Originally Posted by
Black Jaque
I've got an early 2000's model Jamis with linear pull brakes that have a weird dampening spring on the pads. So as the pad contacts the rim the brake lever keeps advancing but the pad remains stationary. I have no idea what the purpose is for. I suspect they were an attempt at fixing something that never went over well because I do not see this feature on linear pull brakes anywhere else. The brakes are Tektro "SU 20". Anyway the brakes are kind of weak. I am not a lightweight rider, plus I carry commuting panniers. Can anyone recommend a brake pad that is softer or more grippy? I need something to counterbalance the weakness of the brake. P.S. If anyone can suggest a more appropriate forum. I am surpised there is no forum titled "general bike maintenance".
Jaque; As a general input; If the brake arms are whimpy (as I have found for a lot of common/generic v-brakes), increasing the stickiness of the pads may cause other/more problems such as vibrations, stuttering or squealing when those better pads exceed the ability of the whimpy arms to hold them solidly against the rims so they can do their job.
Thus it may just be time to upgrade to a better brake and to better pads (Koolstop Salmon's are current pad winner, imho). I have no valuable experience to offer on v-brakes as haven't found any I really like nor been willing to explore higher priced ones.
If you are willing to move away from the current linear pull / v-brakes, the current studs on your bike should be in the right location for cantilever brakes. If so, I could recommend the Tektro c720's as stout and inexpensive and they seem up to be well up to the task of getting down with the Kookstop Salmons without flexing. But you would need to add a cable stop/hanger on each end of the bike (about $16 total for those). You current cables should be long enough and the housings plenty so. Before considering such a change, check to see if you brake levers are compatable with canti's.
fwiw;
/K