Skill Level: 4/10

Weekly maintenance classes will continue throughout the winter.

While riding smoothly and rapidly is nice, stopping is also very important. It's amazing how many experienced riders do not understand basic braking theory -- putting themselves and those around them at risk when descending, cornering, or riding through hazards.

This class will cover both the mechanical and kinetic aspects of bicycle brakes. You will learn how to hold your brake levers without experiencing pain; how to maximize leverage and increase bicycle control; how not to endo; how and when to brake through rain and ice; and how to modulate speed through asymmetrical fluttering.

On the mechanical side, you will learn about the different brake technologies (but we will focus on caliper and cantilever brakes); how to stop your brakes from squeaking; how to lubricate and maintain your brakes; how to spell brakes brakes and not breaks; how to choose and adjust brake pads; and how to keep your brakes operating properly in difficult weather conditions.

There will be some degree of hands on participation, depending on the number of attendees.