Disc/rim/drum/coaster brakes; braking technique, maintaining brakes, nything else about stopping a bike.
3
votes
4answers
1k views
What's the difference between galvanised brake cables versus stainless steel?
I'm looking at buying a set of new brake cables and I'm wondering what the difference is between the stainless steel ones and the galvanised cable? I'm only getting relatively cheap ones but I can't ...
3
votes
1answer
217 views
What are the alternatives to SwissStop Blue v-brake pads
We've got a tandem with Rigida Andara CSS tungsten carbide rims and Swisstop Blue v-brake pads. We're happy with the performance and life of both of these over the last 1000 miles.
The problem is ...
3
votes
1answer
315 views
Will a road brake lever work with a v-brake?
I'm planning on changing my commuter handlebar to a drop handlebar. As the diameters are different, I need to know if the new brake lever will work with the existing v-brakes.
(My intention is to ...
3
votes
1answer
128 views
How long do brake pads last in storage?
I’ve discovered in my parts box some rim brake pads that have been there for several years. Aside from age, they are in fine shape (some are new). Can I put these on my bike, or is there hidden ...
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 ...
3
votes
2answers
213 views
What is the braking (stopping) distance for bicycles?
A vehicle driver must keep enough braking distance (aka stopping distance) between him/her and a vehicle in front in order to avoid collision. It depends on the driving speed.
What is the braking ...
3
votes
2answers
171 views
How do I align my front brake disk with the caliper?
I have manual Avid disc brakes.
I took my front wheel off like I've done hundreds of times. When I put it back on the wheel is aligned properly with my fork, but the disc presses against one of the ...
3
votes
1answer
215 views
Looking for components needed to route 3 cables on top of toptube for cyclocross bike
My bike is setup for cable routing under the downtube. I would like to route my rear brake, front derailleur, and rear derailleur cables along the top tube of a bike I plan to use for cyclocross to ...
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 ...
3
votes
3answers
675 views
Fixing off-center Caliper brakes
The brakes pads of my front brake are off center, so far that when the brake is disengaged the right pad rubs slightly against the wheel even though there is plenty of clearance between the wheel and ...
3
votes
1answer
451 views
RockShox Tora TK mountings for Hope Mini M4
I'm on the verge of buying a RockShox Tora fork for my bike, and plan to use them with Hope Mono Mini M4 brakes. I'm stumped as to what mounting to buy for these, how do you guys find out this ...
3
votes
1answer
88 views
What should I do about salt in V-brakes?
I've been riding a lot thins winter in spite of unusually snowy, icy, and slushy conditions. While I know how to lube and clean my chain and can deal with other accumulated filth, I'm having trouble ...
3
votes
1answer
197 views
Are v-brake pads compatible with cantilever brakes
I have a set of Avid Shorty 4 cantilever brakes, well two sets (front and back) and wish to upgrade the pads.
These are centre pull, linear pull brakes and have brake pads which are mounted from the ...
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 ...
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 ...
3
votes
1answer
1k views
How do I choose brake pads?
I use the plain self-centering side-pull cantilever brakes found on 99.9% of road bikes. (Well, it's a road bike. ;) ) I've got alloy rims. Both my current internship location and back home are ...
2
votes
3answers
180 views
(V-)Brake pad lifespan
Just for the record, my rims are brand new (~800 km) and clean.
I have a set of KoolStop salmon brake pads (actually 2 sets, .... well, front and rear).
I installed them ~600 km ago and I already had ...
2
votes
3answers
338 views
Why do you think I nearly fell on this turn?
I was riding my new Scott road bike yesterday and I nearly took a terrible fall. The pavement was wet and there was a curve. I was riding approximately 15 mph and I braked with the rear brake. As I ...
2
votes
3answers
494 views
Is there any kind of adapter to mount v-brakes or cantilevers to a frame that's not designed to accommodate them?
I have an aluminum single-speed frame that was marketed as a fixie. I'm wanting to convert it to a single-speed commuter. (I'm getting older and the fixie doesn't agree with my knees anymore.) It has ...
2
votes
1answer
329 views
Can you add oil to a hydraulic disc brake reservoir without bleeding the brakes?
Is it possible to add oil to the hydraulic disc brake reservoir to increase the stiffness of the lever, without bleeding the brakes?
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 ...
2
votes
4answers
8k views
Direct Pull (V-Brake) vs. Center Pull Cantilevers (pros and cons)
I am looking around for an old mountain bike to ride this winter (and this summer when it is wet).
I was just browsing around and was curious what the difference was between
Direct pull brakes:
...
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 ...
2
votes
4answers
208 views
Brakes won't stay tight
I have plain ol' v-brakes and I have to tighten them all the time, every three or four weeks. I've been given to understand this is not usual. I'm not sure what's wrong though -- am I hitting them too ...
2
votes
2answers
89 views
Putting brakes from a fat frame onto a skinny frame
I took a bunch of parts off of a bike with a hybrid titanium/carbon frame (it died), and am using them to build up a bike from a sweet steel frame I got on ebay for a song. It's my first time building ...
2
votes
2answers
196 views
How to improve front brake functionality?
My front brake (cantilever brakes) does not make contact with the rim until I pull the brake levers almost all the way in, leaving me with very little space to apply extra force. That means the brakes ...
2
votes
3answers
5k views
How to fix a detached brake cable?
My rear brake cable detached yesterday while riding. When I pull the level all the way back (which I can now do with no tension), I think I can see the end of the brake cable inside the brake hood, ...
2
votes
2answers
91 views
How to fit tt brakes
got a set of profile design bull horns and fitting an aero lever/tt brake.
name this one
how is this inserted into the handlebar and how does one adjust?
Cheers
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
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?
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 ...
2
votes
1answer
223 views
How do to determine if an adapter is needed for disc brakes and rotors?
I have an old older (not too old) bike that already has disc brakes, but I would like to replace them with a totally new set and new rotors.
How can I determine if a given replacement (caliper and ...
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 ...
2
votes
1answer
338 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
338 views
How to service a 1995 Schwinn Phantom Coaster Brake hub?
I have a 1995 Schwinn Phantom beach cruiser with a coaster brake that I'd like to service. The coaster brake is staring to feel sloppy and hasn't been looked at in a long time.
What tools will I ...
2
votes
2answers
158 views
Problems with brake discs
I recently bought a new bike. It is a Scott bike with disc brakes. The bike went in for it's service and now it has problems braking. As soon as I pull the brake leavers the front brakes makes a loud ...
2
votes
3answers
693 views
How can I adjust for uneven brake wear?
Well, my problems with brakes have turned out to be not an issue with pad longevity at all -- see the following picture:
Note how the one pad is excessively "toe-in" worn.
Here's a picture of the ...
2
votes
2answers
106 views
Jammed rear brakes
My rear brake is jamming to the point that only half seems to be moving. With worn blocks I got away with it, but now I have changed the pads I finally need to sort the problem. Could the brakes be ...
2
votes
1answer
155 views
Brake response is spongey post-brake lever upgrade
I have just performed an upgrade of brake levers on my Plug Racer, from the original cross-style levers (top mounted, possibly Promax 239A models) to Cane Creek 200TT bar end levers, connecting them ...
2
votes
1answer
4k views
How to adjust Avid Elixir 1 hydraulic disc brakes?
I have a Trek X-Caliber and the rear disc is rubbing a little. So I want to adjust the brakes so it doesn't rub and make things a bit easier of course.
I see many videos about brake adjustment but ...
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 ...
2
votes
4answers
891 views
Best brake pads for long distance travelling?
Me and a friend of mine are going on a long bike trip (which will take us a month) and we're finetuning our bikes for this.
We will be bringing about 14kg of luggage each, only riding on paved roads ...
2
votes
1answer
165 views
Rattling of a Shimano Nexave roller brake
In a suspended fork I use a Shimano Nexave BR-IM75-F roller brake and the cooling disc of the brake is not tighly fixed on the hub and it was like that since I got the roller-brake installed. I'm not ...
1
vote
4answers
462 views
Can anyone suggest a way to mount my rack to prevent it impeding the rear brake?
I have a topeak rear rack the mounting of which is interfering with the operation of the rear brake.
Unfortunately, my frame (a 2009 Scott Sportster P4) only has mounting lugs on the outside of the ...
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 ...
1
vote
2answers
107 views
installing brand new cartridge brakes, something seems fishy
So I am installing a brand new cartridge brake pad assembly on my mountain bike. I noticed that the brakes have a left and right written on them so i install them properly. What seems fishy to me is ...
1
vote
2answers
85 views
Replaceable cartridges for rim brakes
I have a set of Shimano CX70 canti brakes the pads of which are replacable by changing the pad only (cartridges).
I see in no document for any specification of a cartridge that fits. Are brake ...
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 ...
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 ...
1
vote
3answers
569 views
Cantilever cable adjustment device
I'm about to build up a frame (Motobecane Fantom CX) with cantilevers and drop bars. I plan to use my old Campy 9-speed levers. Obviously, those levers don't have any way of adjusting the cable length ...
