Cyclocross - Break Squeal: New Brakes

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Break Squeal: New Brakes

Mayonnaise
07-14-09, 11:23 AM
I've been running Avid Shorty 4s for a few years and living with the squeal. I've tried various tricks to make them stop squealing and for a time it works, but sooner or later the squeal returns.

This year I am going to replace the brakes. I saw the Shorty 6s and they look decent but I'm worried if I buy Avids again the squeal will return.

Anyone know why those Avids squeal? I know many people complain about it: makes me think there's something wrong with the design.

Anybody have the same problem and found a solution.

Brake squeal drives me crazy. Got a great bike and can't get the brakes to work right. Feel like a novice.

Cynikal
07-14-09, 11:54 AM
I could never get them to stop either, regardless of pad. I think it is the interface between the caliper and the post that allows vibration, thus noise. That being said they worked well but were embarrassing to ride.

I upgraded to both the Tektro cr720's on my Cannondale and IRD CAFAMS on my Poprad and I couldn't be happier with both.
bmw5nkj
07-14-09, 11:58 AM
i have a set of tektro cr720 on my SS 'cross bike. no squealing at all.

RonH
07-14-09, 02:05 PM
The only thing I've found that works (but only for a short time :() is toeing the pads or keeping the rims dirty.
kawasakiguy37
07-15-09, 04:16 PM
Try changing from a link wire to an older style cable hanger. Then you can adjust your yoke angle and whatnot much easier, and hopefully get rid of the squeal.

That being said, I could never get my avid shorty 4 on my cross bike to stop squealing, so I replaced it with the tektro cr720 (front only). the 720s blow the avids out of the water
Andy_K
07-15-09, 06:15 PM
Mine don't squeal. They did before I went to Kool Stops (yes, I know that's obvious enough that most if not all of you who have chimed in above tried it). Could it be that the brakes like my fork better?
GearsForFears
07-15-09, 06:57 PM
I have Avid 6s on my Cross Check and they have squealed like pork and nothing the LBS or I could do would stop them. Until one day in a fit of desperation I took sandpaper to the pads and to the rims. Not sure if that was kosher, but the squeal issue is mostly gone.
bkrownd
07-15-09, 07:28 PM
Brake squeal drives me crazy.

Even worse, it reduces your braking power quite a lot.
chrism32205
07-15-09, 08:39 PM
I am also running the cr720's.. and use kool stop pads. Great braking power, easy to setup, no squeal.