Bicycle Mechanics - Loud Brakes

Hello everybody!

I have a Cannondale CAAD9-6 and I have noticed that the brakes are very loud. Even when I apply the brakes at a low speed they make a lot of noise. And at high speeds the whole bike feels as if it is vibrating. I am using the stock Tektro R520 brakes with the stock brake pads. My wheelset is the stock Shimano R500. I wanted to know if the brakes are supposed to be like this or if something is wrong with the bike. Thanks!

I'd replace the pads and make sure they are hitting the rims properly. Also you may need to toe in the pads.

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/dual-pivot-brake-service

try cleaning the brake pads with some sandpaper or an emory board, then wipe then with rubbing alcohol. clean the rims really good with windex or similar cleaner and then rubbing alcohol. also check to be sure as Tensing suggest the pads are contacting the rim correctly. the front part of the pads should contact the rim just before the back part. this is refered to as 'toe in'.

Thanks for the tips! I already cleaned the rim and pads and I will check the the toe of the pads before I ride today. Thanks!

Check the brake arm bolts are torqued down enough while you're at it.
Did the noise happen all of a sudden? Did it slowly get worse over time? The pads may of hardened up with age or of been contaminated.

try different pads

Did the noise happen all of a sudden? Did it slowly get worse over time? The pads may of hardened up with age or of been contaminated.

It was not that loud when I got the bike(September), but now it is really starting to worry me. I don't wamt to ruin my rims. I tightened all the bolts and cleaned the rim and brakes and it did help, but I think I will just get new brake pads. Any recommendations?(My budget is kinda low so I can't afford $50 pads)

Kool Stop Salmon (orange) pads are my vote.

They're at most $20 for a pair.
They're good in wet, softish compound so they aren't as rough on the rims, and tend to squeal less than other pads. They do wear faster than other pads, but it saves rim wear.

Don't use Windex, it has ammonia in it. It will eventually eat metal. Don't use it for anything even windows, especially stained glass.

The problem is the composition of the pads that come with those particular brakes. I had the same problem with a Tektro R556 brake that had those same pads, and they totally tore up the the rim braking surface and left black streaks on the rim. The pads chipped and crumbled, creating a nasty black dust that permanently stained the light tan sidewalls of the tire (Panaracer Pasela TG). Those pads are supplied in the light gray holders, and I replaced them with pads from a different model Tektro brake (R530) that has black pad holders and apparently a different pad material that does not have this problem. Since I changed the pads, the problem has completely disappeared and braking action is just as strong as before.

Kool Stop Salmon (orange) pads are my vote.

They're at most $20 for a pair.
They're good in wet, softish compound so they aren't as rough on the rims, and tend to squeal less than other pads. They do wear faster than other pads, but it saves rim wear.

Best answer.

http://www.all4bikes.be/ecom/catalog/images/tacx/P_THV018069.jpg

Tacx BrakeShoe Tuner ...

^ Neat-o