Bicycle Mechanics - RX100 Brake toe-in

I was just wondering if the ability to toe-in a brake was in the caliper or in the brake pad. I've got some old RX100 brakes that I can't seem to align parallel to the rim. Should I buy new brake calipers or better brake pads. If it's the pads, which ones are recommended? Thanks!

Some brake pads, Jagwire that I know of, have rounded backs on the pad, and a concave washer, that you can install, clamp down to the wheel, and then tighten up in that position, to maintain toe-in.

I know of no other way, but there are undoubtedly some folks here who have dealt with the issue.

And these newer toe-in-able brake pads are compatible with my older brake calipers?

And these newer toe-in-able brake pads are compatible with my older brake calipers?
Yes they are. Kool Stop also makes pad holders that use the same design insert pads as most Shimano brakes and these holders also have the "spherical" washers that let you orient the pads. They are a direct substitute for current Shimano pad holders and also can retrofit older brakes that used bolt on brake shoes. I have them on an old set of Ultegra brakes that originally came with one-piece brake shoes.

If your pad holders or brake shoes don't allow the pad to be aligned, the only alternative is to bend the brake arms slightly. Park used to make a tool to do this but it's out of production now. A large adjustable wrench clamped down on the arm is an alternative.

I'm having a hard time finding pads like the ones you guys have mentioned. Will this one work?http://www.performancebike.com/bikes//Product_10052_10551_1032870_-1___(I work there part time so I get a discount). If not can you guys recommend any specific products?

I may just end up replacing my calipers. Does anyone know if most modern brakesets have this feature?

Either way, I'm not willing to bend my calipers...

I'm having a hard time finding pads like the ones you guys have mentioned. Will this one work?http://www.performancebike.com/bikes//Product_10052_10551_1032870_-1___(I work there part time so I get a discount). If not can you guys recommend any specific products?

I may just end up replacing my calipers. Does anyone know if most modern brakesets have this feature?

Either way, I'm not willing to bend my calipers...
No, Those are just the same non-adjustable shoes your brakes came with.

These will work and be easier to replace the pads in the future:

http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=92531081272&d=single&c=Repair-Parts&sc=Brake&tc=Pads-Road&item_id=KS-RHD

Bike Tools Etc. is out of them at the moment but a lot of bike shops carry them.

Don't replace the calipers, there is nothing wrong with them that better pads won't cure.

No, Those are just the same non-adjustable shoes your brakes came with.

These will work and be easier to replace the pads in the future:

http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=92531081272&d=single&c=Repair-Parts&sc=Brake&tc=Pads-Road&item_id=KS-RHD

Bike Tools Etc. is out of them at the moment but a lot of bike shops carry them.

Don't replace the calipers, there is nothing wrong with them that better pads won't cure.

I found this (http://www.amazon.com/BikeSmart-Alloy-Road-Brake-Pads/dp/B001BSRG3Y/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257103608&sr=1-18), but does anyone know what kind of pads fit in these?

Come on.

You're not going to save much money, if any by buying online after shipping. This is a regular stock LBS item.

Performance is my lbs (and my employer) and they're ******** enough not to carry anything decent...TT

Performance is my lbs (and my employer) and they're ******** enough not to carry anything decent...TT

They carry generic holders + pads like the ones you describe in your amazon link.

Bending the calipers slightly is a very common solution if the pads are hitting at some crazy angle.
Also, if the pads hit the rim at a crazy angle when clamped down, the calipers are already bent.

Also, I had a set of very old Weinnman 720s (I think) on my Raleigh that were really very obviously cockeyed (probably from crashing), and when I went to remove the brake pad I tore the caliper in half... either I am the Incredible Hulk or those arms were on the verge of breaking.

They carry generic holders + pads like the ones you describe in your amazon link.

If Performance had them then I wouldn't be on here asking about it. They only carry these (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes//CatalogSearchResultView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10551&langId=-1&pageSize=16&beginIndex=0&sortBy=Dollar+Rank%2F%2F1&searchType=resultSet&cn1=&searchTerm=brake+pads). I could order out of J&B, QBP, or BTI, but the markup is ridiculous. It's much cheaper for me to order online.

I guess there is a possibility that these calipers were bent when I got hit by car...If so, would better brake pads that have adjustability be a possible solution? Or should I go back to square one and buy new calipers...?

If new pads are not parallel to the rim maybe the calipers or bolt is bent.

Adjusting the toe-in is overrated.

Bending the calipers slightly is a very common solution if the pads are hitting at some crazy angle.
Also, if the pads hit the rim at a crazy angle when clamped down, the calipers are already bent.


You can't bend dual pivot calipers for toe-in. The pads should have orbital adjustment and you shouldn't need to butcher the caliper in this fashion.

You can't bend dual pivot calipers for toe-in...

Yes you can. You shouldn't have to, but you can.