Brake Shoes

[tjsc1]

Hi All
Finally got the bike I wanted, a Specialized Sirrus, black 15inch frame, quick release wheels, hardly used. bought it off Ebay. Adjusted a couple of things, like seat up and down, also adjusted the seat fore and aft, much better for me now. I want to change the shoes because I want to know what is going to stop me!! Just wondering if there is a 'better' shoe than anything else, should I go to the LBS or just pop down to Halfrauds!! Also the chain needs a clean, any recommendations on Lube for the chain, I have heard that something with 'Teflon' is quite good? Dont know much really just reading and listening. Would appreciate advice/help. (hope this is in the right forum page)??
tks
Terry

 

[gbb]

There are definately good an 'average' pads tjsc...i can't recommend any particular V brake pads, but on roadbike calipers, there's a world of difference between cheap ones and say Ultegra pads. Someone will come along with a v brake specific pad thats woth a look at.

Chain lube ? If you clean your chain with degreaser etc, make sure its dry before you apply lube, or it will start attacking the lube you've just applied.
Which lube ?..i've used Finish Line dry...can't say i was overly impressed. Chain gets just as dirty as using engine oil, my chainlife wasn't significantly better with teflon based products. I just use engine oil..lube then wipe all the excess off thoroughly. My current chains doing just as well with that method as any other i've tried.

 

[HLaB]

A better brake shoe may help a little but the big difference will be made by Pads; the lbs should be able to give you better advice than Hellfrauds wrt to pads; albeit the lbs will probably carry less range. That said be carefull of anyone (both lbs or Hell) just trying to sell you what they have in stock. Folk seem to recommend Koolstops or Swisstops. I had Koolstops on an older bike; it felt like braking improved 10 fold.

Lube wise I'm using Finishline at the mo but I get the impression that any good lube will be OK if you clean often but avoid the spray stuff. Look for the 'Mickle Method' on this site and you'll get some good tips.

 

[potsy]

I switched to the Koolstop Salmon for the winter, certainly made a difference in the wet. Will use the 105's in the summer i think as the Salmons are meant to wear quite quick.