I must confess... (ignorance)

[Dave7]

Listen to @Dave7 he knows what he is talking about.

Not according to my wife

 

[Pale Rider]

Thanks.... I feel a bit better now.

So... Why are my brakes not working properly, that is, the brake almost touches the handle bar before tightening enough... ... ?

A bit more info would be helpful for that one.

Are the brakes cable, or hydraulic - operated by liquid in a tube.

If you don't know, give details of the bike maker and model.

If they are cable, the chances are the cable is too slack.

Most bikes have a simple twist adjuster which has the effect of tensioning the cable.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Thanks.... I feel a bit better now.

So... Why are my brakes not working properly, that is, the brake almost touches the handle bar before tightening enough... ... ?

An adjustment issue, possibly worn out brake blocks or a mismatch of components. What kind of brakes are they?

 

[winjim]

A bit more info would be helpful for that one.

Are the brakes cable, or hydraulic - operated by liquid in a tube.

If you don't know, give details of the bike maker and model.
.

If you're not sure, a photo's always useful.

 

[sbeqs]

I have a Raleigh Cameo.
I have no idea what type of brakes... metal cords?

 

[Smokin Joe]

You have cable brakes. Where the cable enters the caliper (The bit that closes against the rim) there will be an adjuster, turn that anti clockwise to bring the brake blocks closer.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Is it this one?: http://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType/ProductRange/Product/Default.aspx?pc=1&pt=266&pg=9140

The specification says V-brakes so it's likely to be that they need adjustment. The adjusters are at the levers with this type of brake - they just screw out to increase the cable tension.

 

[winjim]

I think you may have what are known as v-brakes. Do they look a bit like this?

In which case the adjuster that Smokin Joe mentioned may be at the lever rather than the brake itself.

 

[sbeqs]

If I can work out how to post an image...

 

[sbeqs]

Yes to all those questions...

 

[sbeqs]

The bit at the top.

 

[sbeqs]

These.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

The bit at the top.

Yes, that's the adjuster. It's in two parts - the adjuster itself and a locknut. Undo both to start with until you are happy with the lever travel then screw the locknut bit back against the lever housing just to keep it where you set it.

 

[boydj]

Sheldon Brown - http://www.sheldonbrown.com/ - is a great source of information for all cyclists, with a whole section devoted to beginners.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Good call @boydj. I didn't think of linking to that.

The Park Tools website is really good for maintenance and repair instructions too: http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help