RT

I searched on 'brake pads,' but too many threads and after skimming, did not see my answer.

I have been a hardcore MTB rider and commute on my 'roadie-fried' Giant Rainier 99% of the time. I recently dragged my 2005 Fuji Sagres from the corner of the garage, tuned her up and rode her to work tonight. What a difference in speed from my favorite ride. The reason she's been buried in anonymity in the corner is because I prefer disc brakes.

The bike is three years old and been ridden maybe five times. The brake pads seem to be in good shape, and the rear pads grip the rim like no one's business, but the front is not as tight (but tight enough). I have adjusted, but I am seeing what I believe to be bad contact at the rim surface. Is there a special cleaner to use in order to achieve maximum gripitude? Might new pads help? Colorado does lie in a very humid climate, so I suspect that the pads have dried a bit.

FWIW, the rims and pads are stock.

Any help would be great.

carpediemracing 

Depending on the age of the pads, new pads would help. I would guess this is the culprit because the front brake does most of the stopping - a sketchy rear brake wouldn't be as noticeable. Also, unless you stored the bike with chain lube dripping onto the front wheel, usually the rear wheel is more prone to getting lube, degreaser, and other slippery stuff on it.

You can clean your rim using rubbing type alcohol. If they're really slippery feeling, use some fine grit sandpaper to remove the outer layer of material. Don't go too far with the sandpaper, a few revolutions while holding the sandpaper at the brakes will work (you can put the sandpaper in the brakes, hold the paper with the brake lever, and turn the wheel by hand).

hope this helps,
cdr

RT

Thanks cdr. I've used the alcohol, will try the sandpaper for a couple revolutions. Will also look into some koolstops - heard good things.

fordmanvt

I sand the pads slightly, since I often get little chunks of sand/stone into the pads and it really hurts performance. I usually just use what even paper is on my belt sander at the the time since it won't move and is nice and flat.

Simple way to compare front to rear stopping power is to get off the bike and use the brakes to hold it like an endo or wheelie. This way is also quiet and if you get sand/stone in your pads like me, will hear the scraping sound when the wheel slips.

operator

Koolstop salmons. Replace.