bike-izle

I've read some threads on here about brake squeal, and know about getting better pads, toe in, etc.

Just got new canti brakes, and sure enough, the front one squeals. I'm gonna try the above suggestions for sure, but I was also wondering...

I'm pretty sure it's because I have more mechanical advantage here than I need; the brake really "bites" the rim. I can feel the pads squishing in there with modest effort, and it's stop-slide, stop-slide...thus the squeaks. Would raising the yoke make a difference? I would think that it would.

Also, my brakes have the z-link things and not the traditional yoke wires. These come in longer lengths, but does anybody know how they are measured so I know what to order?


Thanks

Airburst

Unless you've already got too much braking power, I doubt reducing the mechanical advantage of the brake will help with the squealing, seeing as you'll still need to press the brake pads against the rim with the same force as before to get the same braking force. You'll just have to pull the lever harder to stop as quickly as you currently do.

dsbrantjr

Get rid of the "Z-link things" and get some regular straddle wires; they allow more adjustability without having to guess the right length. I find that the brakes work better with a lower rather than higher wire setting. Also, if you don't have a fork-mounted cable hanger I would strongly suggest that you get one; it will likely take care of your problem. I like the Specialized Tricross Front Brake Hanger but there are others which work as well.

I have found that the Problem Solvers Wide Cable Hanger works well with the regular straddle wires: https://problemsolversbike.com/produc...cable_carrier/

juggleaddict

Unfortunately it's not all that simple Airburst.

Raising the yoke should help, but just be sure you can still clamp your front wheel down if you need to. Squealing is better than a broken bike.

just be sure to back it off in small increments (yes it's a pain to adjust) until you just stop squealing. You can also try a horse-shoe style brake helper to add some rigidity, but they're heavy and may not fix the problem.

Then you can always ride with the squeal : ) let em know you're comin!

rumrunn6

shouldn't first fix attempt for brake squeal be toe-in?

Hendo252 

I would think so. The OP mentions toe in so I presume he is aware of how it can affect squeal.

FWIW I sometimes get squeal if the calipers aren't cantered on the rim during light braking. Dunno if that applies to cantilevers, but it is easy and cheap to check...