Mars

I have a Redline Conquest with lever brakes. Trouble is, I can't seem to keep those friggin brakes working right. Lately, after a hard brake, one side won't release. But they always seem to be getting stuck, rubbing, getting off center and are just generally gremlin ridden. There has GOT to be some easy way of adjusting these things that I don't know about!!

theomniscent

are they interrupter bar brakes or road levers? cantilever mount? first crank the spring tension on both sides so they have maximum pressure. the posts could be mushroomed, so filing them down to round shape is first step if they stick without the cable attached. then when sufficient tension is achieved, hook cable up and pull lever. if one side dosen't return crank up tension or decrease tension on other side. that should center. more tension overall will help with poor feel at lever. i'm not a huge gan of canti brakes v-style are better nowadays more options. avid still makes the shorty4 canti which is as good as they get probably. let me know if this helps. more info needed if it dosen't. later!

DragonMistress

I love linear overpull brakes, but they do take some work.


My advice...

Break down the whole brake assembly and wash out the grime, regrease all the turning points.
Reassemble on middle tension peg, only use high if you've got weak return springs and these sound new, so you shouldn't have that problem.
Loosen the adjustment screws to about mid point, and adjust the brake cable, then dog it down tightly, center the brakes with a touch to the levers, and fully squueeze down the brakes. Whatever they return to, correct half of that with the adjustment screws. When you fully squeeze then, they should come out straight.

blue_neon

I say it probably is the cable, its not running smoothy. But i agree, clean down the parts or anything that is stopping the 'pull back', or 'spring' of the brake.