So I have a problem with my brakes that I'm not entirely sure how to resolve.

The rear brakes seem to be set too high for my wheels. When I squeeze the brakes, they actual pads end up touching the wheel itself, in addition to the rim.

The pad shoes are set as low as they can be on the brakes. I thought it might be simply that my pads were worn down, but after replacing the pads, I still have the same issue. No matter how I adjust them, one side is always touching the actual wheel when I brake.

Any ideas what I could do to resolve that? My lbs suggested dremeling out the dropout in the brake, so I could move the shoe a little further down... while I believe that would work, I also dont think I should HAVE to do that.... seems like there should be an easier fix.

What kind of brakes are you running and what kind of frame is it? You don't have 650c wheels do you?

It's a trek 1000 sl. Good question on the brake type - I'm not sure, I didn't notice any badging on them when I was swapping the pads out, but I didn't really look very hard.

Is your wheel seated in the dropouts correctly ? (It's hard for them not be in right, but something to check)

Most likely is the wheel isn't properly seated in the dropouts. This happens a LOT, even when the wheel looks like it's in - it may need a few more mm to get properly seated.

If you've got track-bike type brakes (TT bikes, otherwise you won't), the wheel position affects the height of brakes.

Actually, I checked the wheel's seating in the dropouts. But - I didn't remove the wheel FROM the dropouts and reinsert it. Maybe there's some dirt, grime, something?? blocking it from seating all the way up? It is only off by a very small amount.

I'll check that again when I get home this afternoon. Any other thoughts on what could cause this?