Secret for setting these brakes up?
02-15-24, 03:49 PM
#1
Secret for setting these brakes up?
I have these Reacto (supposedly from a Merida Reacto) rear under bottom bracket rim brakes. There is no possibility for adjustment apart from 2 torx screws for both of the springs, but they do nothing visible. They are really hard to pull and barely have any power.
Is there something I'm missing? Do you have suggestions for a better way to set these up? I'd like to keep the ability to remove the wheels freely. My levers are adjustable and are adjusted to be closer to the bars already.
Sadly direct mount rear brakes within my current budget are really scarce in my area so please don't suggest buying different ones.
TL;DR:
1, is there a way to better mount the cable to these?
2, how to make them feel softer?
Is there something I'm missing? Do you have suggestions for a better way to set these up? I'd like to keep the ability to remove the wheels freely. My levers are adjustable and are adjusted to be closer to the bars already.
Sadly direct mount rear brakes within my current budget are really scarce in my area so please don't suggest buying different ones.
TL;DR:
1, is there a way to better mount the cable to these?
2, how to make them feel softer?
02-15-24, 05:44 PM
#3
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Are they Shimano 105 direct mount brakes?
Review: Merida Reacto 4000 | Bike Hub
Review: Merida Reacto 4000 | Bike Hub
02-15-24, 05:52 PM
#5
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02-16-24, 04:28 AM
#6
Senior Member
Weird. All the pics I’ve found of this bike have 105 caliper brakes. Would have thought V brakes need too much lateral space to hide under there. But the review on road.cc did say the brake cable routing to get down there was an issue and they felt a bit wooden.
Does the cable pull freely if you unhook it from the brake?
Do the arms pivot easily when you remove the noodle?
located where they are, seems a high chance of them being clagged up.
Does the cable pull freely if you unhook it from the brake?
Do the arms pivot easily when you remove the noodle?
located where they are, seems a high chance of them being clagged up.
02-19-24, 10:05 AM
#7
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Some TT bikes and aero road bikes came with funky linear pull brakes. They often had really tight noodles that would want to bind up.
Merida might have been using this type before Shimano came out with direct mount.
Merida might have been using this type before Shimano came out with direct mount.
02-19-24, 10:38 AM
#8
Let me post a little update guys: I have decided to dismantle the brakes alltogether. I removed them, disassembled them, cleaned them, greased and lubed everything really well, including the cable housings. Also ended up replacing the inner lining of the noodle.
They are fine now, there is still something left to be desired with the rear centering, but they don't push the wheel out of plane and they are smooth and potent.
Thank you everyone for wanting to help, too bad I could not post a picture.
Yes, you are exactly right about the tight noodle stuff, this is exactly my case.
They are fine now, there is still something left to be desired with the rear centering, but they don't push the wheel out of plane and they are smooth and potent.
Thank you everyone for wanting to help, too bad I could not post a picture.
Yes, you are exactly right about the tight noodle stuff, this is exactly my case.
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