Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - brake question

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skanking biker
06-11-05, 11:46 AM
i posted this in the mechanics section, but i'll ask here as i intend to use this on my fixed (i know its not "in" to use a front brake, but i value my skull more than my image)


Are Tektro X40 brakes decent?---will it work well on a fixed? Are there any special brake issues w/ fixed gears?

bostontrevor
06-11-05, 12:10 PM
A brake is a brake, for the most part. Some offer more or less stopping power, but the easiest way to find out what you have is to throw it on and try it out. Does it give you adequate stopping power?

My best brake, ironically, is my trashiest: it's some cheap-o Acera rear brake, but it'll pitch me forward every time. In fact, Friday I did this awesome stoppie when this stupid woman decided to jaywalk right across the middle of Huntington Ave through slow moving cars and one very fast moving cyclist. 30 to 0 in like .5 seconds.

If the pads are old, they may not be as "juicy" as new pads. New pads or going with a set of Koolstops will give you better braking, too.
boots
06-11-05, 12:29 PM
nobody looks down on you for using a brake. the holier-than-thou kids who do started out with a brake, most of 'em anyway

a brake's a brake. high-quality brakes matter more when you're not fixed, because you're not absolutely dependent upon them with a fixie. so no, there are no particular brake issues with fixed, as long as the brake fits.

boots
06-11-05, 12:37 PM
and that chucksbikes.com price is for a pair. you can spend less money elsewhere, like nashbar, buying only one comparable brake
Turnip
06-11-05, 12:45 PM
I've been happy with them. I know that you are asking about the brakes, but the make a pseudo campy lever that's really comfy and a hell of a lot cheaper, too.
weed eater
06-11-05, 01:08 PM
the quality/newness of the brake calipers matters a lot less than
--the brake adjustment
--the cable/housing adjustment
--the shoes.

you can get a used brake + lever for cheap, check at an LBS that sells used bikes, they may have some used parts stashed away. spring for a new cable set and a new set of salmon Kool-stop shoes, and you will have a solid front brake.

i'm running an old Weinmann 605 rear brake adapted for the front, with a Tektro cyclocross "inline" lever used as the primary. it works great.