NJfolder

I have a cheapo folder I got off eBay. I had the LBS do a tuneup and all was well yesterday when I took it out for a spin. I folded it up and put it in my trunk and this morning when I took it out to go for a ride, the back brakes are too tight and the back wheel can't spin. I don't understand how it was fine yesterday but too tight now. I'm a newbie to all this and I don't really want to go back to the LBS because he was not pleased that I bought a cheapo bike and I don't want to hear his lecture again. I guess this is something I can fix myself, right? But how?

EvilV

Maybe check that the brake cables are properly seated at both ends. It is possible to end up with them not properly in place. Tug the cables at both ends by hand and try applying the lever and letting it go again to see if the cables will slip back in properly. Also, squeeze the blocks against the rear rim by hand (literally with your fingers on the blocks) and wiggle the cables at the caliper end, and at the lever end. I'd suggest that the trouble is with cable seating since it was ok before you folded it up. If you don't have enough slack to make any changes, try adjusting the handlebar end of the cable by turning brake adjuster inwards where the cable comes out of the brake lever. this might give you enough slack to get things back where they should be.

Once you've fixed it, I'd suggest you carefully fold her up again, paying special attention to what happens to that cable so you can see how it all went wrong. You should be able to see the fault develop as you fold the bike slowly while watching how the process interacts with the cable that went wrong.

Good luck and send feedback when you solve the problem.

jakub.ner

NJ,

Most likely your front and rear brakes are of the same type. Compare how the cable housing and the cable sits between the front and the rear. It is quite possible one end of the housing got enough slack when folded to come out of the metal "funnels" at where the housing ends. When you unfolded the bike the housing is still stuck against the metal effectively extending the housing and tightening your brakes.

I don't like it when bike store people make you feel bad because you don't ride a disc brake equipped bike with air suspension.

NJfolder

Thanks so much! I will try what you both suggested and let you know.

yamcha

Another way would be to just take off the brakes completely and stop the bike with your face.