Soft Brake Levers?

[Gert Lush]

Hello,

I'm currently in the process of changing my Raleigh Vitesse from downtube shifters to integrated shifters. Some Sora ones I bought off of eBay for £30.

So far I've got as far as hooking the brakes up. They work but the brake levers themselves feel quite soft. Is there a way of tightening up the levers but not the brakes themselves? I like to have them slightly firmer but these seem very soft.

I apologise if this is a stupid question, I am a complete novice when it comes to bike maintenance.

Thanks
Mike

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Brake lever spring tension cannot be changed. However, if you want to reduce the distance the levers travel before the brakes bite, that's a different story. There is a barrel adjuster (screw thingy) at the end of the cable where the cable housing terminates at the brake. Turn it up.

 

[Gert Lush]

Brake lever spring tension cannot be changed.

Ah, that wasn't quite what I wanted to hear, looks like I'll have to get used to it then.

Thank you

 

[Profpointy]

mmm, sounds as if something isn't quite right though all the same

 

[gbb]

Original cables and outers ?...
Original calipers ?
Things have moved on, good outers will resist compression, old ones may give you a spongy feel.
A better /newer set of calipers may help too.
Or try a good quality set of pads as a starting point.

 

[Gert Lush]

@gbb New cables/outers (If by outers you mean the casing?) but original callipers yes.

I was thinking of upgrading the callipers at a later date because I just really want to start using it asap. Don't want to put too much money into a cheap try out bike yet. Probably will upgrade the pads though because these ones do look a little worn down.

 

[Milkfloat]

Good inner cables or ones made out of elastic?

 

[Globalti]

If you feel that the brakes are too squidgy, check that you have flattened off all the ends of the cable outers where you cut them - a Dremel or angle or bench grinder will do that - then check you've fitted those black plastic ferrules to all the cable ends. Uneven cable ends will make the brake squashy.

 

[bikeman66]

If you feel that the brakes are too squidgy, check that you have flattened off all the ends of the cable outers where you cut them - a Dremel or angle or bench grinder will do that - then check you've fitted those black plastic ferrules to all the cable ends. Uneven cable ends will make the brake squashy.

I'm not doubting you Globalti, but equally, I cannot understand how uneven cable ends might make for a soft feel at the brake lever. Are you able to explain please?

 

[Gert Lush]

Good inner cables or ones made out of elastic?

Good ones. These: http://www.highonbikes.com/brakes/b...ble-set.html?gclid=CPflp8WLkMcCFTDItAodtw4Gqg

Edit. Bought from my LBS, not that site. I just googled them

 

[Gert Lush]

If you feel that the brakes are too squidgy, check that you have flattened off all the ends of the cable outers where you cut them - a Dremel or angle or bench grinder will do that - then check you've fitted those black plastic ferrules to all the cable ends. Uneven cable ends will make the brake squashy.

I'll have a look tomorrow. Won't have done it to that extent though.

 

[jack smith]

Most people spend hundreds to get a light brake feel lol

 

[Venod]

I have just improved the feel of the Disc brakes on my CX bike by fitting some of these, if your outer cables are compressing slightly these may help.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/goodridge-brake-cable-kit/rp-prod22237

I'm not doubting you Globalti, but equally, I cannot understand how uneven cable ends might make for a soft feel at the brake lever. Are you able to explain please?

An uneven cut could lead to a slight movement of the outer until it squares up.

 

[Gert Lush]

Most people spend hundreds to get a light brake feel lol

Maybe I'm just too fussy then! I might just leave it for now and just get used to it.

 

[howard2107]

Have you used good quality cables, if they are crap they will stretch when you pull the lever.