Problem Installing New Calipers
04-28-13 | 11:11 AM
#1
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Problem Installing New Calipers
Hi! I'm fairly new to cycling, so please bear with me (and thanks in advance!). I'm trying to replace a pair of Cannondale Omega brakes on a late 90s Bianchi Premio with a new pair of Shimano BR-650 road calipers. I was able to get them secured to the frame just fine, but when I squeezed the brake lever, they were way too loose/soft. How do I fix this?
Also (not sure if it's relevant, but better too much information than not enough, right?) the cables are fairly new.
Thanks; looking forward to being a part of the community!
Also (not sure if it's relevant, but better too much information than not enough, right?) the cables are fairly new.
Thanks; looking forward to being a part of the community!
04-28-13 | 11:26 AM
#2
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Assuming all is right, shoes centered or rims, brake opening evenly, etc. Then it's only a matter of taking up cable slack. The lever only has enough throw to move the arms 4mm - 2mm per side - or so. So if you set up the cables with the brake wide open there's he problem.
Hold the brakes closed against the rim, pull down all the cable slack (as much as you can) and tighten the pinch bolt. Do this with the adjuster all the way in. Most likely, when you let go of the brake it'll open a bit, because it's impossible to pull down all the slack. If it opens a bit too far, use the adjuster to take up slack, otherwise repeat the process, but try to pull the cable down harder.
It helps if you have a third hand to hold the brake tight while you pull and attach the cable. That can be a friend, a tool called a third hand, or you can improvise something with string or a strap.
If you need more, there are plenty of good tutorials on installing and adjusting brakes.
Hold the brakes closed against the rim, pull down all the cable slack (as much as you can) and tighten the pinch bolt. Do this with the adjuster all the way in. Most likely, when you let go of the brake it'll open a bit, because it's impossible to pull down all the slack. If it opens a bit too far, use the adjuster to take up slack, otherwise repeat the process, but try to pull the cable down harder.
It helps if you have a third hand to hold the brake tight while you pull and attach the cable. That can be a friend, a tool called a third hand, or you can improvise something with string or a strap.
If you need more, there are plenty of good tutorials on installing and adjusting brakes.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
04-28-13 | 04:49 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2
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Assuming all is right, shoes centered or rims, brake opening evenly, etc. Then it's only a matter of taking up cable slack. The lever only has enough throw to move the arms 4mm - 2mm per side - or so. So if you set up the cables with the brake wide open there's he problem.
Hold the brakes closed against the rim, pull down all the cable slack (as much as you can) and tighten the pinch bolt. Do this with the adjuster all the way in. Most likely, when you let go of the brake it'll open a bit, because it's impossible to pull down all the slack. If it opens a bit too far, use the adjuster to take up slack, otherwise repeat the process, but try to pull the cable down harder.
It helps if you have a third hand to hold the brake tight while you pull and attach the cable. That can be a friend, a tool called a third hand, or you can improvise something with string or a strap.
If you need more, there are plenty of good tutorials on installing and adjusting brakes.
Hold the brakes closed against the rim, pull down all the cable slack (as much as you can) and tighten the pinch bolt. Do this with the adjuster all the way in. Most likely, when you let go of the brake it'll open a bit, because it's impossible to pull down all the slack. If it opens a bit too far, use the adjuster to take up slack, otherwise repeat the process, but try to pull the cable down harder.
It helps if you have a third hand to hold the brake tight while you pull and attach the cable. That can be a friend, a tool called a third hand, or you can improvise something with string or a strap.
If you need more, there are plenty of good tutorials on installing and adjusting brakes.
Totally solved the problem; thanks so much! I feel like a bit of a dud for missing something so simple, but we've all gotta start somewhere, right? Thanks for the help!
