Hydraulic brakes on new bikes bought online?

[Fordulike]

When you buy an online bike which requires some assembly and has hydraulic brakes, do the brakes need any setting up or adjustment before riding?

 

[trex]

No. Hydraulic brakes are self adjusting.
If the bike has the front wheel removed, there is usually a small piece of plastic between the front brake pads. Remove the plastic, that's it. If the brake handle comes too closed to the bar, pump it a couple of times (squeeze it hard then let go), the brake will self adjust. Beat cable operated brakes any day.

 

[KTM Bike Industries UK]

no necessarily.... in many cases the hoses are VERY long, so would benefiting from cutting. All the parts are supplied with most brakes to do this. All you need is a decent pair of cutters. The brakes won't need bleeding if you do this. But its something that you don't HAVE to do.

Also check you're getting them the right way round, lots of companies sell front left, rear right - because they sell on-line to a world wide market. If you end up buying the wrong set up, depending on the model its very easy to sort out.

 

[Kinninvie]

He is buying a complete bike so the brakes will be fitted and the hoses will be the correct length.

If you find they are not correctly adjusted ie they drag a little, then all you have to do is slacken the 2 allen bolts that hold the cylinder on and squeeze the brake lever to centralise the caliper.
Then its just a case of retightening(keeping the lever pulled) and the job is done.

 

[Fordulike]

He is buying a complete bike so the brakes will be fitted and the hoses will be the correct length.

If you find they are not correctly adjusted ie they drag a little, then all you have to do is slacken the 2 allen bolts that hold the cylinder on and squeeze the brake lever to centralise the caliper.
Then its just a case of retightening(keeping the lever pulled) and the job is done.

Yes, when I mentioned 'some assembly', I meant the usual front wheel on, handlebars etc...

Thanks for the advice about adjustment

 

[KTM Bike Industries UK]

Sorry - ignore me! Read "buying hydraulic brakes online" clearly missed some key words from sentence!

I'll blame the small screen on my phone and try harder next time

 

[Kinninvie]

If you buy from Evans Cycles all you have to do is turn the bars straight and put the pedals on.