Originally Posted by roccobike
This is probably a dumb question, but is there any reason why I should not replace the old, chrome, rectangular brake pads (like the one on the right in the picture below) on a 84 Raleigh Record road bike with the newer design, road pads ( the one on the left in the picture)? Is there an advantage or disadvantage to using the newer design or will I come out about even? I'm not updating the brake levers, they're the old Dia Compe, non-aero brake levers with the additional "safety" (suicide) lever, no hoods.
Sorry about the picture being fuzzy.
Thanks in advance for any responses.
You will notice a bigger difference by replacing the levers than the pads on an old single pivot set of brakes. Personally, I like the look of non-aero levers. Performance wise they aren't as good as aero levers. IMO, lightly sand the glaze off the old pads first. Then dump the suicide levers and readjust the brake levers. Make sure the cables are lubed. That should improve braking and cost nothing. Good luck
Tim