Bicycle Mechanics - Hey, Where'd My Rear Brakes Go?

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bkaapcke
07-13-08, 08:13 PM
The rear rim on my LWB recumbent cracked across the stem hole and four spoke holes. OK, I'm a heavy guy, the bike puts most of the weight on the rear wheel, and it was a lightweight rim. So, I ordered a new wheel from my wheel guy and we selected a heavier duty rim. The new rim is 2mm wider, and therein lies the problem. I reset the V-brake pads (avids) and readjusted the cable to allow a wider stance. Everything looked great on the workstand, and functioned properly. Problem; very little braking power.

Double checked the pad alignment, and it is correct. Checked the cable housings and cables, no problems there. So, where did my brake power go? Is there anything I can do to get it back? I am kind of partial to being able to stop. bk

nahh
07-13-08, 08:31 PM
being able to stop is overrated.;)

check the rim to make sure there isn't anything greasy on it. make sure you tightened everything down, too, otherwise the cable will slip a bit and give you that not a lot (but some) braking power effect.
dabac
07-14-08, 02:52 AM
check the rim to make sure there isn't anything greasy on it.
+1

And, by now, also take a file or sandpaper to the pads in case anything slippery has transferred from rim to pads.

bkaapcke
07-14-08, 01:09 PM
Turned out it was stuff on the rim. I had given it a quick cleaning, but not enough. Cleaned it up well and sanded the pads. Good to go. Thanx, guys. bk