I've just survived a bicycle crash
12-19-19, 12:51 PM
#26
Me duelen las nalgas
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Originally Posted by MikeyMK
This reminds me of the safety issue with cantilever brakes, which were particularly popular on mountain bikes and touring bikes of the 1980s.
The reflector bracket acted as a catch arm, but many people either took them off or left them off when they came loose - this left a potential time bomb in place; if the main brake cable snapped, the short relay cable joining the brake cantilevers dropped onto the tyre, stopping the wheel dead.
Anyone using cantilever brakes must ensure there are catch arms mounted, such as the stock reflector brackets.
Here's an example of someone who's fate lies with a crushed cable and an M6 nut. If that fails, brake failure will be the least of the rider's problems - and fast.
The reflector bracket acted as a catch arm, but many people either took them off or left them off when they came loose - this left a potential time bomb in place; if the main brake cable snapped, the short relay cable joining the brake cantilevers dropped onto the tyre, stopping the wheel dead.
Anyone using cantilever brakes must ensure there are catch arms mounted, such as the stock reflector brackets.
Here's an example of someone who's fate lies with a crushed cable and an M6 nut. If that fails, brake failure will be the least of the rider's problems - and fast.
Yet.
Cross wood, knock fingers, etc.
12-19-19, 12:56 PM
#27
Me duelen las nalgas
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Originally Posted by livedarklions
What the hell would you have to do to a bike to get the front brake cable to snap? Use catgut?
But as a former safety and health inspector I had worst-case-scenario drilled into my head by instructors, so I still consider those risks with everything in life. When one has seen enough mangled bodies and deaths caused by confluences of seemingly improbable events, omissions and negligence, it kinda changes ones perspective in favor of caution.
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12-19-19, 03:38 PM
#28
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Originally Posted by HarborBandS
Yep. The later versions of cantilever brakes (Shimano 1990's) had a splitter with only one cantilever side hooked up to the smaller cable. Then the main cable continued through the splitter sleeve, and down to the other side of the brake cantilever. So if either cable snapped, only a loose piece would fall on to the tire. It was highly unlikely to cause a crash.
12-19-19, 04:49 PM
#29
Cycleway town
Originally Posted by rumrunn6
he'd be safer with a fender to catch that cable
