jignall

Hi - I have a 2007 Trek 520 and when I engage my back brake and then release it, it sticks a bit in the middle of the release before it returns to open and sometimes it needs a bit of nudging. It's def appears to be an issue in the brake lever itself. Any suggestions of where to look for the problem/how to fix? Thanks.

well biked

Dia Compe 287V levers with v-brakes, by chance? I worked on a Bike Friday recently that had 287-V levers, it had the same problem. I never could get it to rebound the way it should. Maybe someone else will have an idea-

jignall

Yup. Specs say: Avid SD-5 w/Dia-Compe 287 Aero levers. Thanks, hopefully someone will have a suggestion.

well biked

Obviously the cables need to be smooth and not binding in any way, the return springs on the brakes working properly, etc. But in the case of the Bike Friday I worked on, all was good there. I imagine the same is true on your '07 Trek. But, of course, check those things first. Beyond that, some nice, conventional aero levers such as Cane Creek SCR-5's, etc. combined with Travel Agents might be the way to go. I had heard about 287-V's for years offering the capability to run linear pull brakes with drop bar levers without adapters. But once I got my hands on them and checked them out up close, I wasn't impressed. Some new touring bikes have come equipped with Travel Agents (Cannondales I believe, for one), so they're a well known alternative-

BikingGrad80

I had the same problem. The problem is the design of the levers. The cable routing from the lever and along the handlebars force it to curves very sharply causing a lot of friction. The only thing that worked for me is have the rear brakes set at maximum tension, the screws on the calipers all the way in, and lubricate the cables very well with grease. The cable still doen't return as easily as the brakes on my other bikes but it is still quite acceptable. I wish someone would design a better drop bar lever for v-brakes.

jignall

The return spring could def be an issue. It started happening after I unpacked my bike after a trip. The return spring on the driveside was off the brake when I unpacked it. Could the spring be bent possibly? What should I look for in that case? Thanks.

jignall

thanks. i missed your post at first but this is helpfull. will try this.

well biked

Take the spring and bend it outwards at the base some with your hands, it will give the spring more "spring." Don't be too drastic with it, but put enough force into it to do some good. It would be best to do it on both sides of the brake, because you'll pull the brake off center if you just do it on one side, although you'll likely need to fine tune the centering with the adjusting screws anyway. It might or might not solve the brake lever problem. It didn't solve the problem on the bike I was working on with 287-V's, but you never know-

jignall

figured it out. brake pad was rubbing against the tire before releasing. i lowered the pad a bit and everything is great now. thx to everyone for the suggestions.

Michel Gagnon

Glad the original poster solved his problem.

For you, I have a suggestion that always worked for me. Problem is, if you have wiggled the brake lever to readjust its position (either after a crash or simply because your comfort standards changed), the cable isn't sitting properly where it needs to be for an ideal cable routing. The solution is a bit messy but works.

1. Make sure your levers are positioned exactly where you want them. Both in height and angle.NOW is the time to re-position them.

2. Remove the upper section of your handlebar tape. Unwrap at least until you reach the brake lever.

3. If the brake cable housing is taped to the handlebar, remove all tape.

4. Check how the brakes work. They now should work properly.

5. Push the cable housing against the handlebar, and be especially careful in the vicinity of the brake lever. I find things work best if I try to have the cable housing leave the lever almost horizontally, then curve on the bar.

6. Brake a few times.

7. Continue to depress the brake lever to make sure the cable housing is completely seated, and stick the housing in place with electric tape. I wrap tightly the first 4-5 cm, then continue to apply a bit of tape around the curve.

8. Check again. Normally, things should continue to work fine.

9. Reinstall the handlebar tape.

well biked

Thanks very much for the info. The bike I was working on doesn't belong to me, but the next time I see the owner I'll mention your suggestions and see if she wants me to try and correct the problem. I was working on the bike's front derailleur, and happened to notice the problem with the brake levers. Interestingly, she said the problem with the levers has been there since the bike was new-