Bicycle Mechanics - Need help identifying brake type

Hi all!


I have a Trek 2004 1000c which I use for commuting and weekend rides with friends. Recently I've become more aware that my stopping power is really lacking from what I would like it to be, and have read others using the stock pads have felt the same way.

Bikepedia tells me these brakes are "Aluminum dual pivot brakes, Shimano Sora STI Dual Control levers"
(http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2004&Brand=Trek&Model=1000C&Type=bike)

In person they look a lot like the "Dura-ace" style holders on the Kool-stop website:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/koolstop/duraholder.jpg

Attached image is a photo of my front brakes from this morning.

Am I correct in thinking that I should order Dura-Ace style refills for these holders? Would anyone recommend an alternative to Koolstop's (link (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/brakeshoes.html))?

Thanks so much in advance!

Would anyone recommend an alternative to Koolstop's ?

Nope. :p


You don't by any chance have steel rims, do you?

Nope. :p


You don't by any chance have steel rims, do you?

My rims are stock, so I suppose they must be "Alex AT-450..."

I had no idea what material they are so I dug around on google and found this (http://www.benscycle.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5139&zenid=ac2bc23605418112c6dd7f0f2243dd5b):


Rear hub is flip/flop and is threaded Fixed/Free - meaning you can put a fixed cog (and lockring) on one side, and a freewheel on the other. Formula hubs - these are the same hubs as the IRO - sealed cartridge bearings, hi-flanges and a nice black finish. 700c Rims are anodized Black and feature machined sidewalls and eyelettes. Rims are made from 6061-T6 alloy. Rear is spaced at 120mm / front is 100mm. Rims have Presta valve rim drilling.So... yeah? Some kinda alloy? `\(^_^);/`

Any idea if I've got the right idea on what sort of brake format I have?

EDIT: here's another shot I took this morning... shows they have that little "shark fin" or whatever it's called:

The brakes are probably Tektros as they produce a lot of OEM calipers. They take "Dura" type refill pads so the Kool Stop Salmon pads will work well. Tektro's pads are fair to mediocre so the Kool Stop replacements should make a noticable improvement.

The rims are some kinda alloy of aluminum. Some kinda alloy of steel would be bad.

Are you sure the brake shoe isn't riding up on the tire sidewall? In the pic it look like they're in contact.

Are you sure the brake shoe isn't riding up on the tire sidewall? In the pic it look like they're in contact.

They ride high and tight to the rims' edges, but no tire contact :)
I didn't intend to illustrate my brake shoes/pads when I took those photos, but rather to show a friend what kind of brake mechanism I have... so the angle does make it look like the pads are on the tire somewhat...

Thanks for looking out for me though!

The rims are some kinda alloy of aluminum. Some kinda alloy of steel would be bad.

How can it be bad? Steel IS an alloy!

Trek did have a problem around 04 - 05 with brake reach. I ruined a front tire om my 05 Trek 1200 due to this before I discovered the problem. My lbs took care of the issue, but not sure if they replaced the front brake or simply elongated the slots in the brake arms. Either one was fine with me and I did not care to ask. They also threw in a new front tire.

I would say that you might want to get a file or a dremel with an abrasive bit and work on those slots a bit on yours if the pads are at the bottom of the slot and very close to your tire.