Disc/rim/drum/coaster brakes; braking technique, maintaining brakes, nything else about stopping a bike.
1
vote
1answer
212 views
Replacing 'cone nuts' on a damaged coaster brake
I'm attempting to refurbish a bike that I was given, it has a (not sure what brand) coaster brake, which according to sheldon brown's site has a peculiar kind of cone nut. The wheel might be 10 years ...
9
votes
7answers
6k views
What is safer…coaster brakes, regular brakes, or fixed gear braking?
I currently have a 'regular' bike, i.e. a bike with typical brakes but I've been more fascinated recently with single speed and fixed gear bikes. One of the reasons that I've held off on getting on is ...
4
votes
2answers
155 views
Where to get the short wire of the cantilever brake?
I was riding my bike and rear brake fell apart. As a result I lost the short wire of the cantilever brake, or at least that what it seems to be called. Where can I buy that short cable please ? Here ...
5
votes
3answers
876 views
Disk brake has never worked properly from new, pads replaced - still rubbish!
I've got Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and ever since I've had the bike (from new) the front brake has never worked properly. It used to squeak really loudly and perform badly but I assumed they just ...
5
votes
1answer
6k views
How do I bleed Avid Elixir brakes
My bike has a set of Avid Elixir R hydraulic brakes. The front brake barely goes on when I pull the lever and the back brake feels pretty soft. I think I need to bleed them. How do I go about doing ...
2
votes
2answers
244 views
Can i use v brakes on racing bike rims?
i fitted a set of cheap "thin" (racing bike size) rims with 32 mm tyres. the fork allows even bigger tyres to be mounted. is it a problem if i fit the bike with Deore LX v-brakes ? will it brake ...
2
votes
2answers
207 views
Stop my front brake lever screws from vibrating out?
One of the most common maintenance tasks on my Mongoose Tyax Super is to tighten a small screw in my front brake level. It shakes loose both due to use, and from a habit I picked up riding in ...
4
votes
1answer
452 views
What brand / model of brake is this modified U-brake?
I have been searching for a while, and I cannot find any information on my rear u-brake. It has served me well for many years (10+), and has a surprising amount of force. It's stronger than any ...
2
votes
2answers
940 views
In what ways is a dual pivot brake better than single-pivot?
How exactly is a dual pivot brake better than single pivot?
Is it the travel, mechanical advantage, or what?
0
votes
3answers
443 views
Is there 28 hole front/rear drum brake hub
No time research this now, so has there ever been made a 28 hole front or rear drum brake hub? I know that Sachs and Sturmey-Archer have done a lot of drum brakes. Neither to my knowledge have such a ...
3
votes
1answer
815 views
Replace Ultegra 6600 STI lever
I need to replace my Ultegra 6600 right hand shifter as the ratcheting system is gone. The rest of the groupset is all the same 6600 series.
I am having a hard time sourcing just a right hand side ...
8
votes
4answers
7k views
How do I replace road bike hoods?
I commute daily on a road bike with Shimano Tiagra STI shifter/brake levers. The rubber hoods are pretty grimy and getting sticky, torn up and unpleasant these days. Repair and replacement of pretty ...
1
vote
1answer
939 views
Adding disc brake to Trek 7.1 FX
I'm seeking advice on how to install disc brakes on the Trek 7.1 FX.
Does the Trek 7.1 FX have the mount for installing disc brakes?
Which disc brake option is better to go for, mechanical or ...
1
vote
2answers
474 views
The quick release on my shimano sora brakes pops open during braking
Occasionally, when using my bike with shimano sora brakes on the front and rear, the quick release will pop open during braking, reducing my braking power. Is there some way to prevent this? Is it ...
1
vote
1answer
137 views
Cane Creek Drop V cable compatibility
Are Cane Creek Drop V levers compatible with road brake cables or MTB brake cables? Specifically, road cables and MTB cables have different nipples that sit in the brake lever, and I need to know ...
2
votes
1answer
1k views
Cable/cord near brake level is extremely loose, brake doesn't work
When I press my left brake lever, nothing happens. I looked and the cable is loose. It comes completely out of the little silver thing on the left side of the handle. (left when looking at pic)
The ...
3
votes
2answers
654 views
Disc brake pads - steel vs aluminium back plate
I am looking at a set of Organic Disc brake pads. The brake pads come with a steel back plate or as an aluminium back plate. Why would I choose one over the other?
4
votes
5answers
3k views
Why do my disk brakes squeal when wet?
Picture the scene... It's just been raining and you are getting ready to commute home after work, you cycle out on to the tarmac and as you do so, you notice a bunch of pedestrians push the button on ...
7
votes
3answers
1k views
Do aluminum rims provide better braking than steel ones when wet?
When I upgraded the brakes on my bicycle recently, the shop asked if I wanted to also switch from my (chromed) steel rims to aluminum rims, saying the aluminum rims would provide better braking power. ...
4
votes
4answers
2k views
Dealing with very juddery cantilever brakes
I'm a commuter with a ~13m daily round-trip. I've been riding this on an MTB for 8 years, but I'm looking to upgrade. I recently tried out a 2012 model Specialized Tricross; this having been ...
3
votes
3answers
519 views
What rear brake should I get for a Surly Steamroller?
I recently acquired a Surly Steamroller (fixed gear bike). I want to ride is as a single speed for everyday use. I changed out the rear wheel and got one with a flip-flop hub. I'd also like to add a ...
7
votes
2answers
309 views
How could I have avoided this accident?
On Sunday I wanted to use my free day and I planned to do a half-day ride with my mountain bike. The weather wasn't really good, but at least it wasn't raining as the days before.
I rode up a ...
5
votes
2answers
759 views
Brake callipers not long enough to allow adjustment of pads
I upgraded the standard Tektro brakes on my SE Lager to Shimano 105s. The braking performance is vastly improved. I also have Charge Plug wheels, rather than the stock wheels.
However I've noticed ...
4
votes
2answers
564 views
Where can I get a basic toolkit for bicycle - Walmart etc?
I want some basic things in toolkit (like oiling of chain, tightening of brakes etc). Where can I find them and how much does it usually cost? I want to buy one, so can you name the basic tools with ...
1
vote
3answers
1k views
Cantilever Brakes - Cyclocross
I've recently purchased a Cyclocross bike that's been great so far. I use it to commute and race. However, I don't find the cantilever brakes that came with it satisfactory. I'd like to switch them ...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
Is it worth switching from regular “rim brakes” to the new disk brakes?
I have an old Haro mountain bike I love. One feature request I have for a new bike is disk brakes. Is it possible to install disk brakes on an old bike? Is it worth it?
2
votes
2answers
1k views
Rear wheel not centred, presses against one of the brake pads (Rohloff hub, Magura rim brakes)
Upon replacing my rear brake pads, I noticed that my rear wheel is not properly centered.
The consequence is that the wheel is pressed against one of the brake pads, as can be seen in the pictures ...
3
votes
3answers
762 views
What affordable rear brake can I get with nut/bolt rather than Allen Key?
I am looking for recommendations for a rear brake for a road brake. The problem is that I can see plenty of options for the newer 'Allen Key' style but not the older 'nut/bolt' style. I also want just ...
8
votes
2answers
358 views
Can I replace my self-energizing brakes with regular cantilevers?
I recently bought a used tandem and am going to be tuning it up over the winter. It's a Yakota Twin Peaks (i.e. 20 years old) and it has Scott-Peterson Self-Energizing brakes. I haven't taken them ...
2
votes
3answers
484 views
Replacing cantilever brakes
Just bought a winter beater to ride through the winter. I knew it needed some love but the frame (Giant Yukon) fit well and it was a reasonable price.
I just threw the bike up in my repair stand ...
4
votes
3answers
664 views
Dia Compe Brakes for 1991 Bridgestone RB-T
I have a 1991 Bridgestone RB-T. This bike has passed through many hands so much of the stock parts are gone. The original Dia Compe XCE brake arms have been replaced by Dimension canti arms.
My ...
0
votes
1answer
186 views
Are faceplates for different shimano brifters compatible?
I got a used brifter and the faceplate fell off. I am pretty sure it was a 105. It works well enough but it looks shitty.
Does anyone know if I can just order whichever shimano brifter faceplate, and ...
6
votes
5answers
541 views
Do brake cables become more elastic with time?
I bought a used bike a few months ago, and I've noticed a drastic reduction in brake power.
At first, I was easily able to lock-up the rear wheel while squeezing the brake lever only half-way to the ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
How to set up bike so that back-pedalling stops the rear wheel?
My first bike was a 1976 Raleigh Strika. It was brilliant and was distinguished by having only a front brake lever. To get the rear wheel to stop one simply back-pedalled. This was a v. efficient way ...
1
vote
2answers
199 views
Is my brake line bad?
I recently purchased an old bike and got the brakes replaced. My front brakes are working as expected and my rear brakes are not. I am squeezing my brake lever which has a lot of resistance, but isn't ...
20
votes
12answers
5k views
When should I not use my front brake?
I have only been riding for a short time and I remember when I was a child there was a belief that if you used your front brakes going downhill that you would fly over your handlebars.
However, my ...
4
votes
4answers
785 views
Effectiveness of techniques to improve the performance of brakes
My bike does not perform badly at the moment, however browsing this site has lead me to wonder whether the performance of the brakes (the front one in particular) could be improved by various means ...
3
votes
1answer
297 views
What cantilever brakes are compatible with Surly Pugsley 100mm front fork?
I just purchased a Surly Pugsley project bike. The front hub isn't set up for a disc brake so I'm looking to install a cantilever brake. It has 65mm large marge rims. I've scoured the internets and ...
2
votes
1answer
339 views
How can I widen brakes on an '09 Specialized Transition Pro?
I just picked up an '09 Transition on craigslist, and was expectantly dismayed to find that the stock brakes aren't quite wide enough for my Zipp 404 firecrests. When I remove the straddle cable ...
8
votes
4answers
1k views
Enhancing brake force with steel rims in wet conditions?
I currently own an old racing bike, that still has ripped steel rims and a side pull caliper brake. The braking power is acceptable when the street is dry, but as soon as it gets wet (even morning ...
1
vote
3answers
579 views
Bar end brakes and handlebar swapping
I have one road bike that I use mostly for commuting, sometimes for fast alone rides and infrequently for group rides.
I was thinking that since most of my riding is alone I should put my tri bars ...
5
votes
1answer
1k views
How to get more tire clearance with caliper brakes?
I've discovered the brakes on my Bike Friday Tikit don't allow for enough clearance to run Schwalbe Marathon tires. The bike - a folding bike with 16" rims - ships with Kojak treadless tires. It looks ...
5
votes
6answers
2k views
Front wheel “shudder” or “pulse” when braking
When I apply the front brake I can feel a "shudder" or "pulse" through the front wheel, fork and handlebars. It's faster when I'm travelling faster and slower when I'm moving slower.
I assume there's ...
3
votes
2answers
3k views
Do cyclocross/interrupter/touring brake levers reduce brake performance?
I have bullhorn bars, with a Tektro cyclocross lever and a TT style bar end lever as well, operating rim brakes. The calipers are Tektro dual pivot. The pads are cartridge style pads (I don't have the ...
7
votes
1answer
1k views
My brake lever is coming loose from my handle bars; how can I tighten it?
I have a road bike with drop bars, and the left brake lever is slightly loose - it can rotate a few degrees around the handle bar from side to side. How can I tighten it? Is it possible to do so ...
2
votes
3answers
250 views
Brake piece grinding against fork
This brake was installed on a fixed-gear that did not come with any brakes. The nut on one side rubs against the fork, and over time it rotates and presses the pad against the wheel.
Here is where ...
1
vote
0answers
130 views
New brake pads, whining brakes [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Fixing noisy V brakes
I have quite an old mountain bike, that has become quite rusted over the past few years. I just tuned up the derailleurs and replaced my brake ...
7
votes
2answers
2k views
Fixing noisy V brakes
My V brakes make a lot of noise when I brake!! I am annoyed by such noise not to mention the pedestrians. My Mechanic said that it will not make those noise after using for couple of days, but it is ...
7
votes
3answers
7k views
Disc brakes squeak on Trek mountain bike
I have a Trek 3900 mountain bike with disc brakes, and I just took it out of winter storage to start riding it for the season.
Everything works well, except for one very annoying problem: when I stop ...
4
votes
3answers
552 views
Brakes periodically make “finger nails on chalk board” sound
Both my rim brakes --- front and back --- have started to make a periodic noise when I engage them. They will be silent for a little bit, then gradually start to make noise. As I brake, the noise will ...
