Brakes: signs it is time for service

Brakes are the most important safety system on a bicycle - they decide whether you stop before an obstacle. That is why every worrying symptom in how they work should be taken seriously and diagnosed as soon as possible. The good news is that brakes usually warn you in advance; you just need to know how to read the signals.

The first and most common signal is a change in braking performance. If you notice the stopping distance getting longer, you have to squeeze the lever harder, or braking requires more concentration, that is a sign something needs attention - most often worn pads, contaminated pads or fluid that has lost its properties in a hydraulic system.

A lever that travels almost to the handlebar, or feels spongy and springy, is a typical symptom of a problem. On hydraulic brakes it usually means air in the system and the need for a bleed. On mechanical brakes it can be a stretched or poorly tensioned cable, or worn pads. In both cases it is a signal for adjustment or service.

Sounds say a lot about the condition of the brakes. A high-pitched squeal can result from contaminated or glazed pads, pad alignment or moisture - sometimes it goes away after bedding in, and sometimes it requires cleaning the rotor and pads. A metallic grinding noise, on the other hand, is a serious signal: the pad has likely worn to the backing and metal is starting to destroy the rotor or rim.

On disc brakes, regularly assess pad thickness and rotor condition. Pads have a defined minimum thickness of friction material; when they approach it, they must be replaced. The rotor should be flat - a warped or badly overheated (discoloured) rotor worsens braking and needs attention. Braking combined with lever vibration often points precisely to a bent rotor.

On rim brakes, check the pads and the rim. Pads have grooves that channel water and mark the wear limit - when they disappear, it is time to replace them. The rim also wears from constant friction; manufacturers place a wear indicator on it, and a worn rim can, in extreme cases, crack under tyre pressure.

Contamination is the enemy of every brake. Oil, grease or even fingerprints on the rotor or pads drastically reduce performance and cause squealing. That is why, when lubing the chain, always protect the rotors and pads, and touch the rotor only with clean hands. Contaminated pads often have to be replaced, because they are hard to fully degrease.

A brake reaction to moisture is normal, but it should be brief. After riding through a puddle, performance drops for a moment and then returns after a few "drying" applications. If, however, the brakes work noticeably worse for a long time after rain, it is worth checking the condition and cleanliness of the pads and rotors.

You can assess some symptoms yourself, but a brake service is a good moment for a professional check. Bleeding a hydraulic system, changing the fluid, bedding in new pads, straightening or replacing a rotor and precisely aligning the caliper require tools and skill. Poorly done work on brakes is a real risk, so when in doubt it is better to trust a workshop.

Do not put off brake repairs "for later". It is the one system whose failure can directly lead to an accident, and the cost of replacing pads or bleeding is small compared with the consequences. If you have doubts about braking performance, limit your riding to what is safe and have the bike checked as soon as possible.

In summary, the warning signs are: a longer stopping distance, a soft or sinking lever, metallic grinding, persistent squealing, vibration when braking and a clear drop in performance after rain. Each of them means "check the brakes". Regular inspection of this system is the cheapest safety insurance you can buy for yourself and other road users.