Cables

Signs of Wear: Your brakes feel rough and are hard to pull when you squeeze them.

Know This: Water can contaminate cables and create friction caused by corrosion and dirt. Friction reduces overall braking power and your ability to modulate it. In really cold climates, water in the cables can freeze.

Do This: Pull the housing out of the frame stops, slide it back, and wipe the cable dry and clean. Apply a lightweight lubricant to reduce friction and help displace water. Also consider using shielded housing, or running full-length housing to the rear brake to avoid contamination. Also, replace cables often during the winter and avoid blasting them with a strong hose when washing.

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