How to Check Bike Brakes

Visually inspect the brakes. The brake pads should be lined up parallel with the braking surface of the wheel, and should not touch the rubber of the tire when the brakes are engaged. The leading edge of the brake pad should be very slightly "toed in" so that the front edge of the brake engages the rim first. Brake pads should not be so worn down that metal is showing through the composite surface of the pad.

Check the mechanical action of the brakes. Squeeze the brakes, one at a time, before starting to ride. The brake lever should move firmly but smoothly to engage the brake, and not display any sponginess or extra give when the brake is in contact with the rim. You should be able to push the bike forward with the brake engaged without the wheel rotating. Finally, spin each tire by holding up the bike and make sure that the brakes aren't rubbing against the rim when the brakes are off.

Check your brake cables. Brake cables don't need to be replaced often, but you don't want to find out they needed replaced because they've failed. Check the brake cables along their entire path for signs of fraying, rust, or excessive wear.