Brifters with Disks/top brake levers
03-27-08 | 10:54 AM
#1
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Eternal NooB
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From: Sonoma County,CA
Bikes: Calfee Tetra Pro, Lemond BA, Spec Roubaix, Riv Homer Hilson, Cielo
Brifters with Disks/top brake levers
Hey all, I figured this might be the best place to ask this question...
I recently got a new bike, a Novara Element CX with Tiagra brifters, the extra levers on the bars and Avid BB7 disks. When I squeeze my brifters, they almost go to the bends. Is this because I'm using brifters with disks or poor adjustment? I've taken it back to the REI and the head mechanic (who I trust) says they're fine, I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.
Thanks,
Chris
I recently got a new bike, a Novara Element CX with Tiagra brifters, the extra levers on the bars and Avid BB7 disks. When I squeeze my brifters, they almost go to the bends. Is this because I'm using brifters with disks or poor adjustment? I've taken it back to the REI and the head mechanic (who I trust) says they're fine, I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.
Thanks,
Chris
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03-27-08 | 11:41 AM
#2
Trans-Urban Velocommando
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Lenexa, KS
Bikes: 06 Trek 1200 - 98 DB Outlook - 99 DB Sorrento
If you can't squeeze them all the way to the handlebar, they're probably just fine. You could likely tighten them up, but you'd want to do it while the bike is on a stand or carrier to make sure the wheels still turn without brake drag.
03-27-08 | 11:54 AM
#3
Seņior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Heck, just play with them. I have BB7s and it takes about 2 seconds to adjust them. You can't possibly get them too tight and not know it; they make a distinctive noise when they're dragging.
I tighten mine up until they start to drag, then back them off a click or two.
I tighten mine up until they start to drag, then back them off a click or two.
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03-27-08 | 01:42 PM
#4
Luggite
Joined: Aug 2004
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Hopefully you have BB7 road calipers. Not sure it makes a difference but they do make road/mtb specific so I'm guessing so. Then again, my Jamis Coda Elite has BB7 road calipers and mtb brake levers so go figure.
Sounds like they are in need of some adjustment though. Doing so is rather simple and something you'll want to learn and do as the pads wear down anyway. No sense in taking into REI for a 5 minute task.
Sounds like they are in need of some adjustment though. Doing so is rather simple and something you'll want to learn and do as the pads wear down anyway. No sense in taking into REI for a 5 minute task.
03-27-08 | 01:48 PM
#5
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From: A Coffin Called Earth. or Toronto, ON
Bikes: Bianchi, Miyata, Dahon, Rossin
They were like that on both portland and poprad disc when I squeezed the lever. You want it slightly on the sloppy side, but not so that you can bottom out the levers and still have your front wheel move.
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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
03-27-08 | 01:51 PM
#6
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Eternal NooB
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From: Sonoma County,CA
Bikes: Calfee Tetra Pro, Lemond BA, Spec Roubaix, Riv Homer Hilson, Cielo
Thanks all, just wanted to check! 
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If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team.
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03-27-08 | 04:41 PM
#7
Plays in traffic
Joined: May 2006
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From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
It's adjustment. Once you get the inside, stationary pad set correctly, all the lever travel and lever feel adjustments are made with the outer, moving pad.
Helpful hint:
Lay a white piece of paper on the floor under the caliper. Then you can look right through the caliper and adjust everything by sight. You'll also be able to see if the calipers are aligned properly. If the pads aren't square to the rotor, there's an alignment problem that no amount of pad adjustment will cure.
Helpful hint:
Lay a white piece of paper on the floor under the caliper. Then you can look right through the caliper and adjust everything by sight. You'll also be able to see if the calipers are aligned properly. If the pads aren't square to the rotor, there's an alignment problem that no amount of pad adjustment will cure.
