Folding Bikes - How do I release back brakes on Downtube?

Hi,

I hope this quesiton isn't too dumb. How do I release the back brakes on my Downtube bike, so that I can remove the back wheel to change a flat tire?

This is my 1st flat.

Michele

Here's a diagram (taken from Jim Langley's site, sorry Jim!):

http://jimlangley.net/wrench/flattirebrakeqrsm.gif
http://jimlangley.net/wrench/flattire.html#qr1
Basically.... pinch the upper part of the brakes together, then you should be able to lift the wire out from the one side. They'll then hang loose for you. Reverse to put them back on.

By the way, didn't you ask once about locks to lock up your folding bike outside the library? How did you wind up solving that particular problem?

I ask because I work at a library. I'm curious as to how accommodating your local place is; my biggest struggle was with my boss, who's generally very understanding, but didn't like the concept of "bicycle" + "inside library". Currently it's sitting comfortably under my desk.... this is all very important to me, because I got the bike to replace a 26" MTB which got stolen from a bike rack (locked up).

My resolution to the library problem was that every 2 weeks the Bookmobile has a stop in my neighborhood. I ride the bike down the street where the Bookmobile is and park the bike outside on the dirt next to the sidewalk. I'm usually the only customer.

Michele

MicheleC ... What Langely's site doesn't show is the need to screw in the cable adjusters at the relevant brake lever all the way. This puts slack in the cable so that the tops of the relevant brake calipers can be compressed enough to allow the removal of the noodle. On many folders, you actually use the entire range of adjustment on the cable adjusters between the riding position and the wheel removal position. This is preferable to releasing the cable from the brake by unscrewing the pinch screw on the brake cable every time you remove the wheel, which is frequent if you bag the bike to commute.

Thanks for the explanation. I don't know if I totally understand it, but I'll keep reading over it again until I do. I did get the wheel off and then took the bike into the shop, where they put in a new tube, and put the wheel back on for me. I then rode home.

Exciting news is that even though my local bike shop 1 mile from my house did not renew their lease and moved out last week, the bike shop I went to today is opening up a new shop in the old LBS's location. So, I'll be going to the same folks who fixed the flat today for stuff in the future, only they'll be 6 or 7 miles closer.