mrmojorising

I just got a new trek 3500. I want to learn how to remove the front wheel so i can lock it up. I follow the description in the manual for using the quick release, but the brakes keep it from coming off. How do I properly release the brakes?

Thanks

Mondoman

First, I will STRONGLY suggest that you have the bike shop you bought it at show you how to do so, mainly because when replacing the wheel, you want to make sure the quick release is tight enough.
The "V-brakes" on your bike have a metal J-shaped tube near the end of the cable. Using one hand, squeeze the two brake arms together; with the other, grab the curve of the J and pull it horizontally away from the tire a centimeter or so, then lift it up away from the brake arm. That brake arm should now flop free of the cable, and you can remove your wheel.

az2008

Bicycletutor.com has some good tutorials. Click on various parts of that bike, or scroll down to see a list of tutorials. Specifically this one about how to remove/install your wheels. And, this one shows how to to disconnect your v-brake cable.

A quick google search comes up with this.

BTW: You don't have to remove your front wheel to lock it up. You can buy a 4' cable and create a "noose" by slipping one end of the cable through the other. Noose the front wheel and attach the other end of the cable to your U-lock. That's not as secure as locking the front wheel within the U-lock. But, if you trust the location (maybe it's a bike rack where store employees take their break, so there's constant supervision), that's an option to keep in mind.