Bicycle Mechanics - Brakes don't work anymore..

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collegekid
12-01-11, 01:21 PM
Hi, the brakes on my bike recently started severely degrading in performance, now they don't work at all.
Both the front and rear brake are like this..
When I pull the levers, the pads move and touch the rim... But they provide almost no resistance at all, even when I squeeze the lever all the way to the handlebar

So do I just have to tighten the cable, or should I replace something?
Thanks for any help

bikeman715
12-01-11, 01:28 PM
You'll need to tighten the cable and maybe replace the pads .
himespau
12-01-11, 01:47 PM
did they get fouled with oil or something?

collegekid
12-01-11, 01:50 PM
You'll need to tighten the cable and maybe replace the pads .

alright, I thought it was something along those lines, thanks!
collegekid
12-01-11, 01:50 PM
did they get fouled with oil or something?

don't think so.. although it probably wouldn't hurt to clean the rim
fietsbob
12-01-11, 01:57 PM
A college should have a bike Co Op, go there for the hands on help
that words on computers wont do.
dsbrantjr
12-01-11, 02:01 PM
collegekid: There may be a barrel adjuster on the brake lever or on the brake itself which could take up enough slack to help restore your brakes' correct function, without needing to loosen, take slack, tighten the cable anchor again.
Also, check to be sure that if your brakes (calipers, usually) have quick-releases that they are set correctly. If they are flipped to the "release" position you brakes will be loose if they work at all.