Brake Adjustment
 

I need some advice adjusting my front and rear brakes. I recently had my bike tuned and the pads were replaced. Now when I stop, I don't feel like a get a good solid stop like I did before. I've been riding it for a few weeks since the tune thinking the pads needed braking in.

I checked the toe in and it seems to be fine. I've also tried tightening the cables to get the pads closer to the rims. Could this be a issue with the rims?

The brakes in question are Bridgestone (dia-compe) "SC" series with shimano pads. The rims are matrix semi-aero.

Thanks.

Did you have Shimano pads before? I'm asking because many years ago I switched from using Shimano brake pads to Aztec, or Kool-Stop. Not a big fan of Shimano brake pads. Haven't used them(Shimano) for years now, so maybe they have improved, but I wasn't impressed with them.

The pads do need to brake in. They have that nice smooth surface from the injection molding process. If you really want to speed things up, break the surface gloss of the pads with a little emery paper. I am also not a big fan of Shimano pads. KoolStop is the way to go.

I actually bought a pair of shimano cool stop dura pads thinking that would help. Unfortunately, the recessed bold it too long and the pads will not tighten down. Should I go for a new bolt, another washer or two? Or just use continentals?