Bicycle Mechanics - Rear brakes applied when I turn right. . .

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acrafton
09-12-04, 10:16 PM
Hey. Just got a used Trek 2200 (2004 model) and noticed that when I turn right rather sharply the rear brake gets applied! The brake cable housing (the black part) up front gets very tight on the turn and the brakes go on. Looking down and supposing a clock, if I turn the steering wheel to the right to 2 o'oclock the brake is noticeably applied. I tried loosening the brake wire back at the rear brakes but then I get no tension on my brake or not enough to make me feel comfy. As it is the brake wire has about 1.5 inces of extra wire past the brake.

The bike is stock from trek so it seems odd that they would put something on that is the wrong length.

Is the housing up front the issue? Do I need and entirely new wire/housing or am i just doing something wrong.

thanks

roadfix
09-12-04, 10:28 PM
Yes, your brake cable housing is a bit too short. The previous owner may have altered handlebar height and or reach.
larue
09-13-04, 06:52 AM
take it to an lbs and they can fix that for you.

cerewa
09-13-04, 08:49 AM
cables and cable housings are one of the easiest things to fix yourself. You could check out parktool.com's bike repair help section if you don't know how. You are probably correct to assume that your cable housing isn't long enough. It's also possible that it's getting caught on something such as the front reflector or that the cable housing has pulled out of its holder (which is permanently attached to the frame.)
acrafton
09-13-04, 09:12 AM
So, how easy is to fix? It looks like I will need to purchase a new cable/housing and re do it. I have a decent level of mechanical ability - do you think i can do it? Any special tools?

I wouldn't mind paying the LBS but they seem to take a week to do anything. . .

Adam
DieselDan
09-13-04, 11:54 AM
Before you go into removing cables and housing, check the cable adjuster on the brake caliper, you may be able to fix the problem by adjusting the tension off.
acrafton
09-13-04, 02:39 PM
Well. . . I did it on my lunch break (working from home today). Drove up to the bike shop bought the cable and housing and installed it, including retaping the bars in about 30 minutes. Now it works great. Too cool. . .

Thanks for the assistance.

Adam