Hi guys/gals, let me know if this needs to be in the Mountain Bike Section.

I have a new set of 2008 Avid Juicy Sevens on my MTB, and I'm having some problems with the front brake. The lever will go almost all the way to the bar before it starts to engage, and I really can't stop with it. It has made for some really funny incidents on the trails with my friends, but I don't want to end up killing myself. What is the best way to fix this problem? Would bleeding them help? They were supposed to have come pre-bled, but I can't help but think that this is the only way to fix it. The only pad/lever adjustment knob I have is turned all the way, and really isn't helping. If I turn it the other way it gets worse. FYI, the Juicy Sevens are an open system, and are supposed to be self adjusting,so that is why there are no adjustments. How do you adjust this brake?

they don't need to be bled. first try using the reach adjuster on the lever itself. sometimes that will bring the lever out away from the bar so it will change the engagment point.

the slightly more difficult trick/fix is to take the front wheel out. squeeze the lever a couple of times to move the pistons in, and now try and put the wheel back in. the rotor should just barely fit with only 2 squeezes... you may have to spread the pads with a clean screwdriver/tire lever/cone wrench, but get them wide enough so that the rotor goes in. tighten the QR...and now try the brakes. they should now engage further away from the grip. you can experiment with this a few times to get it right. you are basically resetting the stops for the pistons. this is extremely common with avid brakes and it's an easy fix.

Thanks alot for the help. Pulling the wheel out and squeezing the lever did the trick.

cool! glad i could help!