Brake pads rubbing the tire
 

Hi all, I have a 2006 Trek 1000. I have recently puctured two tires before realizing it's not the tire's problem but rather the brake pads that are rubbing the tires. The problem is more serious on the rear brake. The brake pad shoes are already adjusted to the lowest position on the caliper. But the pads still land too high on the rim, thus rubbing the tire. It looks like the brake bridge is a little too high on the bike, I can almost insert a finger between the bridge and the inflated tire. I guess that is the root cause.

Other than getting another frame, what would you recommend to avoid the problem? The brake is a dual pivot that came with the bike. Tires are 700x23c. Thanks in advance.

I would take it to the shop in your area that sells Treks, and ask them about it. There was some discussion of this problem with certain Treks (I don't remember if the '06 Trek 1000 was one of the affected bikes or not), where due to factory spec error, the bikes' brake pads hit the tires when braking even if the brake pads were all the way down in the adjustment slots. Assuming you're running the stock brakes, it sounds like you've got one of the affected Treks. Did you buy the bike new? If so, take it to the shop where you bought it and ask them about it. I don't know what Trek's solution is, but they should make it right for you-

A dremel or round file can be used to grind away some of the metal at the bottom of the drop. Go to Sheldon Browns site for details. http://sheldonbrown.com/reach Minus that you could buy longer reach brake calipers.

If you bought it new go back to the bike shop. Easiest is best.

Thanks for the replies. I will try to get a pair of longer calipers, I guess. I bought it new last year but have moved more than 150 miles since then :(

No Trek dealer near you? I'd check with them if there is. If it's the situation I described in the above post, it's a known problem. I'd be surprised if Trek didn't make it right for you, even at a different dealership. Or maybe call the dealer where you bought it and ask them about it. One way or the other, I'd give Trek the chance to take care of it-