Thanks to everyone who has encouraged me to keep working on the current brakes. I think I'll replace the pads first then the cables and eventually the rims if nothing else works. All those things need to be done eventually anyway and everything but the rims will be cheap. I didn't see anything obviously wrong with the monoplaner design, but given that people used to choose Deltas over these I had a lingering doubt. I guess some people just don't like stopping.
Originally Posted by
ollo_ollo
Andy, I like the monoplanars, have them on several bikes and they are capable of locking up the wheels, so less hand effort is what you get from double pivot. I think more power just makes it easier to lock up, and once you're in a skid, what then?
I generally come down on the "less hand effort" side of this argument. I understand that maximum braking power is generally limited by tire traction. I feel like I can modulate better with a lighter touch. That said, I have been satisfied with single pivot Nuovo Record brakes, so it sounds like I ought to be able to make these work. I really don't think I can lock the wheels with things set up as I have them now though. I did sand off the surface of the pads and made an attempt to clean the rims. That didn't help much. New pads will probably make a bigger difference.