increase braking power
07-10-09, 04:52 PM
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increase braking power
Hi, I have a 1980 Fuji road bike, and I am not happy with the braking performance, especially considering the hills around here.
The brakes are the original Dia Compe centerpulls. I adjusted the cable such that the brake pads are pretty close to the rim, and I still don't have the stopping power that I have had on other bikes.
This is my first bike with centerpull brakes, so I'm not really sure of all the nuances. Do I just need new brake pads, or do the pads maybe have to be even closer to the rim, or is it something else entirely?
The brakes are the original Dia Compe centerpulls. I adjusted the cable such that the brake pads are pretty close to the rim, and I still don't have the stopping power that I have had on other bikes.
This is my first bike with centerpull brakes, so I'm not really sure of all the nuances. Do I just need new brake pads, or do the pads maybe have to be even closer to the rim, or is it something else entirely?
07-10-09, 05:08 PM
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have you tried koolstop salmon pads that use a softer compound and grip the rims better?
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
07-10-09, 06:24 PM
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Rather than adjusting the cable to bring the pads closer to the rim. Instead adjust the pads themselves to bring them closer, this may mean washers.
Also, try using a shorter straddle cable that lies closer to horizontal.
Also, try using a shorter straddle cable that lies closer to horizontal.
07-10-09, 06:41 PM
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I just put some Kool Stop Continental salmon-pads on my old side-pull Dia Compe brakes on a 1970's 3-spd. Puch. What an improvement! Excellent brake-pads, those Kool Stop. Get the ones that look like your old ones in shape and size. They make many different varieties and configurations. Salmon are the best for general purposes.
07-10-09, 07:06 PM
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I think I'll try those Kool Stop salmon pads. The Continentals look like the size and shape of my old ones. I'm having a hard time finding a place to buy online though. I can only seem to find the longer ones for v-brakes. Tomorrow I will swing by the LBS, but I have never seen those pads before, so I doubt they have them.
07-10-09, 07:14 PM
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Here you go:
https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/brakeshoes.html
You might be able to find these cheaper - but not by much - but these being in stock is a sure thing. If you go for them, look around for anything else you need. This way the shipping costs will be more acceptable. Ask your friends what they might be needing.
Harris Cyclery is where Sheldon "Our Lord" Brown operated from. Pricey - but excellent service and advice.
https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/brakeshoes.html
You might be able to find these cheaper - but not by much - but these being in stock is a sure thing. If you go for them, look around for anything else you need. This way the shipping costs will be more acceptable. Ask your friends what they might be needing.
Harris Cyclery is where Sheldon "Our Lord" Brown operated from. Pricey - but excellent service and advice.
