What would cause this? My rear brake pads (linear pull) are basically falling apart with cracks and pieces falling off.

Any help with this would be great.

I've all ready called the shop i bought it from, and i plan to call again tomorrow unless they call me first to see what they can do.

- Andy

Like most rubber things Sun (UV) and age. ... the after market pads Are generally nicer than what is sold on original equipment .

spend a bit more than the minimum.

I have only had the bike a month. I'm guessing they are as old as the frame (2 years). Would this be the culprit?

- Andy

Pads shouldn't normally be falling apart at that age, but if they are, your only recourse is to replace them. Get decent quality pads (Kool Stop pads are a favorite around here) and they should last for longer than a couple of years unless you do enough riding to wear them out.

Yea, I only make enough to live on, not make "extra" purchases. Bike was a gift from my (awesome) family.

Gonna see if shop will replace them & go from there. Oddest thing i ever saw, because even on the schwinn i got for a friend years ago has 100% good pads. I may just swap them out, because the rear brake isnt providing any real stopping power anymore. Front brake set seems fine, but when i looked at it closely i could see the beginnings of cracks in the friction material. The part that isnt friction material seems fine on both. Perhaps the pads were recalled & i never knew about it (made in 2012 after all) or something.

I'l try to get some photos up.

- Andy