What's this brake lever thing for on my Allez?

[Maz]

Does anyone know what this lever thing is for?

There is a separate hex nut thing to tighten the brake cables, so I'm not sure what this lever thing does. Can anyone help? Thanks.

 

[Norm]

Flip it up, it opens the pads just enough to get the wheel out without deflating the tyre.

Don't forget to lock it down again afterwards, though.

 

[Maz]

Cheers, fella. That makes perfect sense!

 

[Norm]

Blimey, don't start saying that, it'll ruin my reputation.

 

[gaz]

took me a while to work that one out