Bicycle Mechanics - Another Am I an Idiot thread... Brakes

No matter what i do I cannot stop these brakes from dragging on my rims. Its a New Bikesdirect Mercier Galaxy, it has Tektro brakes, Shimano Sora Brifters, I pulled the pads and replaced them with Kool Stops that have the tiniest bit of toe in. Even before I had the Kool Stops though I couldn't get the brakes adjusted where they didn't drag a little. The rims are true. Here is what i am doing (problem is front and back):

1. loosten cable
2. Clamp down brakes to rim (I was using a toe strap like this book I have says, then I switched to a C-clamp)
3. pull cable tight with pliers
4. tighten nut that holds cable
5. release clamp, pull brake handle to stretch a bit.

I mean that basically follows the book, and yet they drag, the old pads dragged too even without any toe in. What am I doing wrong?

If both sides drag then you were too aggressive with the "C"-clamp. If only one side drags then you need to adjust the calipers.

Al

You're resetting the cable anchor which doesn't do anything. If you haVe the brakes setup correctly you should have nominally equal distaance from the rim to the pad on both sides.

If you want to center your brakes you can either do it

1) the noob way via the centering bolt
2) the pro way by grabbing the whole caliper and moving it physically

1 has negative side effects while 2 doesn't.

The other problem is either your setting up the brakes too tight (ideally lever travel should be a bit before half way before hitting the pads) or aliens have bombarded your house with lazers.

I don't use pliers, jut my fingers will get the cable tight enough. You could use the barrel adjustment to give you some slack.

My method for brake adjustment is to loosen the cable, and pull the calipers so they are near touching the rim or touching the rim. Then I hold them in place with my left hand and use my right hand to pull the cable through hand tight and then grab a wrench and tighten the nut down. My bet would be that you are pulling them too tight with the c clamp/strap.

So what you are all saying is that I'm an idiot :)

Thanks for the replies, will try tomorrow!

So what you are all saying is that I'm an idiot :)

Thanks for the replies, will try tomorrow!

nah, not an idiot, I've had the same problem before. Just a little over vigilant regarding brake tension.