snarkypup

Congrats on the DL-1s. I'd love to see pics. They sound like nice bikes, and I'd like to hear how they do on the hills.

Once (7-8 years ago) bought a brand new Eurovan (subsequently sold). The engine was sealed under a big plastic cover that was bolted down, with firmly printed instructions on top NOT to service it yourself under any circumstances, or the warranty would be voided. Fortunately, we didn't want to service it ourselves anyway. Great vehicle idea, but quality was not so hot, and it cost a fortune to fill with gas and drive anywhere. Didn't get enough use out of the pop-top to be worth it.

alr

I am assuming that you have not yet replaced the brake pads with new ones-- new rubber will work much better than hard old rubber. I have no-name brand that I picked up at a LBS in Seattle, so I am not sure how they compare to the Fibrax ones-- but in any case, I can stop quite well doing down steep hills provided that it is not raining...

Rod brakes do take more gripping pressure to actuate than normal cable brakes, no doubt.

daisy101

the seller replaced the brake pads on the lady's bike. He said he bought some in bulk on a trip to England.

I don't have any idea what kind of pads they are. I guess I should check to see if there is label on them.

So, my experience with the brakes is with the new pads. I probably have some more fine tuning to do.

I don't believe the pads on the men's bike have been replaced. I emailed the seller to see if he'd be willing to send/sell me another set. (I think yellow jersery sells them: they cost $20/pair). I haven't ridden the men's bike yet to come the two, but that would be wise. It is doubtful that I will be able to find much for these bikes at a LBS (at least at this point in time...). I stopped at the one that will be hosting the Tweed Ride in a few weeks, and one of the guys working there tried to convince me that I ordered the wrong sized new tires for the bikes. He said that an actual 28" rim was so rare that he doubted I had that size! So much for getting other DL-1 parts at that LBS.

We are having a rather rare spell of damp weather here in San Diego, so I have not been out too much with the bikes since I brought them back.

wahoonc

I buy my rod brake pads from Harris Cyclery. I get the Fibrax premium ones for my 28" wheeled bikes and the standard for the 26" wheeled one.

Aaron