Upgrading my brakes???

[BigonaBianchi]

...I am looking at my Galaxy and thinking that the brakes arn't as good as those on my Bianchi. So maybe I could get some better brakes, but I am unsure which type/make etc. Also I have some big mudguards on the Galaxy to contend with. Any thoughts?

 

[gwhite]

I would imagine that you have cantis on your Galaxy and these probably would be of the Avid shorty of Tektro Orynx variety. If so then yours is a common problem. Best course would be to replace these with Tektro CR720 or the slightly cheaper black model, the CR520. These brakes combined with Koolstop Salmon pads will do wonders for your braking.

 

[MePower]

Whats the budget? 90 squids gets you some Maguras. Had these 4+ years and no maintenance except pads, Very powerful too. I`m building a Thorn (over a LONG time due to budget) tourer for this years trips, will be putting Mags on this too

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Thanks..I hadnt even got as far as setting a budget yet...yep these are onyx type well that what it says on them...just a cable down to the brakes in an inverted Y shape...they look 'dated' but they are those as supplied on the 2007 galaxy

 

[MartinC]

First question is whether your Galaxy has STI levers.

If it does then changing to Tektro CR720's or 520's as suggested is probably the easiest and most cost effective upgrade. Mini V brakes may work OK with your set up but this far from certain and will require a bit of experimentation.

If it doesn't then you have more choice. As above will work. You could change to V brakes but will you will need to change the brake levers to V brake specific ones. Dia Compe and Tektro/Cane Creek make them, the Tektro or Cane Creek ones are better in my (and others) view. Maguras (hydraulic) are certainly good but they are expensive and the drop bar versions are no longer made and are hard to find.

Many people seem to find changing from Oryx, Avid and Shimano semi low profile cantilevers to 'old fashioned' high profile ones like the CR720's or Froglegs produces much better braking.

 

[02GF74]

...I am looking at my Galaxy and thinking that the brakes arn't as good as those on my Bianchi.

what exactly do you mean?

Do you mean don't look as good or function as well?

Can't see how you can tell, unless the brakes have an obvious fault, by looking and thinking alone that the brakes are no good. I would suggest riding the bikes and applying the brakes to do a proper comparison.

 

[PpPete]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400018241532&ih=027&category=27949 ?

I got some a while back "because they were cheap" as an upgrade to the old Deore cantis on my (much older) Galaxy. Couldnt figure out the adjustment until Mickle pointed me at the right bit of instructions....!