Folding Bikes - How to improve braking

I have 2 older 20" folders with side-pull caliper brakes. I have tried new pads but braking power is still barely adequate. Any other things I can try or is this the way it is with these old style brakes? Thanks.

There are different kinds of pads, optimized for different conditions; are you sure you got the right ones?

If you have chromed steel rims, upgrading to aluminum will make a big difference.

There are different kinds of pads, optimized for different conditions; are you sure you got the right ones?

The pads on the bikes were smooth and fairly hard. The new ones I tried were BMX style softer pads with 3 'fingers'. This helped some.

Kool-Stop Salmon brake pads work the best for me here in the NW.
http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/index.php

And what rhm said "If you have chromed steel rims, upgrading to aluminum will make a big difference."

Ciao,
o^o

What they said. Also, you could upgrade to dual-pivot brakes, but likelihood is you won't be able to find any that are nearly long-reach enough.

BMX brakes have adequate reach and combined with Kool Stop pads this combination provides decent stopping power.

This Rush Pro cost 15.00 Cdn and is very stiff.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/1974R2009new5.jpg

DIY drop bolt...

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/gracebrake1.jpg

I read in an issue of Bike magazine you can improve braking by rubbing dried roofing tar onto the rim. How this helps, I don;t know. Maybe it puts a fine layer on the rim, or abrades it a bit. I image this is for alu rims, though. Don;t know how it would work on steel (if that's what you have).

Steel rims are horrible for stopping. Just switching one rim out for aluminum will make a huge difference.

You might also want to try compressionless brake housing like i-link or nokon. Small wheels make for long brake cables.


I read in an issue of Bike magazine you can improve braking by rubbing dried roofing tar onto the rim. How this helps, I don;t know. Maybe it puts a fine layer on the rim, or abrades it a bit. I image this is for alu rims, though. Don;t know how it would work on steel (if that's what you have).

Thanks for the tip. If it deposits a fine layer then maybe it will also help extend the life of small circumference rims.

However, is it dirty?

Best pads I've tried were Ritchey, in three different compounds and colors... the red one in particular, soft compound if I remember correctly. They don't honk in the rain too! I think the KOOL STOPS are similar...

http://www.ritcheylogic.com/dimg/thm/t448_541c179b905898492558578da299ebde.jpg

Well if it's a Raleigh 20, nothing beats building up some drum brake wheels, but I know it's not for everyone.