Caliper Brakes

[daddyshambles]

Hi All, I have tried to adjust caliper brakes and seem to have the pads centred on the rim, the cable tension good and yet the bike still seems reluctant to stop. Any advice please

 

[smokeysmoo]

Have you set them up with some 'toe-in'?

The front edge of each pad should hit the rim just before the rest of the pad. I do it by looping a cable tie around the back of the brake block when I'm fitting them . You could just use a piece of card in the same way.

Also your pads may be the culprit. Most stock pads are made of cheese. Buy a set of decent pads such as Koolstop and things should improve significantly

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Good toe-in tip SS: that's been the cause of much frustration until now!

 

[daddyshambles]

Good toe-in tip SS: that's been the cause of much frustration until now!

Thanks lads will try that, never considered it actually, thank you

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Clean rims and pads (check them for embedded debris) also help, but if everything is set-up right it may just be the quality of your brakes.

Like SS says, OE pads are usually rubbish and you'll notice a big difference with good ones. If you don't already have cartridge type pads, switch to them: they're cheaper in the long run and you'll have a greater choice of quality inserts.

Better cables may improve things (eg Jagwire Racer), but you'll notice less difference for the money compared to good pads. I'd be inclined to buy good cables to maximise the performance of good calipers, rather than to improve the performance of cheap ones.

Failing that, you'll need to buy better quality brake calipers.

 

[2Loose]

I agree with everything said above,...but emphasise the fact that decent pads can completely change your experience for the better.

 

[daddyshambles]

I agree with everything said above,...but emphasise the fact that decent pads can completely change your experience for the better.

thanks all