oboeguy

One of my rear pads is almost down to the shoe! (uneven wear -- probably a lousy initial mounting) I've cross-posted over at the Dahon forums, but I know not all of you read both. TIA.

Leisesturm

Funny you should mention brakes. I just looked at mine and they *are* down to the shoe! My bike is just two weeks old. I don't think anyone but another NYC cyclist will understand just how much we use our brakes. That said, from my 80's days as a park cyclist and bike builder/techie I don't think you will have too much trouble finding replacement pads for your cantilevers. Your LBS will surely have a couple of different brands that will fit. Keep the spacers and screws from your old pads until you are sure you can use all the hardware that will come with the new pads. Back in the old days you could just take the 'rubbers' out and change only that. It doesn't look like they do it that way any more, the whole pad/holder/post assembly has to be purchased and replaced. Those are not the stock P8 pedals are they? They look like the quick release MKS pedals I am contemplating. You should be able to get toe straps for those pedals. They have toestraps that don't have straps if you don't like being fastened in but you will get better positioning of your feet on the pedals. Be well.

H

oboeguy

I've replaced the stock pedals with SPDs. I guess I should put up updated pictures with the SPDs on.

You're totally right about "how much we use our brakes". At least the cautious among us.

This would be a good point to mention an esoteric use for a visegrip tool. Last night I apparently knocked a brake pad partially loose from its shoe when putting the rear wheel on (brought back from LBS for yet another spoke repair). As you mentioned, that's not suposed to happen these days. I was panicking because I'm miserable if I miss a day of commuting over something stupid (like this) so I took the visegrip and squeezed that mofo back on to the shoe. Apparenty it was a successful repair as I made it to work just fine without noticing any problems in braking (or otherwise). Anyhow, that's how I realized that the pads are wearing down...

Leisesturm

Went over to my LBS at lunchtime. Said to the available salesperson "have you got brake pads that will fit my 1/2way. He went over to the remaining 1/2way in the store, took a look at the brakes and said, "sure do" will that be two sets or one? I took two sets. They are called Jagwire MTB brake pads. www.jagwire.com.tw is their website according to the url on the back of the package. I asked him if they would work on Dahon cantilevers as well and he said "absolutely". He also assured me that even with hard use these pads will last a lot longer than the OEM pads that get sold with a new bicycle.

H

oboeguy

Wow, great research there. I'll definitely put in a call to the nearest LBS tomorrow.

oboeguy

My crazy work schedule makes it hard to hit a shop before closing time. I tried calling the nearest place to work but they didn't answer! I so figured I'd leave work as early as I could (which isn't very early!) and ask my local guy if had anything along the same lines. He had some American-made pads which said were very good. I trust this guy's opinion, plus he put them on for free. (I admit that I had to adjust them somewhat this morning -- the guy was about to close the shop so he can't really be blamed!)

oboeguy

BTW, I got another set at the local guy because my front brakes appear to be worn out too. I guess I was too distracted by broken spokes to notice. Anyhow this time I didn't have the bike with me so the guy didn't put them on. The upshot is that I have the package and know what model they are: Kool-Stop Thinline. Apparently they have an angled tip to channel water off of the rim in the rain. Sounds good to me!