improving brakes on road bike

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2007-09-04 8:23 PM

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Master
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Salisbury, North Carolina
Subject: improving brakes on road bike
New Trek 1000 with brakes that could use improvement. I'll mention this to LBS when I go back for first adjustment in a couple of weeks. Maybe they can adjust/improve.... obviously they can widen/narrow the brake pad clearance.

Anything else I can do to improve the braking ? Would a "better" brake pad make a difference ?

I understand that entry-level bikes may not have the best brakes but I would like more stopping power. Thanks again in advance.

Edited by tri42 2007-09-04 8:23 PM

2007-09-04 11:03 PM
in reply to: #952102

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Subject: RE: improving brakes on road bike
I find that even cheap modern brakes are pretty good. When you take the bike back in have then adjust the cables and distance the pads sit from the rim. It's not tough to do this your self. Park's site has some good info, but it's a bit over kill: http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=20

Pads make some difference but not likely enough if you concerned that the brakes are weak.
2007-09-05 9:16 AM
in reply to: #952102

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Champion
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Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: improving brakes on road bike

Brake and rim maintenance....

Take the wheels off the bke, and use a ScotchBrite pad to scour off the dirt/ground-up aluminum/brake pad residue from the rim. Do it when it's dry, and do NOT do it over carpet. The stuff that comes off is dark, dirty, grimy, and VERY fine. It'll get into whatever is under the wheel.

Also, look at the brake pads, and use some sand paper to take and shine off the pads where they contact the rim. If the pads have any grooves in them, use a screw-driver or awl to dig out any dirt and ground-up rim from them.

These two things will do much to keep your brake performance at as-new levels.

2007-09-28 2:08 AM
in reply to: #952102

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: improving brakes on road bike
Kool stop salmon pads make a huge difference.
2007-09-28 5:58 AM
in reply to: #982405

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Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: improving brakes on road bike
Kool Stop Salmon pads are the greatest simple improvement to braking you can make. True dat! You can stop a bus with them!

Edited by pitt83 2007-09-28 5:58 AM
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