Originally Posted by
oneidabow1
What do people expect out of their bikes brake system? Do people want a quick controlled stop or do they want to have the brakes lock up and get sent over the bars onto the ground tumbling like Evel Knievel? what makes a good/better/best braking system? Pads? Pads and rims? Geometry of the mechanism?
Bicycle rim brakes have been able to modulate speed adequately for decades, particularly on a SS/FG. Any modern system is perfectly fine if set-up correctly.
True wheels, properly lubed cables and good quality brake pads are all that are required on the road.
If one is locking up either wheel, which is possible w/ a 60's caliper set-up, improve your riding technique and traffic/road hazard scanning.
On a FG in hilly territory a rear brake fitted, as well as a front, can be feathered on steep down hills to avoid hamster-in-wheel RPMs. The brake lever is useful for leverage when standing on the up-hills. Finding levers that have a comfortable shape is important for rides longer than around the block.
With good technique any properly set-up brakes modulate speed without any drama.
-Bandera