike
brake? I've been Googling but not coming up with anything.
My owner's manual isn't much help.

Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building or
at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one of
those brawny workmen
- motorcycles, perhaps (G)

Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner (unless
that is who you dealt with already). Clearly, they may think
you will not be buying another bike and so don't really care
but most shops want the loyalty since there are all kinds of
accessories one may come back for. I know this may be
unwanted advice, but you can be honest and explain you have
not had a bike in years and really do need help in
understanding how it works - calipers and cables and latches
(there really are a number of ways of "loosening" the brakes
around the rim and even I had to figure it out on my newest
bike where the lever that did it was well-integrated and not
all that obvious. Some are on the brake lever (the handbar
thingie), some are on the calipers (the part that tightened
at the tire) and some use the "Y" cable and just slip out of
a fitting also near the wheel rim.

On the lever area - move the lever and look it over - there
may be something that moves in or neaer the slot between the
moving handle and the brake body by the handlebar. On the
caliper, also a little sliding part on one arm or the other
on the caliper (can be well-camoflarged). The Y cable is
more easy to spot.

And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or as
the pads wear down a bit.

Prairie Roots said:

Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has different
brakes front and back so no help there. F: Shimano V brake
/ Shimano Nexus lever;
R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.

I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the sites
you found and also follow your advice about calmly
ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--so no
recourse there.

I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've got
the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I thought
also fit into the hook. But I can't make it work that way.

So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
today, study the book, study the links you found for me,
call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike shops,
and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I have to.

Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made to
help.

Linda P

Fred said:

Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for sites
that might help.

First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
pic of it.

Here's one link - page down and see if your brake looks
like the 2nd picture??? (see below)

sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗

Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.

There are generally two types of brakes. One has a pretty
rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is might be at
the brake level (handle bars) or a small clip like thing
down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).

The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable that
slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper. You need
to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to slip the
cable's bump into the fitting. In that web site's pic, the
words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of the wire/cable
where the bump fits into the brake.

Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you use a
credit card? Suggest you might withhold or challenge the
payment unless they give you some additional support. They
should also generally include one free checkup since
cables stretch a bit.

I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.

Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may offer
some info:

mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗

More questions?

It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital camera?
a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -0600, Prairie

Roots said:

I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than a
little irritated with the shop where I purchased it. No
help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I had
to ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me
anything, or to help me get it into my van. Nothing.
Nada. One of the customers who was leaving the store
right behind me saw me struggling and came over to help.
He showed me how to take the front tire off by releasing
the lever on the front fork. He also showed me how to
release the brake cable. Apparently I can learn only one
thing at a time. I got the tire back on but I can't
figure out how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a
sidepull or centerpull type.

So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites with
clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect my bike
brake? I've been Googling but not coming up with
anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.

Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

I can be of no help with the brakes but good luck, Lee
Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than a
little irritated with the shop where I purchased it. No
help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I had
to ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me
anything, or to help me get it into my van. Nothing. Nada.
One of the customers who was leaving the store right
behind me saw me struggling and came over to help. He
showed me how to take the front tire off by releasing the
lever on the front fork. He also showed me how to release
the brake cable. Apparently I can learn only one thing at
a time. I got the tire back on but I can't figure out how
to reconnect the brake. I think it's a sidepull or
centerpull type.

So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites with
clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect my bike
brake? I've been Googling but not coming up with anything.
My owner's manual isn't much help.

Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

I can be of no help with the brakes but good luck, Lee
Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than a
little irritated with the shop where I purchased it. No
help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I had
to ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me
anything, or to help me get it into my van. Nothing. Nada.
One of the customers who was leaving the store right
behind me saw me struggling and came over to help. He
showed me how to take the front tire off by releasing the
lever on the front fork. He also showed me how to release
the brake cable. Apparently I can learn only one thing at
a time. I got the tire back on but I can't figure out how
to reconnect the brake. I think it's a sidepull or
centerpull type.

So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites with
clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect my bike
brake? I've been Googling but not coming up with anything.
My owner's manual isn't much help.

Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Sorry for the delayed response. For the past 24 hours I've
had a 1-track mind. Thanks for the encouragement. As a small
business owner yourself, no doubt you deal with customer
service issues all the time. Your interest and advice are
especially appreciated.

Linda P

Brenda Hammond said:

Hey, you must have patience. I would have wrapped that bike
around someone's neck at that store! Can't help you with
the brake cable, but I'm sure Fred will be able to give
some advice. Good luck with it Linda.

Brenda

"Prairie Roots" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than a
little irritated with the shop where I purchased it. No
help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I had
to ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me
anything, or to help me get it into my van. Nothing.
Nada. One of the customers who was leaving the store
right behind me saw me struggling and came over to help.
He showed me how to take the front tire off by releasing
the lever on the front fork. He also showed me how to
release the brake cable. Apparently I can learn only one
thing at a time. I got the tire back on but I can't
figure out how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a
sidepull or centerpull type.

So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites with
clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect my bike
brake? I've been Googling but not coming up with
anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.

Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Sorry for the delayed response. For the past 24 hours I've
had a 1-track mind. Thanks for the encouragement. As a small
business owner yourself, no doubt you deal with customer
service issues all the time. Your interest and advice are
especially appreciated.

Linda P

Brenda Hammond said:

Hey, you must have patience. I would have wrapped that bike
around someone's neck at that store! Can't help you with
the brake cable, but I'm sure Fred will be able to give
some advice. Good luck with it Linda.

Brenda

"Prairie Roots" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than a
little irritated with the shop where I purchased it. No
help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I had
to ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me
anything, or to help me get it into my van. Nothing.
Nada. One of the customers who was leaving the store
right behind me saw me struggling and came over to help.
He showed me how to take the front tire off by releasing
the lever on the front fork. He also showed me how to
release the brake cable. Apparently I can learn only one
thing at a time. I got the tire back on but I can't
figure out how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a
sidepull or centerpull type.

So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites with
clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect my bike
brake? I've been Googling but not coming up with
anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.

Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Wow. More thanks to you.

I'm out the door in the morning before the full crew arrives
to hack at my house. None of the bike riders I've talked to
at work are familiar with the Shimano V brake I've got. I
called the bike shop today and asked to speak to the owner.
I came up with that idea on my own without the prior benefit
of reading suggestion below. <G>

I told the shop owner (Dan) what happened last night,
explained that I'm new to biking and bikes, and then asked
if perhaps his shop prefers customers who are experienced
cyclists and racers. If so, I'd be grateful for a referral
to another bike shop willing to cater to a novice. No, no,
he assured me that he appreciates my business and will do
whatever is necessary to make me happy. He couldn't explain
over the phone how to reconnect my brake, but he told me
enough that I know I'm doing something wrong. Dan told me to
come in either tomorrow before 6 p.m. or Saturday any time
and to ask for him. He'll walk me through all the parts of
the bike and make sure I understand everything about it.
I'll see how it goes. I'll bring my receipt and all the
stuff I bought just in case I need to return everything.

We've returned to winter for a bit -- it's 10F -- so I'm not
in any hurry this evening to be riding around the block on a
bicycle. Shoot, it's too cold to be going outside to use the
portapotty. Sometimes, though, a person just has to suck it
up and do the hard thing.

Again, thank you so much for your assistance. Some of the
links I'd found on my own. Nice to know I was on right
track. I've bookmarked them all for future reference. No
doubt I'll have more questions.

Fred said:

Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building or
at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one of
those brawny workmen
- motorcycles, perhaps (G)

Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner (unless
that is who you dealt with already). Clearly, they may
think you will not be buying another bike and so don't
really care but most shops want the loyalty since there are
all kinds of accessories one may come back for. I know this
may be unwanted advice, but you can be honest and explain
you have not had a bike in years and really do need help in
understanding how it works - calipers and cables and
latches (there really are a number of ways of "loosening"
the brakes around the rim and even I had to figure it out
on my newest bike where the lever that did it was well-
integrated and not all that obvious. Some are on the brake
lever (the handbar thingie), some are on the calipers (the
part that tightened at the tire) and some use the "Y" cable
and just slip out of a fitting also near the wheel rim.

On the lever area - move the lever and look it over - there
may be something that moves in or neaer the slot between
the moving handle and the brake body by the handlebar. On
the caliper, also a little sliding part on one arm or the
other on the caliper (can be well-camoflarged). The Y cable
is more easy to spot.

And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or as
the pads wear down a bit.

Prairie Roots said:

Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has different
brakes front and back so no help there. F: Shimano V brake
/ Shimano Nexus lever;
R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.

I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the sites
you found and also follow your advice about calmly
ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--so no
recourse there.

I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've got
the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I thought
also fit into the hook. But I can't make it work that way.

So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
today, study the book, study the links you found for me,
call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike shops,
and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I have to.

Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made
to help.

Linda P

Fred said:

Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for sites
that might help.

First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
pic of it.

Here's one link - page down and see if your brake looks
like the 2nd picture??? (see below)

sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗

Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.

There are generally two types of brakes. One has a pretty
rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is might be at
the brake level (handle bars) or a small clip like thing
down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).

The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable that
slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper. You need
to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to slip the
cable's bump into the fitting. In that web site's pic,
the words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of the wire/cable
where the bump fits into the brake.

Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you use a
credit card? Suggest you might withhold or challenge the
payment unless they give you some additional support.
They should also generally include one free checkup since
cables stretch a bit.

I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.

Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may offer
some info:

mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗

More questions?

It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital
camera? a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -0600,
Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote:

>I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than
>a little irritated with the shop where I purchased it.
>No help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I
>had to ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me
>anything, or to help me get it into my van. Nothing.
>Nada. One of the customers who was leaving the store
>right behind me saw me struggling and came over to help.
>He showed me how to take the front tire off by releasing
>the lever on the front fork. He also showed me how to
>release the brake cable. Apparently I can learn only one
>thing at a time. I got the tire back on but I can't
>figure out how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a
>sidepull or centerpull type.
>
>So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites with
>clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect my bike
>brake? I've been Googling but not coming up with
>anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.
>
>Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Wow. More thanks to you.

I'm out the door in the morning before the full crew arrives
to hack at my house. None of the bike riders I've talked to
at work are familiar with the Shimano V brake I've got. I
called the bike shop today and asked to speak to the owner.
I came up with that idea on my own without the prior benefit
of reading suggestion below. <G>

I told the shop owner (Dan) what happened last night,
explained that I'm new to biking and bikes, and then asked
if perhaps his shop prefers customers who are experienced
cyclists and racers. If so, I'd be grateful for a referral
to another bike shop willing to cater to a novice. No, no,
he assured me that he appreciates my business and will do
whatever is necessary to make me happy. He couldn't explain
over the phone how to reconnect my brake, but he told me
enough that I know I'm doing something wrong. Dan told me to
come in either tomorrow before 6 p.m. or Saturday any time
and to ask for him. He'll walk me through all the parts of
the bike and make sure I understand everything about it.
I'll see how it goes. I'll bring my receipt and all the
stuff I bought just in case I need to return everything.

We've returned to winter for a bit -- it's 10F -- so I'm not
in any hurry this evening to be riding around the block on a
bicycle. Shoot, it's too cold to be going outside to use the
portapotty. Sometimes, though, a person just has to suck it
up and do the hard thing.

Again, thank you so much for your assistance. Some of the
links I'd found on my own. Nice to know I was on right
track. I've bookmarked them all for future reference. No
doubt I'll have more questions.

Fred said:

Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building or
at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one of
those brawny workmen
- motorcycles, perhaps (G)

Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner (unless
that is who you dealt with already). Clearly, they may
think you will not be buying another bike and so don't
really care but most shops want the loyalty since there are
all kinds of accessories one may come back for. I know this
may be unwanted advice, but you can be honest and explain
you have not had a bike in years and really do need help in
understanding how it works - calipers and cables and
latches (there really are a number of ways of "loosening"
the brakes around the rim and even I had to figure it out
on my newest bike where the lever that did it was well-
integrated and not all that obvious. Some are on the brake
lever (the handbar thingie), some are on the calipers (the
part that tightened at the tire) and some use the "Y" cable
and just slip out of a fitting also near the wheel rim.

On the lever area - move the lever and look it over - there
may be something that moves in or neaer the slot between
the moving handle and the brake body by the handlebar. On
the caliper, also a little sliding part on one arm or the
other on the caliper (can be well-camoflarged). The Y cable
is more easy to spot.

And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or as
the pads wear down a bit.

Prairie Roots said:

Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has different
brakes front and back so no help there. F: Shimano V brake
/ Shimano Nexus lever;
R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.

I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the sites
you found and also follow your advice about calmly
ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--so no
recourse there.

I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've got
the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I thought
also fit into the hook. But I can't make it work that way.

So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
today, study the book, study the links you found for me,
call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike shops,
and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I have to.

Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made
to help.

Linda P

Fred said:

Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for sites
that might help.

First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
pic of it.

Here's one link - page down and see if your brake looks
like the 2nd picture??? (see below)

sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗

Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.

There are generally two types of brakes. One has a pretty
rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is might be at
the brake level (handle bars) or a small clip like thing
down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).

The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable that
slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper. You need
to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to slip the
cable's bump into the fitting. In that web site's pic,
the words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of the wire/cable
where the bump fits into the brake.

Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you use a
credit card? Suggest you might withhold or challenge the
payment unless they give you some additional support.
They should also generally include one free checkup since
cables stretch a bit.

I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.

Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may offer
some info:

mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗

More questions?

It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital
camera? a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -0600,
Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote:

>I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than
>a little irritated with the shop where I purchased it.
>No help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I
>had to ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me
>anything, or to help me get it into my van. Nothing.
>Nada. One of the customers who was leaving the store
>right behind me saw me struggling and came over to help.
>He showed me how to take the front tire off by releasing
>the lever on the front fork. He also showed me how to
>release the brake cable. Apparently I can learn only one
>thing at a time. I got the tire back on but I can't
>figure out how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a
>sidepull or centerpull type.
>
>So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites with
>clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect my bike
>brake? I've been Googling but not coming up with
>anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.
>
>Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

I will skip the boring bike stuff and go right to the
portapotti at 10F!!!!! Yes, reminds of winter camping and
why I do it so infrequently (g)

Yup, I would not want to ride in that either. Rarely these
days below freezing even - very rarely.

Good luck with THE OWNER. I think that I would also
emphasize when you do see him that you purposely went with
the small local place expecting some personal service. Maybe
he will remember that, emphasize it with his employees and
also help with future tuneups.

Best getting full satisfaction and going above 32F again
sometime before July! (G)

Here's a pic of a v brake and frankly, it gives me no clue
(G)

bikesmart.comindex.cfmOpen ↗
=PAOHADGIDFGFJHAK&ap=39.99&StartRow=1

I see there are various models with the same design. If I
can get to a bike shop tomorrow I will see what I learn (G)

Prairie Roots said:

Wow. More thanks to you.

I'm out the door in the morning before the full crew
arrives to hack at my house. None of the bike riders I've
talked to at work are familiar with the Shimano V brake
I've got. I called the bike shop today and asked to speak
to the owner. I came up with that idea on my own without
the prior benefit of reading suggestion below. <G>

I told the shop owner (Dan) what happened last night,
explained that I'm new to biking and bikes, and then asked
if perhaps his shop prefers customers who are experienced
cyclists and racers. If so, I'd be grateful for a referral
to another bike shop willing to cater to a novice. No, no,
he assured me that he appreciates my business and will do
whatever is necessary to make me happy. He couldn't explain
over the phone how to reconnect my brake, but he told me
enough that I know I'm doing something wrong. Dan told me
to come in either tomorrow before 6 p.m. or Saturday any
time and to ask for him. He'll walk me through all the
parts of the bike and make sure I understand everything
about it. I'll see how it goes. I'll bring my receipt and
all the stuff I bought just in case I need to return
everything.

We've returned to winter for a bit -- it's 10F -- so I'm
not in any hurry this evening to be riding around the block
on a bicycle. Shoot, it's too cold to be going outside to
use the portapotty. Sometimes, though, a person just has to
suck it up and do the hard thing.

Again, thank you so much for your assistance. Some of the
links I'd found on my own. Nice to know I was on right
track. I've bookmarked them all for future reference. No
doubt I'll have more questions.

Fred said:

Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building
or at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one
of those brawny workmen
- motorcycles, perhaps (G)

Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner (unless
that is who you dealt with already). Clearly, they may
think you will not be buying another bike and so don't
really care but most shops want the loyalty since there
are all kinds of accessories one may come back for. I know
this may be unwanted advice, but you can be honest and
explain you have not had a bike in years and really do
need help in understanding how it works - calipers and
cables and latches (there really are a number of ways of
"loosening" the brakes around the rim and even I had to
figure it out on my newest bike where the lever that did
it was well-integrated and not all that obvious. Some are
on the brake lever (the handbar thingie), some are on the
calipers (the part that tightened at the tire) and some
use the "Y" cable and just slip out of a fitting also near
the wheel rim.

On the lever area - move the lever and look it over -
there may be something that moves in or neaer the slot
between the moving handle and the brake body by the
handlebar. On the caliper, also a little sliding part on
one arm or the other on the caliper (can be well-
camoflarged). The Y cable is more easy to spot.

And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or as
the pads wear down a bit.

Prairie Roots said:

Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has different
brakes front and back so no help there. F: Shimano V
brake / Shimano Nexus lever;
R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.

I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the
sites you found and also follow your advice about calmly
ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--so no
recourse there.

I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've
got the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I
thought also fit into the hook. But I can't make it work
that way.

So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
today, study the book, study the links you found for me,
call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike shops,
and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I have to.

Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made
to help.

Linda P

On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:19:46 -0800, Fred
<[email hidden]> wrote:

>Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for
>sites that might help.
>
>First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
>That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
>pic of it.
>
>Here's one link - page down and see if your brake looks
>like the 2nd picture??? (see below)
>
>sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗
>
>
>Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
>look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.
>
>There are generally two types of brakes. One has a
>pretty rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is
>might be at the brake level (handle bars) or a small
>clip like thing down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).
>
>The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
>release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable
>that slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper. You
>need to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to slip the
>cable's bump into the fitting. In that web site's pic,
>the words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of the
>wire/cable where the bump fits into the brake.
>
>Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you use
>a credit card? Suggest you might withhold or challenge
>the payment unless they give you some additional
>support. They should also generally include one free
>checkup since cables stretch a bit.
>
>I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.
>
>Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may offer
>some info:
>
>mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗
>
>More questions?
>
>It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital
>camera? a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -0600,
>Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote:
>
>>I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than
>>a little irritated with the shop where I purchased it.
>>No help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I
>>had to ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me
>>anything, or to help me get it into my van. Nothing.
>>Nada. One of the customers who was leaving the store
>>right behind me saw me struggling and came over to
>>help. He showed me how to take the front tire off by
>>releasing the lever on the front fork. He also showed
>>me how to release the brake cable. Apparently I can
>>learn only one thing at a time. I got the tire back on
>>but I can't figure out how to reconnect the brake. I
>>think it's a sidepull or centerpull type.
>>
>>So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites
>>with clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect
>>my bike brake? I've been Googling but not coming up
>>with anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.
>>
>>Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
>>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

I will skip the boring bike stuff and go right to the
portapotti at 10F!!!!! Yes, reminds of winter camping and
why I do it so infrequently (g)

Yup, I would not want to ride in that either. Rarely these
days below freezing even - very rarely.

Good luck with THE OWNER. I think that I would also
emphasize when you do see him that you purposely went with
the small local place expecting some personal service. Maybe
he will remember that, emphasize it with his employees and
also help with future tuneups.

Best getting full satisfaction and going above 32F again
sometime before July! (G)

Here's a pic of a v brake and frankly, it gives me no clue
(G)

bikesmart.comindex.cfmOpen ↗
=PAOHADGIDFGFJHAK&ap=39.99&StartRow=1

I see there are various models with the same design. If I
can get to a bike shop tomorrow I will see what I learn (G)

Prairie Roots said:

Wow. More thanks to you.

I'm out the door in the morning before the full crew
arrives to hack at my house. None of the bike riders I've
talked to at work are familiar with the Shimano V brake
I've got. I called the bike shop today and asked to speak
to the owner. I came up with that idea on my own without
the prior benefit of reading suggestion below. <G>

I told the shop owner (Dan) what happened last night,
explained that I'm new to biking and bikes, and then asked
if perhaps his shop prefers customers who are experienced
cyclists and racers. If so, I'd be grateful for a referral
to another bike shop willing to cater to a novice. No, no,
he assured me that he appreciates my business and will do
whatever is necessary to make me happy. He couldn't explain
over the phone how to reconnect my brake, but he told me
enough that I know I'm doing something wrong. Dan told me
to come in either tomorrow before 6 p.m. or Saturday any
time and to ask for him. He'll walk me through all the
parts of the bike and make sure I understand everything
about it. I'll see how it goes. I'll bring my receipt and
all the stuff I bought just in case I need to return
everything.

We've returned to winter for a bit -- it's 10F -- so I'm
not in any hurry this evening to be riding around the block
on a bicycle. Shoot, it's too cold to be going outside to
use the portapotty. Sometimes, though, a person just has to
suck it up and do the hard thing.

Again, thank you so much for your assistance. Some of the
links I'd found on my own. Nice to know I was on right
track. I've bookmarked them all for future reference. No
doubt I'll have more questions.

Fred said:

Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building
or at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one
of those brawny workmen
- motorcycles, perhaps (G)

Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner (unless
that is who you dealt with already). Clearly, they may
think you will not be buying another bike and so don't
really care but most shops want the loyalty since there
are all kinds of accessories one may come back for. I know
this may be unwanted advice, but you can be honest and
explain you have not had a bike in years and really do
need help in understanding how it works - calipers and
cables and latches (there really are a number of ways of
"loosening" the brakes around the rim and even I had to
figure it out on my newest bike where the lever that did
it was well-integrated and not all that obvious. Some are
on the brake lever (the handbar thingie), some are on the
calipers (the part that tightened at the tire) and some
use the "Y" cable and just slip out of a fitting also near
the wheel rim.

On the lever area - move the lever and look it over -
there may be something that moves in or neaer the slot
between the moving handle and the brake body by the
handlebar. On the caliper, also a little sliding part on
one arm or the other on the caliper (can be well-
camoflarged). The Y cable is more easy to spot.

And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or as
the pads wear down a bit.

Prairie Roots said:

Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has different
brakes front and back so no help there. F: Shimano V
brake / Shimano Nexus lever;
R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.

I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the
sites you found and also follow your advice about calmly
ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--so no
recourse there.

I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've
got the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I
thought also fit into the hook. But I can't make it work
that way.

So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
today, study the book, study the links you found for me,
call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike shops,
and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I have to.

Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made
to help.

Linda P

On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:19:46 -0800, Fred
<[email hidden]> wrote:

>Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for
>sites that might help.
>
>First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
>That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
>pic of it.
>
>Here's one link - page down and see if your brake looks
>like the 2nd picture??? (see below)
>
>sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗
>
>
>Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
>look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.
>
>There are generally two types of brakes. One has a
>pretty rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is
>might be at the brake level (handle bars) or a small
>clip like thing down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).
>
>The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
>release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable
>that slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper. You
>need to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to slip the
>cable's bump into the fitting. In that web site's pic,
>the words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of the
>wire/cable where the bump fits into the brake.
>
>Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you use
>a credit card? Suggest you might withhold or challenge
>the payment unless they give you some additional
>support. They should also generally include one free
>checkup since cables stretch a bit.
>
>I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.
>
>Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may offer
>some info:
>
>mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗
>
>More questions?
>
>It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital
>camera? a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -0600,
>Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote:
>
>>I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more than
>>a little irritated with the shop where I purchased it.
>>No help whatsoever. "There's your bike, thanks. Bye." I
>>had to ask for an owner's manual. No offer to show me
>>anything, or to help me get it into my van. Nothing.
>>Nada. One of the customers who was leaving the store
>>right behind me saw me struggling and came over to
>>help. He showed me how to take the front tire off by
>>releasing the lever on the front fork. He also showed
>>me how to release the brake cable. Apparently I can
>>learn only one thing at a time. I got the tire back on
>>but I can't figure out how to reconnect the brake. I
>>think it's a sidepull or centerpull type.
>>
>>So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites
>>with clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect
>>my bike brake? I've been Googling but not coming up
>>with anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.
>>
>>Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
>>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

I can't wait to see what happens. I have no clue about bikes, but you taking
charge and asserting yourself is very exciting to me, Lee
Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Wow. More thanks to you.

I'm out the door in the morning before the full crew
arrives to hack at my house. None of the bike riders I've
talked to at work are familiar with the Shimano V brake
I've got. I called the bike shop today and asked to speak
to the owner. I came up with that idea on my own without
the prior benefit of reading suggestion below. <G>

I told the shop owner (Dan) what happened last night,
explained that I'm new to biking and bikes, and then asked
if perhaps his shop prefers customers who are experienced
cyclists and racers. If so, I'd be grateful for a referral
to another bike shop willing to cater to a novice. No, no,
he assured me that he appreciates my business and will do
whatever is necessary to make me happy. He couldn't
explain over the phone how to reconnect my brake, but he
told me enough that I know I'm doing something wrong. Dan
told me to come in either tomorrow before 6 p.m. or
Saturday any time and to ask for him. He'll walk me
through all the parts of the bike and make sure I
understand everything about it. I'll see how it goes. I'll
bring my receipt and all the stuff I bought just in case I
need to return everything.

We've returned to winter for a bit -- it's 10F -- so I'm
not in any hurry this evening to be riding around the
block on a bicycle. Shoot, it's too cold to be going
outside to use the portapotty. Sometimes, though, a person
just has to suck it up and do the hard thing.

Again, thank you so much for your assistance. Some of the
links I'd found on my own. Nice to know I was on right
track. I've bookmarked them all for future reference. No
doubt I'll have more questions.

Fred said:

Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building
or at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one
of those brawny workmen
- motorcycles, perhaps (G)

Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner (unless
that is who you dealt with already). Clearly, they may
think you will not be buying another bike and so don't
really care but most shops want the loyalty since there
are all kinds of accessories one may come back for. I
know this may be unwanted advice, but you can be honest
and explain you have not had a bike in years and really
do need help in understanding how it works - calipers and
cables and latches (there really are a number of ways of
"loosening" the brakes around the rim and even I had to
figure it out on my newest bike where the lever that did
it was well-integrated and not all that obvious. Some are
on the brake lever (the handbar thingie), some are on the
calipers (the part that tightened at the tire) and some
use the "Y" cable and just slip out of a fitting also
near the wheel rim.

On the lever area - move the lever and look it over -
there may be something that moves in or neaer the slot
between the moving handle and the brake body by the
handlebar. On the caliper, also a little sliding part on
one arm or the other on the caliper (can be well-
camoflarged). The Y cable is more easy to spot.

And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or
as the pads wear down a bit.

Prairie Roots said:

Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has different
brakes front and back so no help there. F: Shimano V
brake / Shimano Nexus lever;
R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.

I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the
sites you found and also follow your advice about calmly
ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--so no
recourse there.

I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've
got the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I
thought also fit into the hook. But I can't make it work
that way.

So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
today, study the book, study the links you found for me,
call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike
shops, and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I
have to.

Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made
to help.

Linda P

On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:19:46 -0800, Fred
<[email hidden]> wrote:

>Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for
>sites that might help.
>
>First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
>That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
>pic of it.
>
>Here's one link - page down and see if your brake looks
>like the 2nd picture??? (see below)
>
>sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗
>
>
>Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
>look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.
>
>There are generally two types of brakes. One has a
>pretty rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is
>might be at the brake level (handle bars) or a small
>clip like thing down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).
>
>The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
>release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable
>that slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper.
>You need to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to
>slip the cable's bump into the fitting. In that web
>site's pic, the words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of
>the wire/cable where the bump fits into the brake.
>
>Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you use
>a credit card? Suggest you might withhold or challenge
>the payment unless they give you some additional
>support. They should also generally include one free
>checkup since cables stretch a bit.
>
>I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.
>
>Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may
>offer some info:
>
>mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗
>
>More questions?
>
>It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital
>camera? a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -
>0600, Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote:
>
>>I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more
>>than a little irritated with the shop where I
>>purchased it. No help whatsoever. "There's your bike,
>>thanks. Bye." I had to ask for an owner's manual. No
>>offer to show me anything, or to help me get it into
>>my van. Nothing. Nada. One of the customers who was
>>leaving the store right behind me saw me struggling
>>and came over to help. He showed me how to take the
>>front tire off by releasing the lever on the front
>>fork. He also showed me how to release the brake
>>cable. Apparently I can learn only one thing at a
>>time. I got the tire back on but I can't figure out
>>how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a sidepull or
>>centerpull type.
>>
>>So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites
>>with clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect
>>my bike brake? I've been Googling but not coming up
>>with anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.
>>
>>Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
>>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

I can't wait to see what happens. I have no clue about bikes, but you taking
charge and asserting yourself is very exciting to me, Lee
Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Wow. More thanks to you.

I'm out the door in the morning before the full crew
arrives to hack at my house. None of the bike riders I've
talked to at work are familiar with the Shimano V brake
I've got. I called the bike shop today and asked to speak
to the owner. I came up with that idea on my own without
the prior benefit of reading suggestion below. <G>

I told the shop owner (Dan) what happened last night,
explained that I'm new to biking and bikes, and then asked
if perhaps his shop prefers customers who are experienced
cyclists and racers. If so, I'd be grateful for a referral
to another bike shop willing to cater to a novice. No, no,
he assured me that he appreciates my business and will do
whatever is necessary to make me happy. He couldn't
explain over the phone how to reconnect my brake, but he
told me enough that I know I'm doing something wrong. Dan
told me to come in either tomorrow before 6 p.m. or
Saturday any time and to ask for him. He'll walk me
through all the parts of the bike and make sure I
understand everything about it. I'll see how it goes. I'll
bring my receipt and all the stuff I bought just in case I
need to return everything.

We've returned to winter for a bit -- it's 10F -- so I'm
not in any hurry this evening to be riding around the
block on a bicycle. Shoot, it's too cold to be going
outside to use the portapotty. Sometimes, though, a person
just has to suck it up and do the hard thing.

Again, thank you so much for your assistance. Some of the
links I'd found on my own. Nice to know I was on right
track. I've bookmarked them all for future reference. No
doubt I'll have more questions.

Fred said:

Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building
or at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one
of those brawny workmen
- motorcycles, perhaps (G)

Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner (unless
that is who you dealt with already). Clearly, they may
think you will not be buying another bike and so don't
really care but most shops want the loyalty since there
are all kinds of accessories one may come back for. I
know this may be unwanted advice, but you can be honest
and explain you have not had a bike in years and really
do need help in understanding how it works - calipers and
cables and latches (there really are a number of ways of
"loosening" the brakes around the rim and even I had to
figure it out on my newest bike where the lever that did
it was well-integrated and not all that obvious. Some are
on the brake lever (the handbar thingie), some are on the
calipers (the part that tightened at the tire) and some
use the "Y" cable and just slip out of a fitting also
near the wheel rim.

On the lever area - move the lever and look it over -
there may be something that moves in or neaer the slot
between the moving handle and the brake body by the
handlebar. On the caliper, also a little sliding part on
one arm or the other on the caliper (can be well-
camoflarged). The Y cable is more easy to spot.

And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or
as the pads wear down a bit.

Prairie Roots said:

Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has different
brakes front and back so no help there. F: Shimano V
brake / Shimano Nexus lever;
R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.

I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the
sites you found and also follow your advice about calmly
ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--so no
recourse there.

I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've
got the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I
thought also fit into the hook. But I can't make it work
that way.

So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
today, study the book, study the links you found for me,
call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike
shops, and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I
have to.

Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made
to help.

Linda P

On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:19:46 -0800, Fred
<[email hidden]> wrote:

>Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for
>sites that might help.
>
>First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
>That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
>pic of it.
>
>Here's one link - page down and see if your brake looks
>like the 2nd picture??? (see below)
>
>sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗
>
>
>Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
>look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.
>
>There are generally two types of brakes. One has a
>pretty rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is
>might be at the brake level (handle bars) or a small
>clip like thing down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).
>
>The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
>release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable
>that slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper.
>You need to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to
>slip the cable's bump into the fitting. In that web
>site's pic, the words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of
>the wire/cable where the bump fits into the brake.
>
>Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you use
>a credit card? Suggest you might withhold or challenge
>the payment unless they give you some additional
>support. They should also generally include one free
>checkup since cables stretch a bit.
>
>I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.
>
>Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may
>offer some info:
>
>mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗
>
>More questions?
>
>It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital
>camera? a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -
>0600, Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote:
>
>>I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more
>>than a little irritated with the shop where I
>>purchased it. No help whatsoever. "There's your bike,
>>thanks. Bye." I had to ask for an owner's manual. No
>>offer to show me anything, or to help me get it into
>>my van. Nothing. Nada. One of the customers who was
>>leaving the store right behind me saw me struggling
>>and came over to help. He showed me how to take the
>>front tire off by releasing the lever on the front
>>fork. He also showed me how to release the brake
>>cable. Apparently I can learn only one thing at a
>>time. I got the tire back on but I can't figure out
>>how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a sidepull or
>>centerpull type.
>>
>>So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites
>>with clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect
>>my bike brake? I've been Googling but not coming up
>>with anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.
>>
>>Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
>>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

LOL. Compared to sitting on a 10F portapotty seat, bike
stuff is pretty boring. To avoid having to go out there, I'm
sure to get lots of practice exercising control of certain
muscles over the next few weeks.

Today I was glad for the transit strike. I'm the driver of
my neighborhood carpool so NO standing outside in frigid
temps. Our blast of winter was only a one-day thing. We
return to 35F tomorrow, up to the mid-40sF over the weekend
and extending into next week.

I did mention on the phone with the owner today that I chose
to patronize his shop for the very reasons you cite. He
seemed to appreciate the comments, but... We'll see. If he
keeps hiring high school kids to run the shop in his
absence, he needs to do a better job of training.

BINGO! You found a picture of my front brake. I think the
left side of the black accordion brake boot is supposed to
fit into the slot on the quick release mechanism, but I
can't make it fit. That's what I need this guy to show me. I
also need help getting the seat in the right position and at
the right height.

OK, that's as much thinking about this stuff as I can handle
for tonight.

I'm indebted to you for all your assistance.

Fred said:

I will skip the boring bike stuff and go right to the
portapotti at 10F!!!!! Yes, reminds of winter camping and
why I do it so infrequently (g)

Yup, I would not want to ride in that either. Rarely these
days below freezing even - very rarely.

Good luck with THE OWNER. I think that I would also
emphasize when you do see him that you purposely went with
the small local place expecting some personal service.
Maybe he will remember that, emphasize it with his
employees and also help with future tuneups.

Best getting full satisfaction and going above 32F again
sometime before July! (G)

Here's a pic of a v brake and frankly, it gives me no clue
(G)

bikesmart.comindex.cfmOpen ↗
d=PAOHADGIDFGFJHAK&ap=39.99&StartRow=1

I see there are various models with the same design. If I
can get to a bike shop tomorrow I will see what I learn (G)

Prairie Roots said:

Wow. More thanks to you.

I'm out the door in the morning before the full crew
arrives to hack at my house. None of the bike riders I've
talked to at work are familiar with the Shimano V brake
I've got. I called the bike shop today and asked to speak
to the owner. I came up with that idea on my own without
the prior benefit of reading suggestion below. <G>

I told the shop owner (Dan) what happened last night,
explained that I'm new to biking and bikes, and then asked
if perhaps his shop prefers customers who are experienced
cyclists and racers. If so, I'd be grateful for a referral
to another bike shop willing to cater to a novice. No, no,
he assured me that he appreciates my business and will do
whatever is necessary to make me happy. He couldn't
explain over the phone how to reconnect my brake, but he
told me enough that I know I'm doing something wrong. Dan
told me to come in either tomorrow before 6 p.m. or
Saturday any time and to ask for him. He'll walk me
through all the parts of the bike and make sure I
understand everything about it. I'll see how it goes. I'll
bring my receipt and all the stuff I bought just in case I
need to return everything.

We've returned to winter for a bit -- it's 10F -- so I'm
not in any hurry this evening to be riding around the
block on a bicycle. Shoot, it's too cold to be going
outside to use the portapotty. Sometimes, though, a person
just has to suck it up and do the hard thing.

Again, thank you so much for your assistance. Some of the
links I'd found on my own. Nice to know I was on right
track. I've bookmarked them all for future reference. No
doubt I'll have more questions.

Fred said:

Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building
or at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one
of those brawny workmen
- motorcycles, perhaps (G)

Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner (unless
that is who you dealt with already). Clearly, they may
think you will not be buying another bike and so don't
really care but most shops want the loyalty since there
are all kinds of accessories one may come back for. I
know this may be unwanted advice, but you can be honest
and explain you have not had a bike in years and really
do need help in understanding how it works - calipers and
cables and latches (there really are a number of ways of
"loosening" the brakes around the rim and even I had to
figure it out on my newest bike where the lever that did
it was well-integrated and not all that obvious. Some are
on the brake lever (the handbar thingie), some are on the
calipers (the part that tightened at the tire) and some
use the "Y" cable and just slip out of a fitting also
near the wheel rim.

On the lever area - move the lever and look it over -
there may be something that moves in or neaer the slot
between the moving handle and the brake body by the
handlebar. On the caliper, also a little sliding part on
one arm or the other on the caliper (can be well-
camoflarged). The Y cable is more easy to spot.

And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or
as the pads wear down a bit.

On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 06:26:17 -0600, Prairie Roots
<[email hidden]> wrote:

>Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has different
>brakes front and back so no help there. F: Shimano V
>brake / Shimano Nexus lever;
>R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.
>
>I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the
>sites you found and also follow your advice about calmly
>ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--so no
>recourse there.
>
>I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've
>got the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
>"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I
>thought also fit into the hook. But I can't make it work
>that way.
>
>So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
>today, study the book, study the links you found for me,
>call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike
>shops, and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I
>have to.
>
>Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made
>to help.
>
>Linda P
>
>On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:19:46 -0800, Fred
><[email hidden]> wrote:
>
>>Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for
>>sites that might help.
>>
>>First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
>>That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
>>pic of it.
>>
>>Here's one link - page down and see if your brake looks
>>like the 2nd picture??? (see below)
>>
>>sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗
>>
>>
>>Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
>>look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.
>>
>>There are generally two types of brakes. One has a
>>pretty rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is
>>might be at the brake level (handle bars) or a small
>>clip like thing down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).
>>
>>The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
>>release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable
>>that slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper.
>>You need to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to
>>slip the cable's bump into the fitting. In that web
>>site's pic, the words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of
>>the wire/cable where the bump fits into the brake.
>>
>>Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you use
>>a credit card? Suggest you might withhold or challenge
>>the payment unless they give you some additional
>>support. They should also generally include one free
>>checkup since cables stretch a bit.
>>
>>I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.
>>
>>Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may
>>offer some info:
>>
>>mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗
>>
>>More questions?
>>
>>It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital
>>camera? a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -
>>0600, Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote:
>>
>>>I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more
>>>than a little irritated with the shop where I
>>>purchased it. No help whatsoever. "There's your bike,
>>>thanks. Bye." I had to ask for an owner's manual. No
>>>offer to show me anything, or to help me get it into
>>>my van. Nothing. Nada. One of the customers who was
>>>leaving the store right behind me saw me struggling
>>>and came over to help. He showed me how to take the
>>>front tire off by releasing the lever on the front
>>>fork. He also showed me how to release the brake
>>>cable. Apparently I can learn only one thing at a
>>>time. I got the tire back on but I can't figure out
>>>how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a sidepull or
>>>centerpull type.
>>>
>>>So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites
>>>with clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect
>>>my bike brake? I've been Googling but not coming up
>>>with anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.
>>>
>>>Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
>>>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

LOL. Compared to sitting on a 10F portapotty seat, bike
stuff is pretty boring. To avoid having to go out there, I'm
sure to get lots of practice exercising control of certain
muscles over the next few weeks.

Today I was glad for the transit strike. I'm the driver of
my neighborhood carpool so NO standing outside in frigid
temps. Our blast of winter was only a one-day thing. We
return to 35F tomorrow, up to the mid-40sF over the weekend
and extending into next week.

I did mention on the phone with the owner today that I chose
to patronize his shop for the very reasons you cite. He
seemed to appreciate the comments, but... We'll see. If he
keeps hiring high school kids to run the shop in his
absence, he needs to do a better job of training.

BINGO! You found a picture of my front brake. I think the
left side of the black accordion brake boot is supposed to
fit into the slot on the quick release mechanism, but I
can't make it fit. That's what I need this guy to show me. I
also need help getting the seat in the right position and at
the right height.

OK, that's as much thinking about this stuff as I can handle
for tonight.

I'm indebted to you for all your assistance.

Fred said:

I will skip the boring bike stuff and go right to the
portapotti at 10F!!!!! Yes, reminds of winter camping and
why I do it so infrequently (g)

Yup, I would not want to ride in that either. Rarely these
days below freezing even - very rarely.

Good luck with THE OWNER. I think that I would also
emphasize when you do see him that you purposely went with
the small local place expecting some personal service.
Maybe he will remember that, emphasize it with his
employees and also help with future tuneups.

Best getting full satisfaction and going above 32F again
sometime before July! (G)

Here's a pic of a v brake and frankly, it gives me no clue
(G)

bikesmart.comindex.cfmOpen ↗
d=PAOHADGIDFGFJHAK&ap=39.99&StartRow=1

I see there are various models with the same design. If I
can get to a bike shop tomorrow I will see what I learn (G)

Prairie Roots said:

Wow. More thanks to you.

I'm out the door in the morning before the full crew
arrives to hack at my house. None of the bike riders I've
talked to at work are familiar with the Shimano V brake
I've got. I called the bike shop today and asked to speak
to the owner. I came up with that idea on my own without
the prior benefit of reading suggestion below. <G>

I told the shop owner (Dan) what happened last night,
explained that I'm new to biking and bikes, and then asked
if perhaps his shop prefers customers who are experienced
cyclists and racers. If so, I'd be grateful for a referral
to another bike shop willing to cater to a novice. No, no,
he assured me that he appreciates my business and will do
whatever is necessary to make me happy. He couldn't
explain over the phone how to reconnect my brake, but he
told me enough that I know I'm doing something wrong. Dan
told me to come in either tomorrow before 6 p.m. or
Saturday any time and to ask for him. He'll walk me
through all the parts of the bike and make sure I
understand everything about it. I'll see how it goes. I'll
bring my receipt and all the stuff I bought just in case I
need to return everything.

We've returned to winter for a bit -- it's 10F -- so I'm
not in any hurry this evening to be riding around the
block on a bicycle. Shoot, it's too cold to be going
outside to use the portapotty. Sometimes, though, a person
just has to suck it up and do the hard thing.

Again, thank you so much for your assistance. Some of the
links I'd found on my own. Nice to know I was on right
track. I've bookmarked them all for future reference. No
doubt I'll have more questions.

Fred said:

Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building
or at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one
of those brawny workmen
- motorcycles, perhaps (G)

Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner (unless
that is who you dealt with already). Clearly, they may
think you will not be buying another bike and so don't
really care but most shops want the loyalty since there
are all kinds of accessories one may come back for. I
know this may be unwanted advice, but you can be honest
and explain you have not had a bike in years and really
do need help in understanding how it works - calipers and
cables and latches (there really are a number of ways of
"loosening" the brakes around the rim and even I had to
figure it out on my newest bike where the lever that did
it was well-integrated and not all that obvious. Some are
on the brake lever (the handbar thingie), some are on the
calipers (the part that tightened at the tire) and some
use the "Y" cable and just slip out of a fitting also
near the wheel rim.

On the lever area - move the lever and look it over -
there may be something that moves in or neaer the slot
between the moving handle and the brake body by the
handlebar. On the caliper, also a little sliding part on
one arm or the other on the caliper (can be well-
camoflarged). The Y cable is more easy to spot.

And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or
as the pads wear down a bit.

On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 06:26:17 -0600, Prairie Roots
<[email hidden]> wrote:

>Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has different
>brakes front and back so no help there. F: Shimano V
>brake / Shimano Nexus lever;
>R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.
>
>I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the
>sites you found and also follow your advice about calmly
>ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--so no
>recourse there.
>
>I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've
>got the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
>"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I
>thought also fit into the hook. But I can't make it work
>that way.
>
>So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
>today, study the book, study the links you found for me,
>call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike
>shops, and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I
>have to.
>
>Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made
>to help.
>
>Linda P
>
>On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:19:46 -0800, Fred
><[email hidden]> wrote:
>
>>Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for
>>sites that might help.
>>
>>First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
>>That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
>>pic of it.
>>
>>Here's one link - page down and see if your brake looks
>>like the 2nd picture??? (see below)
>>
>>sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗
>>
>>
>>Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
>>look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.
>>
>>There are generally two types of brakes. One has a
>>pretty rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is
>>might be at the brake level (handle bars) or a small
>>clip like thing down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).
>>
>>The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
>>release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable
>>that slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper.
>>You need to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to
>>slip the cable's bump into the fitting. In that web
>>site's pic, the words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of
>>the wire/cable where the bump fits into the brake.
>>
>>Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you use
>>a credit card? Suggest you might withhold or challenge
>>the payment unless they give you some additional
>>support. They should also generally include one free
>>checkup since cables stretch a bit.
>>
>>I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.
>>
>>Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may
>>offer some info:
>>
>>mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗
>>
>>More questions?
>>
>>It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital
>>camera? a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -
>>0600, Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote:
>>
>>>I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more
>>>than a little irritated with the shop where I
>>>purchased it. No help whatsoever. "There's your bike,
>>>thanks. Bye." I had to ask for an owner's manual. No
>>>offer to show me anything, or to help me get it into
>>>my van. Nothing. Nada. One of the customers who was
>>>leaving the store right behind me saw me struggling
>>>and came over to help. He showed me how to take the
>>>front tire off by releasing the lever on the front
>>>fork. He also showed me how to release the brake
>>>cable. Apparently I can learn only one thing at a
>>>time. I got the tire back on but I can't figure out
>>>how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a sidepull or
>>>centerpull type.
>>>
>>>So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites
>>>with clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect
>>>my bike brake? I've been Googling but not coming up
>>>with anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.
>>>
>>>Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
>>>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Great practice for those contractors!!!!

Miss Violette said:

I can't wait to see what happens. I have no clue about
bikes, but you taking charge and asserting yourself is very
exciting to me, Lee Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Wow. More thanks to you.

I'm out the door in the morning before the full crew
arrives to hack at my house. None of the bike riders I've
talked to at work are familiar with the Shimano V brake
I've got. I called the bike shop today and asked to speak
to the owner. I came up with that idea on my own without
the prior benefit of reading suggestion below. <G>

I told the shop owner (Dan) what happened last night,
explained that I'm new to biking and bikes, and then
asked if perhaps his shop prefers customers who are
experienced cyclists and racers. If so, I'd be grateful
for a referral to another bike shop willing to cater to a
novice. No, no, he assured me that he appreciates my
business and will do whatever is necessary to make me
happy. He couldn't explain over the phone how to
reconnect my brake, but he told me enough that I know I'm
doing something wrong. Dan told me to come in either
tomorrow before 6 p.m. or Saturday any time and to ask
for him. He'll walk me through all the parts of the bike
and make sure I understand everything about it. I'll see
how it goes. I'll bring my receipt and all the stuff I
bought just in case I need to return everything.

We've returned to winter for a bit -- it's 10F -- so I'm
not in any hurry this evening to be riding around the
block on a bicycle. Shoot, it's too cold to be going
outside to use the portapotty. Sometimes, though, a
person just has to suck it up and do the hard thing.

Again, thank you so much for your assistance. Some of the
links I'd found on my own. Nice to know I was on right
track. I've bookmarked them all for future reference. No
doubt I'll have more questions.

Fred said:

Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building
or at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one
of those brawny workmen
- motorcycles, perhaps (G)

Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner
(unless that is who you dealt with already). Clearly,
they may think you will not be buying another bike and
so don't really care but most shops want the loyalty
since there are all kinds of accessories one may come
back for. I know this may be unwanted advice, but you
can be honest and explain you have not had a bike in
years and really do need help in understanding how it
works - calipers and cables and latches (there really
are a number of ways of "loosening" the brakes around
the rim and even I had to figure it out on my newest
bike where the lever that did it was well-integrated and
not all that obvious. Some are on the brake lever (the
handbar thingie), some are on the calipers (the part
that tightened at the tire) and some use the "Y" cable
and just slip out of a fitting also near the wheel rim.

On the lever area - move the lever and look it over -
there may be something that moves in or neaer the slot
between the moving handle and the brake body by the
handlebar. On the caliper, also a little sliding part on
one arm or the other on the caliper (can be well-
camoflarged). The Y cable is more easy to spot.

And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or
as the pads wear down a bit.

On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 06:26:17 -0600, Prairie Roots
<[email hidden]> wrote:

>Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has
>different brakes front and back so no help there. F:
>Shimano V brake / Shimano Nexus lever;
>R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.
>
>I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the
>sites you found and also follow your advice about
>calmly ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--
>so no recourse there.
>
>I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've
>got the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
>"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I
>thought also fit into the hook. But I can't make it
>work that way.
>
>So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
>today, study the book, study the links you found for
>me, call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike
>shops, and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I
>have to.
>
>Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made
>to help.
>
>Linda P
>
>On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:19:46 -0800, Fred
><[email hidden]> wrote:
>
>>Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for
>>sites that might help.
>>
>>First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
>>That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
>>pic of it.
>>
>>Here's one link - page down and see if your brake
>>looks like the 2nd picture??? (see below)
>>
>>sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗
>>
>>
>>Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
>>look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.
>>
>>There are generally two types of brakes. One has a
>>pretty rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is
>>might be at the brake level (handle bars) or a small
>>clip like thing down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).
>>
>>The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
>>release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable
>>that slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper.
>>You need to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to
>>slip the cable's bump into the fitting. In that web
>>site's pic, the words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of
>>the wire/cable where the bump fits into the brake.
>>
>>Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you
>>use a credit card? Suggest you might withhold or
>>challenge the payment unless they give you some
>>additional support. They should also generally include
>>one free checkup since cables stretch a bit.
>>
>>I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.
>>
>>Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may
>>offer some info:
>>
>>mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗
>>
>>More questions?
>>
>>It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital
>>camera? a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -
>>0600, Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote:
>>
>>>I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more
>>>than a little irritated with the shop where I
>>>purchased it. No help whatsoever. "There's your bike,
>>>thanks. Bye." I had to ask for an owner's manual. No
>>>offer to show me anything, or to help me get it into
>>>my van. Nothing. Nada. One of the customers who was
>>>leaving the store right behind me saw me struggling
>>>and came over to help. He showed me how to take the
>>>front tire off by releasing the lever on the front
>>>fork. He also showed me how to release the brake
>>>cable. Apparently I can learn only one thing at a
>>>time. I got the tire back on but I can't figure out
>>>how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a sidepull
>>>or centerpull type.
>>>
>>>So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites
>>>with clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect
>>>my bike brake? I've been Googling but not coming up
>>>with anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.
>>>
>>>Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
>>>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Great practice for those contractors!!!!

Miss Violette said:

I can't wait to see what happens. I have no clue about
bikes, but you taking charge and asserting yourself is very
exciting to me, Lee Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Wow. More thanks to you.

I'm out the door in the morning before the full crew
arrives to hack at my house. None of the bike riders I've
talked to at work are familiar with the Shimano V brake
I've got. I called the bike shop today and asked to speak
to the owner. I came up with that idea on my own without
the prior benefit of reading suggestion below. <G>

I told the shop owner (Dan) what happened last night,
explained that I'm new to biking and bikes, and then
asked if perhaps his shop prefers customers who are
experienced cyclists and racers. If so, I'd be grateful
for a referral to another bike shop willing to cater to a
novice. No, no, he assured me that he appreciates my
business and will do whatever is necessary to make me
happy. He couldn't explain over the phone how to
reconnect my brake, but he told me enough that I know I'm
doing something wrong. Dan told me to come in either
tomorrow before 6 p.m. or Saturday any time and to ask
for him. He'll walk me through all the parts of the bike
and make sure I understand everything about it. I'll see
how it goes. I'll bring my receipt and all the stuff I
bought just in case I need to return everything.

We've returned to winter for a bit -- it's 10F -- so I'm
not in any hurry this evening to be riding around the
block on a bicycle. Shoot, it's too cold to be going
outside to use the portapotty. Sometimes, though, a
person just has to suck it up and do the hard thing.

Again, thank you so much for your assistance. Some of the
links I'd found on my own. Nice to know I was on right
track. I've bookmarked them all for future reference. No
doubt I'll have more questions.

Fred said:

Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building
or at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one
of those brawny workmen
- motorcycles, perhaps (G)

Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner
(unless that is who you dealt with already). Clearly,
they may think you will not be buying another bike and
so don't really care but most shops want the loyalty
since there are all kinds of accessories one may come
back for. I know this may be unwanted advice, but you
can be honest and explain you have not had a bike in
years and really do need help in understanding how it
works - calipers and cables and latches (there really
are a number of ways of "loosening" the brakes around
the rim and even I had to figure it out on my newest
bike where the lever that did it was well-integrated and
not all that obvious. Some are on the brake lever (the
handbar thingie), some are on the calipers (the part
that tightened at the tire) and some use the "Y" cable
and just slip out of a fitting also near the wheel rim.

On the lever area - move the lever and look it over -
there may be something that moves in or neaer the slot
between the moving handle and the brake body by the
handlebar. On the caliper, also a little sliding part on
one arm or the other on the caliper (can be well-
camoflarged). The Y cable is more easy to spot.

And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or
as the pads wear down a bit.

On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 06:26:17 -0600, Prairie Roots
<[email hidden]> wrote:

>Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has
>different brakes front and back so no help there. F:
>Shimano V brake / Shimano Nexus lever;
>R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.
>
>I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the
>sites you found and also follow your advice about
>calmly ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--
>so no recourse there.
>
>I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've
>got the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
>"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I
>thought also fit into the hook. But I can't make it
>work that way.
>
>So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
>today, study the book, study the links you found for
>me, call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike
>shops, and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I
>have to.
>
>Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made
>to help.
>
>Linda P
>
>On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:19:46 -0800, Fred
><[email hidden]> wrote:
>
>>Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for
>>sites that might help.
>>
>>First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
>>That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
>>pic of it.
>>
>>Here's one link - page down and see if your brake
>>looks like the 2nd picture??? (see below)
>>
>>sheldonbrown.comcantilever adjustment.htmlOpen ↗
>>
>>
>>Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
>>look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.
>>
>>There are generally two types of brakes. One has a
>>pretty rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is
>>might be at the brake level (handle bars) or a small
>>clip like thing down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).
>>
>>The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
>>release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable
>>that slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper.
>>You need to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to
>>slip the cable's bump into the fitting. In that web
>>site's pic, the words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of
>>the wire/cable where the bump fits into the brake.
>>
>>Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you
>>use a credit card? Suggest you might withhold or
>>challenge the payment unless they give you some
>>additional support. They should also generally include
>>one free checkup since cables stretch a bit.
>>
>>I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.
>>
>>Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may
>>offer some info:
>>
>>mikebentley.commn.htmOpen ↗
>>
>>More questions?
>>
>>It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital
>>camera? a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -
>>0600, Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote:
>>
>>>I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more
>>>than a little irritated with the shop where I
>>>purchased it. No help whatsoever. "There's your bike,
>>>thanks. Bye." I had to ask for an owner's manual. No
>>>offer to show me anything, or to help me get it into
>>>my van. Nothing. Nada. One of the customers who was
>>>leaving the store right behind me saw me struggling
>>>and came over to help. He showed me how to take the
>>>front tire off by releasing the lever on the front
>>>fork. He also showed me how to release the brake
>>>cable. Apparently I can learn only one thing at a
>>>time. I got the tire back on but I can't figure out
>>>how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a sidepull
>>>or centerpull type.
>>>
>>>So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites
>>>with clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect
>>>my bike brake? I've been Googling but not coming up
>>>with anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.
>>>
>>>Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
>>>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003