I was unlocking my bike as I left work for lunch, when a student rode up and asked, "Do you know anything about brakes?" I said yes, and looked at her bike (an old Spec. Hardrock).

It had no front brake pads in the caliper arms, rear pads were at least an inch away from the rim, it had a rusted chain, and front tire was lucky to be inflated to 30 psi. All cables were rusted and practically shot.

I wanted to move the rear pads up to the front, but there was no brake cable. I wanted to pump up the front tire, but the valve stem was poking through the rim at a 45° angle, and blocked by a spoke. I deflated the tire, and moved it into correct position, then inflated it as high as I could with her frame pump.

I fixed her brakes for her and set her on her way, and encouraged her to go to the LBS ASAP! Poor girl was riding around town on a death trap... but at least she's a bit safer now! And yes, I told her if she's gonna ride a bike with only one set of brakes, they should be on the front rim. I don't think she believed me...