Need help fixing my 12 year old bike.?

Question

I have a 1996 haro fusion racing bike (KZI5G0402) And I tried replacing the brake cables on it today. The cable is in right but it isn't working and the pads aren't closing on the wheel. Is there a guide for my specific bike or should I take it to a bike shop?

Answer 1

Hold both brake pads together with one hand or device. Adjust cable by releasing the cable holding nut.  Tighten nut.  Make a fine adjustment with the brake adjusting nut on top.

The pads should maintain about a pencil lead distance from the pad to the rim (two millimeters)

Answer 2

There isn't much that can go wrong with caliper brakes. You loosen the nut that holds the cable on the brake and using a pair of pliers pull the cable to the correct tension. It's a comparatively simple job and rather than go to a bike shop and pay for it you should first go to your local library and find a book on bicycle maintenence.