Bike wheels move slowly?

Question

I recently bought a new bicycle that has disk brakes. They work very well, but they rub against the brake pad while I'm not pressing the brakes, and create unnecessary friction. How can I reduce the friction against the brake disk without reducing the performance of the brake?

Answer 1

This is a common mistake when bikes are set up or sent out the door with customers because many shops don't know how to properly adjust the brakes to the manufacturer's specs. Some brake companies don't want you to adjust the set up by using the cables while others use the cable tension as the only way. Hopefully you got an owner's manual with the bike and can read the tips on adjusting them. If not or you need some help, bring it to the shop where you bought it and ask them to show you.

The disc rotor itself could also be out of true and need to be "bent" into place.

Answer 2

If it's a new bike, you take it back to the shop and have them fix it -- and hopefully show you how to adjust them so that you can do routine maintenance on your own next time.