Shimano Side-Pull Problem
 

I have '79 Shimano components on my bike and for some reason the brakes seem to be really stiff. I need to pull really hard on the brake levers to make the brakes stop and even at that, the braking isn't all that good. I recently rode my friends' bike and he has the same brakes and levers as me except his are as smooth as new. He checked out my bike and said that the problem was the return spring and that I should get new ones. Is this really the problem or is it the levers, cables or calipers? If the springs are the problem, does anyone know where I can buy replacements since I haven't been able to find any so far.

Thanks for the help,
Sacha

Probably the cable.

If it was the return springs, the pads would be dragging on the rim and the lever wold not return to normal position.Your friend should stop smoking carpet. It could be old hard pads, dirty braking surface or maybe corroded cables. Cheap housing that compresses can also be an issue.