On my 2016 Giant Defy with Shimano 105 shifters I am finding it very difficult to reduce the reach on my brake levers and they need pulling almost to the handlebar to brake. Is it possible to reduce the reach by an adjustment in the shifter itself as well as tinkering with the cable at the derailleur end?
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Do you mean that you have to pull the lever up to the bar for the brake to show any notable action or are your levers too far away from the bar because your hands are small?– CarelJan 3, 2022 at 11:25
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Could you add a photo of your brake pads? I'm expecting to find they're worn down, and your brake levers have more cable to take up before they bite.– Criggie ♦Jan 3, 2022 at 11:26
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2Which type of brakes do you have? Apparently in 2016 Giant shipped with either mechanical (cable) disc brakes or rim brakes.– MichaelJan 3, 2022 at 15:15
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I misread the specs. Bicycle Blue Book said that the Defy Advanced 2 had mech 105 with cable disc.– Weiwen NgJan 3, 2022 at 19:06
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1 Answer
I am somewhat confused by your description " they need pulling almost to the handlebar to brake". If you actually need to adjust the bite-point, that is done by tightening the cable at the brake caliper or by adjusting the pistons or using the barrel adjuster.
For mechanical disc brakes with two movable pistons (Defy can apparently have TRP Spyre):
There are 3 mm hex sockets on each side to adjust the the distance of the pistons from the rotor. Each piston is adjusted independently and the sense of rotation to tighten is indicated on the caliper. It is recommended to not using the barrel adjuster for these routine adjustments so as not to limit the available travel of the caliper arm. The barrel adjuster is used to remove the initial slack in the cable.
For caliper rim brakes:
That means that for small adjustments you turn the adjuster. For larger ones you need to unscrew the fixing bolt, tighten the cable and fix it again.
This needs to be done often in order to compensate for the brake pads getting worn. Small adjustments using the barrel adjuster, larger ones by unfixing and re-fixing the cable.
Do not forget to always close the small (often plastic) quick release lever. That can be a possible source of a similar problem. See https://thecyclemechanic.co.uk/knowledge-hub/using-quick-release-brakes/
Tutorials are also available:
The lever reach should be adjusted at the shifter, not at the brake caliper. It controls the depressed angle, the distance of the lever from the handlebar when the lever is released.
There is a screw in the shifter. Take off the hood to adjust it using a 2 mm hex key.
There are tutorials available:
For hydraulic disc brakes: the pistons are adjusted automatically. One can only adjust the lever, not the brake caliper.
answered Jan 3, 2022 at 10:43
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Thanks to you all for help & advice. The video showing how to access the adjustment screw under the hood in the shifter was what I was after. Thanks again.– Mike CJan 7, 2022 at 19:52