Magna offers several models and styles of mountain bikes but tends to stick to the same hardware regardless. The girls’ mountain bikes comes with some form of cantilever rear brake system. This runs a cable from the handlebars to the assembly the sits over the rear tire. Cantilever brakes have the same basic setup for all bikes, including the Magna versions. Adjusting the cable gear on the brake will make it tighter and function better.
Step 1
Loosen the pincher bolt of the side of the rear brake. Identify the pincher bolt by the cable wire sticking through the middle of the assembly. The bolt will be on that side. Slide an adjustable wrench over the head of the bolt and turn it counterclockwise one time.
Step 2
Grasp the cable wire with a pair of pliers. Pull the wire toward you as far a possible. Hold the piece in this position.
Step 3
Tighten the pincher bolt by turning the wrench clockwise. It should be tight enough that it holds the line, but avoid overtightening.
Step 4
Press the brake lever on the handlebars to check the wire tension. The lever should move but feel tight. The brake over the tire should close fully over the wheel.
Step 5
Tighten the spring tension screw to center the brake. The spring tension screw sits to the right side of the brake and will not be flush with the metal surface. There should be equal distance on both sides between the pads and rubber of the tire. Turn the screw clockwise to move the right pad closer to the wheel or counterclockwise to push it outward until the brake is centered.
Tips and Warnings
- Magna recommends you check the condition of the cable wire often. A frayed wire may not function properly, so once the lead pulls apart or loses the end cap, replace it. This may need to be done each year. Proper maintenance will extend the life of your bike.
- Press the brakes levers before each ride to ensure they are tight and working properly. Riding a bike without adequate brakes may be unsafe. If you find you must tighten the brake cables often, the pincher bolt may be too loose and allowing the cable to slip. Rotate the bolt one extra turn to hold the cable.
Things You'll Need
- Wrench
- Pliers
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