How do you set bicycle brakes properly?

To set bicycle brakes properly, start by squeezing the brake lever to see how much it moves before the brakes engage. Adjust the brake cable tension using the barrel adjuster until the brakes engage when the lever is pressed about halfway. Make sure the brake pads are aligned with the rim and not rubbing on the tire. Test the brakes by riding slowly and squeezing the levers to ensure they stop the bike smoothly.