The Noisy Bike Brakes
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in 7 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
A teenage bike shop worker steps in to diagnose a customer's noisy brakes when the head mechanic is busy.
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Kalani worked at the bike shop after school. She knew every part of a bike. The head mechanic, Delano, trusted her with small repairs.
One afternoon, a man walked in with a broken bike. It made a loud squeak with every turn. He looked worried and tired.
"My brakes are really loud," he said. "I don't understand it." Delano was busy with another customer.
"I can check it," Kalani said. The man looked surprised. He did not expect help from a teenager.
Kalani turned the bike upside down. She spun the front wheel slowly. The noise came from the brake pads.
"Your brake pads are old," she said. "I can put in new ones." The man nodded and sat down to wait.
Kalani opened a small drawer of parts. She picked two matching brake pads. She worked fast with her tools.
In ten minutes, the bike stood ready. She spun the wheel again. This time, it turned without any noise.
"Wow," the man said. "You really know bikes." Kalani smiled and wiped her hands. She rolled the bike toward the door.
"Thank you very much," the man said. He paid at the counter and waved goodbye. Kalani went back to her work. Delano gave her a proud smile.
