The rim-brake tag has no wiki summary.
27
votes
12answers
6k views
What is the practical advantage of disk brakes over rim brakes?
Disk brakes are becomming more popular on bikes now, and I was just wondering what the advantage is of this type of brake over the older rim brakes.
11
votes
2answers
19k views
Converting bike from rim brakes to disc brakes
I just bought a used 2009 Kona Dew and it comes with regular rim brakes. I'm perfectly happy with them so far, but have been wondering if disc brakes would come handy when it rains.
What is involved ...
8
votes
4answers
2k views
How do I get my brakes to stop squealing
I've tried sanding them down just a bit, cleaning the brake surface on the wheels, and this does stop them from squealing for a day or two, but it always comes back. I'm using Kool-stop pads if it ...
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. ...
5
votes
2answers
333 views
Can I run rim brakes on a disc rim?
I'm trying to buy a front wheel which will work with both disc and rim brakes so that I can use it on my cross bike (with rim brakes) and my mountain bike (with disc brakes) with a dynamo hub to power ...
5
votes
2answers
820 views
What is the purpose of the 'tire guide' screws on shimano brakes
On Shimano Ultegra and Dura-ace brake calipers there are round-head slot screws in the lower section of the brake pad holder. In the BR-6600 spare parts catalogues they are labeled as 'tire guide' ...
4
votes
2answers
828 views
Re-painting Rims
Over time, the paint on the rims of a wheel has slowly been eaten by a set of brake pads.
How do I strip left over paint?
What type of paint should be used?
How can I ensure the new paintjob will ...
4
votes
4answers
781 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 ...
4
votes
1answer
451 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 ...
3
votes
6answers
2k views
Why do my brakes squeak? Do I have an incorrect distance between brake pads and rims?
My brakes were working normally until I adjust them today. I thought the brake pads were too close to the rims so I increase the distance a bit. Now every time I brake, they make horrible squeaking ...
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
665 views
Have replaced v-brakes and they still squeak. What to do?
I think I've read every post here about V-brake squeal, as well as the popular ones on the Sheldon Brown site, the Park Tools guide and so forth - but I seem to have a brake squeal that just won't ...
2
votes
4answers
7k 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
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
3answers
483 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 ...
1
vote
4answers
458 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
1answer
62 views
Brake cable housing too long?
I replaced the no-name brake calipers on my bike with Ultegras today. Am I correct in thinking the rear brake housing is too long and needs to be shortened? And if so, how do I determine how much to ...
1
vote
2answers
93 views
Cannot raise V-brake blocks high enough to align with wheel rim
After adjusting my V-brake blocks to their highest setting on the lever, they still do not align with the wheel rim (they sit half on, half off).
Is there any thing I can do about this, or is it an ...
0
votes
2answers
106 views
Which brake posts do I need?
I have a Schwinn Rocket mountain bike with front and rear V-brakes. While removing the rear brakes to be replaced with higher quality ones, I managed to twist one of the brake posts out of the frame ...
