Comprehesive howto for brakes?

[freak]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

Freak,

Adjust the lengths of the rods first to get the 15 degrees from vertical in front. I forget what is is at the back but the principle is to get the best leverage. If the levers are not near vertical when applying hard braking then you are not getting the best mechanical advantage.

That's part of what I'm having trouble with. With the rod disconnected, the lever (or arm) on the backing plate stands straight up with no force applied. Only when moving past straight up will the brakes start being applied. So to adjust the lever to 15 (without even dealing with the rod yet) is where I am confused.