Bike Forums - best way to improve braking?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by cyccommute (Post 17680523)

The freckles you mention still aren't due to galvanic corrosion. They are simply oxidation of the small steel fragments that will spall off the steel wool. They can be easily remove with more steel wool. Bronze wool wouldn't cause galvanic corrosion when used on stainless steel either. I stand by what I said above.

Oh, no, they aren't from galvanic corrosion, just splinters of the steel wool caught on the fitting's surface and rusting visibly. They are mostly an appearance defect, not structural. More steel wool just makes them come back. Bronze or stainless steel wool won't cause them to show up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plainsman (Post 17675022)

Thanks everyone. I guess step one will be checking the brake setup. The wheels I'm using are practically brand new, so I'm doubting cleaning the rims is an issue. If adjusting the setup does not work, I'll move on to new pads. I typically don't ride the brakes, but I'm pretty *** shy after a bad descent a few years ago, and when there are lots of switchbacks involved I tend to be more heavy handed on the brakes.

Here's the order of how I would sort it out.

1) I also clean the rims with rubbing alcohol. When used with a scotch brite (generic version OK) pad, it will remove any sticky junk and it won't leave any residue.

2) Remove the pads and check them for any embedded grit which should be removed, then you can "freshen" the pad surface with some fine sand paper.

3) Replace the brake cables and housing. Read here and consider if you might benefit. Personally, I would change the cable and housing BEFORE I switched to a different brand of pad. Housing will impact brake "feel" significantly whereas pads will impact brake "bite" significantly. If you want to stiffen up brakes in a car, try braided brake lines. If you want to stiffen up brakes on a bike, try compressionless housing.

4) Replace the brake pads.

5) Consider new brakes.

When I wore through my Dura Ace pads I went to the blue Swiss Stops and I think the performance was increased. I recommend them if you decide to try new pads, but proper brake setup is first.