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Training Information
> Winter Training Tips and Information
> 2008 NYC Marathon Notes
> Final Marathon Tips
> Starting Lines 27: Big Miles - Joe Henderson
> Fixing a Bad Climbing Habit - Fred Matheny
> Hills, Chocolate Milk and Ice baths
> Make Your Running More Efficient
> Get out of your comfort zone
> CP Map - call boxes & bathrooms
> Tri Stroke Clinic 2008
> 5 Keys to Swimming with Drills and Contstraints
> Triathlon Swimming
> Five Keys to Swimming with Drills
> Triathlon Swimming
> Swimming Balance
> Swim Stroke Clinic presentation
> Swim Stroke Clinic Handout
> Five Keys to Triathlon Swimming
> Running Speed Workshop - Handout
> Running Speed Workshop - Workout
> Pre
> Running Speed - AG Tri Club Workshop
> Speed Drill Workshop
> Post Workout Nutrition - Chocolate Milk
> Periodization...Say What?
> Rest & Recovery
> Training Short Cuts ... Beware!
> Resting Heart Rate
> Getting Ready for Your Marathon
> Running Your First Marathon
> Last Minute Marathon Tips
> Getting Ready for your Marathon
> Pre and Post Marathon Tips
> Four Tips for a Good Season
> NYC Marathon Course Map
> Macro Periodization
> Spring Has Finally Arrived
> Bike Safety - from Joe Friel
> Winter Weather & Training
> Missed Workout Days
> Training for Women over 50
> Marathon to Ultra-Marathon
> Winter Training (Base Phase) - for triathletes
> In Training for Triathlon
> Tip of The Month #7 - The Day Off
> Tip of The Month #1 - Select your "A" race
> Tip of The Month #2 - Build Mileage (Runners)
> Tip of The Month #3 – Build Mileage (Triathletes)
> Tip of The Month - for runners - Base Phase
> Winter Training Workshop - Handout
> Winter Training Workshop - powerpoint
> Tip of The Month #5 – Strength Building (LT)
> Tip of The Month #6 – Lactate Threshold
> Tip of The Month #9 - Warm-up
> Tip of The Month #10 - New?
> Designing a Training Plan That Works ppt
> Designing a Training Plan That Works forms
> Designing a Training Plan That Works forms
> Plyometric Exercises
> Planks
> Achieve Your Resolutions - HR presentation
> Achieve Your Resolutions - HR Training handout
> Achieve Your Resolutions - Try a Tri presentation
> Achieve Your Resolutions - Try a Tri handout
> Central Park Training Etiquette and Safety
> Tire Changing
> Bike Tune-up Time
> Bike Maintenance
> Bicycle Maintenance Checklist
> Tip of The Month #4 – Bike Fit
> Bike Gear Chart
> Tip of The Month #8 - Hills (Cycling)
> Tip of The Month #11 - Pedaling
> Cycle Tip Sheet
> Cycling Tips Lanterne Rouge Standing on Climbs
> Cycling Tips from Lanterne Rouge - Aero Bars
> Brake Levers
> Tips for Winter Riding
> Winter Riding
> Cycle Training - Introduction
> Cycle Training Clinic
> Route Sheet: Central Park to Nyack via Rt. 501 NJ
> Gold Coast Tri Training Program - Presentation
> Gold Coast Triathlon Training Program - Handout
> Gold Coast Tri Strength Phase - Handout
> Gold Coast Tri Strength Phase - Presentation
> Gold Coast Clinic Skills for Triathletes
> Gold Coast Tri Skill Sets - Handout
> Gold Coast Tri Building Speed - Presentation
> Gold Coast Tri Speed Building - Handout
> 2005 Grand Rapids Marathon Training Plan
> Grand Rapids Macro & Micro Periodization
> Grand Rapids Training Plan
> Grand Rapids Pre & Post Marathon Tips
> Gold Coast Tri Getting Ready to Race - handout
> Gold Coast Getting Ready to Race - presentation
> Marathon to Ultra-Marathon
> Swimming to Manhattan

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Brake Levers

Don’t rely on your bike mechanic to set the “play” in your brake levers.  Some cyclists like extra play (I’m one of them) in their brake levers.  Other cyclists like their brake levers setup with very little play. 

What’s best for you and what’s the difference?

The more “play” in your brake levers the slower your brakes will grab.  That’s not necessarily a bad thing.  If you setup your brake levers with very little “play” they grab quickly and you have to be very careful not to lock up your wheels. 

If you setup your brake levers with more “play” they will not grab as quickly.  You have to apply more pressure to stop.  That’s not necessarily a bad thing either. 

 

Brake Lever set to 6 mm.

 

Brake Lever set to 6 mm, normal grip.

If you have small hands you will find it easier to brake when your brake levers have more “play” – about 6 mm.  If you have large hands you will find it easier to brake when your brakes have less “play” – about 3 mm.  If you have difficulty grabbing your brake levers, you should increase the “play” in your brake levers.  If you feel like you are squeezing your brakes up against the drops of your handle bars, you should decrease the “play” in your brake levers.

Experiment with different settings, until you find the amount of “play” that is most comfortable and secure feeling for you.  Then, measure the amount of “play” and keep your brake levers set for that much “play.”  Remember, as your brake pads wear the “play” will increase.  A simple adjustment to the barrel adjuster on your brake cables will tighten up your brake levers and bring them back to the proper amount of “play.”

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Neil L. Cook, 212-472-9281 or 917-575-1901 or Coach@SLB-Coaching.com or Neil.L.Cook@mindspring.com
"Sweet Lightning Bolt" used by permission.