Brake Pad Question
 

I'm not sure if this belongs here or in the mechanics forum-apologies if misplaced. Here it is.

I have a 1977or 1978 Schwinn Traveler III, and I need to replace the original brake pads. The brakes are center pull (seems that dual pivot cantilever are the type). The bike is equipped with Shimano 400-10 spd. I saw something called the Dura Holder (link below) and am wondering if anyone had any experience with them or if there was a better OEM replacement solution without installation difficulties. All the brake related parts are in good shape, I just don't know what pads will work. Thanks much in advance. The second link may also be a possibility, but does anyone know if a pad holder is part of the setup? I sent a similar e-mail to the Harris Cyclery address.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/b....html#threaded

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/b...ml#continental

Thanks much for any assistance.

Do you mean the brake that has one mount to the bike frame, with a pivot at each end of the arm? Cheap replacemant caliper pads will work on them and look more correct.

Thank you very much for the reply. Yes, I believe. The brake is attached to the frame at one point with a pivot at the end of each arm. Cheap replacement pads would be great. Would a LBS typically stock them, or do you know of an on-line source, i.e. are this size replacement pads common? I'm not sure due to age of bike and size/shape etc. of the pad.

I'm somewhat skeptical regarding the LBS that is conveniently located in that I was having problems with blow-outs, and they replaced one rim and built me another wheel, yet left the current pads in place. The brakes make a lot of noise and upon closer inspection, are worn to the shape/angle of the prior rims, thus the contact point to the new rim is just that, a point that is wearing a line into the new rim. I would've preferred that the LBS ask me if I want the pads replaced with the new rim and taken care of it at one time. It would have been money well spent in my opinion-and not too much of it at that. Thanks for letting me rant.

Any shop should carry them. Depending on the shop they will be $4 to$6 a pair. You can get fancy ones but these seem to work well and look "right"
They are what we call Huffy pads, becausewe use them on the inexspensive bikes a lot.

I'm with Rev on this one too. You sure don't need $25.00 Kool Stops.

You can get really cheap brake pads from X-Mart, but the composition is too hard and does not brake well.

Like Rev says, go to a bike shop and get a good pair for around $6.00.

I have the real deal salmon colored brake pads (used, but nice) if you need to stay true to the bike.

You might consider changing from center pulls to side pulls. I can sell you some used side-pulls too. Contact me through the forums.

Thanks for the input. I went by the LBS on Fri. and they had pads ranging from the $2.99/Pair (I think) all the way up to the $25 ones. I asked for their advice and they basically told me it was my call. I figured I'd start w/the cheapest ones and go from there. Got them installed and braking is much better. I believe the age of the old pads had a lot to do with their lack of performance (kind of hard compared with the new ones) I believe I need to toe-in the front pads slightly more as I've still got a little noise, but overall I believe these will be fine. (I hope I didn't just jinx myself) Thanks again for the advice.

I want a new bike - even though this one is really all I need.