Touring - Surly LHT - Is It Time To Change Out My Brakes? (Pictures)

Some 4,000 KM later, I probably have to change out my brakes. Squealing was constant and I noticed that a small piece of stone was lodged in the brake pads. I am concerned that it ruined my rims. I felt my rims and it did feel slightly rough but not out of the ordinary. The brake pads seem to be thinning out. Someone tell me that my observations are correct.


http://i.imgur.com/JlWXz.jpg
Stone was lodged here.

http://i.imgur.com/A9LiX.jpg
Uneven brake pad wear.

http://i.imgur.com/YxDfe.jpg
Slight shimmering. What does it mean?

http://i.imgur.com/788mn.jpg
Thinned out.

What cantilever brakes do you guys suggest? Kool Stop or Avenir Sticky Fingers? I don't really want to spend more money than necessary.

I'm a big fan of the KoolStop salmon pads. I've never tried the Sticky Fingers.

If you start hearing the noise again, dig the pebble out of the pad. Your rims are probably fine now, but the rocks will cause extra wear.

+1 on Kool Stops. I was amazed at the difference in stopping between my stock LHT pads and a set of KS Eagle 2's. Brake pads are one of those things that once you change them out, you realize how bad you've had it.

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/kool-stop-eagle-claw-2-brake-pads

Uh oh -- threaded or smooth post? I don't know the difference. >_<

According to your picture, you have threaded.

+1 on Kool Stops. You'll never go back to regular pads.

yea those,#1 post, basically V brake pads , Bene Sugg :
get the next set which have a removable insert in the pad holder ,
then the subsequent pad replacement will just be the insert.

I mistakenly ordered extra brake pads for V-Types from Kool Stop. They don't fit my cantilever system, fietsbob. Unless you can show me how I can make it work together.

A bolt on type as suggested:
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/kool-stop-v-type-holders-with-replaceable-pads
If they are plain post, and you need a long threaded post, and so, are not usable,
This is a different type brake caliper , that can use plain post brake shoes.
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/trp-eurox-adjust-cantilever-brake-caliper-set

this style is a derivation of Mafac cantilevers, which went on bikes since late the late 40's so rather traditional, by now.

return them to where you bought them, and exchange them for what you needed.

now with the sales of Cyclocross bikes , there are 2 sorts of long threaded brake shoe
differing only in length of pad.. cross forks in the front are a bit narrower,
so shorter brake shoes favor mid race Tire/wheel changes on the Pit bike.

same thing with plain post brakes , the TRP are a short shoe,
the eagle claw is a longer pad.

They don't fit my cantilever system, fietsbob. Unless you can show me how I can make it work together.

.. drop on by I'm 150 miles west of Portland Oregon ..

old hands on guy , not a computer whizz:50:

I try not to get too frantic about brake pads.

Just glance at the pads a little more frequently, don't wear them past the line, and clean off the rims every once in awhile with rubbing alcohol.

Ok, I think I've decided. The V-Type Holders are actually very cool but the cost is a bit much for me [at this very moment]. I think I'll go for the Eagle Claw 2 kind.

I can't return my pads because I got it like six months ago. If someone wants it, hit me up. I'll ship it to you for cheaper than the store price. :)

I'll clean my rims with alcohol before putting in new brake pads. That's a good tip, by the way, to check brakes every now and then. I admittedly didn't do that.

Thanks to everyone -- I learned some things here. :)

Ok, I think I've decided. The V-Type Holders are actually very cool but the cost is a bit much for me [at this very moment]. I think I'll go for the Eagle Claw 2 kind.

I can't return my pads because I got it like six months ago. If someone wants it, hit me up. I'll ship it to you for cheaper than the store price. :)

I'll clean my rims with alcohol before putting in new brake pads. That's a good tip, by the way, to check brakes every now and then. I admittedly didn't do that.

Thanks to everyone -- I learned some things here. :)

I would also recommend getting getting the Salmon colored pads. It's better for wet and muddy conditions.

I would also recommend getting getting the Salmon colored pads. It's better for wet and muddy conditions.

Is it really that different from black?