DigitalN

Anyone know how I change the brake pads? I got pads with the wheels but I have no idea how to get the alloy pads to slide out of the cartridge that came with my bike... how is it supposed to work? I've never had to change pads like this before, I have only ever seen where the whole assembly comes out and you put in a whole new piece.

Please tell me I am not describing that like a crazy person, it's way too late for me to be coherent.

55/Rad

Alloy pads? Interesting....

What brakes are on the bike? Generally, the pad slides out the open end of the cartridge. Check to make sure any set screw holding the pad in place has been removed.

wrr1020

Depends on the brakes you have, some cartridges you can unscrew the pad and some you can't. Usually lower end groupsets don't have removable pads. Tiagra for example won't have removable pads but 105 and up will.

DigitalN

That makes sense, although they aren't from any specific groupset they are according to Trek: "Alloy dual-pivot brakes w/Shimano Sora STI levers" I see that there is a screw on the container, but it won't come out, it just sits in there and spins which is why I was asking questions.

55/Rad

Is there an open end on the cartridge or is it all one piece?

DigitalN

There is definitely an open end for them to slide out.. but it just won't budge. If need be I can grab a picture of it.

55/Rad

If there is no set screw holding the pads in, then use a pair of pliers or a wedge of some sort (not a screwdriver) to help slide the pads out. Be careful. Pads can become stuck to the cartridge over time due to a variety of conditions.

save10

if it is a slide out and its stuck and you're gonna use a screw driver or some pliers to pull it out...better wear some gloves. my friend sliced his hand doing that

November Dave

Good lord you nearly made me soil myself with that thread title.

I recently posted on our blog about this. It's here.

If you post a pic of your brakes it will be simple to sort out any specific problems you're having.

Dave

bbattle

Carbon wheels on a bike with Sora shifters?

Can you please post pics?

abikemechanic

+1

carpediemracing 

I can't speak for Shimano but I do this for Campy (with pics):
https://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...-pad-swap.html

It's pretty straightforward. The comment with the hint to use the tip of a small flathead screwdriver works too.

hope this helps
cdr

DigitalN

Nothing like a heart attack in the mornin'!
I will check out that link, wasn't really able to do much googling from my phone so that will definitely help out. Thanks Dave!


As for wanting me to post a picture, here you go:



Keep in mind I am going to be upgrading the bike soon.. I just wanted to get in on the wheels since they were a great deal.

nixternal

I had the 2008 version of that bike and I loved it almost as much as I do my Madone for racing. My hands are big enough that I could reach the thumb shifter with my thumb while in the drops. The geometry of that bike is actually fun, especially when you slam the stem like that. I like the looks of that bike too. And when you do upgrade, try your hardest to keep that steed in the stable.

DigitalN

I might keep it for a trainer bike actually... although it is a bit flexy. If I do keep it I need to cut that stem a bit, it's pretty ridiculous at the moment with the handlebars so low.