What brake does your 1x speed have,?
10-25-21, 03:39 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
What brake does your 1x speed have,?
I have a $20 Tektro R315 or something like that. World just fine but after a while I find that one side is doing all the work or something like that. The pads dont wear even
Any suggestions for a V brake or linear pull for my Pista?
Any suggestions for a V brake or linear pull for my Pista?
10-25-21, 09:30 PM
#2
It's the little things
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 599
Bikes: Too many, yet not enough
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 200 Post(s)
Liked 207 Times
in
89 Posts
Originally Posted by AJW2W11E
I have a $20 Tektro R315 or something like that. World just fine but after a while I find that one side is doing all the work or something like that. The pads dont wear even
Any suggestions for a V brake or linear pull for my Pista?
Any suggestions for a V brake or linear pull for my Pista?
10-25-21, 10:45 PM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Senrab62
Get an Ultegra or dura ace front caliper. I'm a big dood, and have had no issues with tektro personally. Uneven pad wear could be pads, or installation error.
Over a period of time the caliper shifts position to the side coupled to the brake cable and you can hear the pad rubbing .
There's this one 30 degree gravel hill I have to go down at the beginning of my ride where I hit the brake really hard for a while, squeeze like hell and that's where I think it happens.
10-25-21, 11:38 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,525
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1265 Post(s)
Liked 852 Times
in
590 Posts
Originally Posted by AJW2W11E
I have a $20 Tektro R315 or something like that. World just fine but after a while I find that one side is doing all the work or something like that. The pads dont wear even
Any suggestions for a V brake or linear pull for my Pista?
Any suggestions for a V brake or linear pull for my Pista?
My single speed has Shimano Adamas aero brake calipers.
Cheers
10-26-21, 01:44 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minas Ithil
Posts: 9,330
Mentioned: 66 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2424 Post(s)
Liked 609 Times
in
379 Posts
Unless your caliper is damaged then it's out of adjustment, takes literally a few seconds to center the pads. Or your wheel is off center and needs to be trued. And if your bike has calipers I seriously doubt it has posts for v's.
Likes For Lazyass:
10-26-21, 04:09 AM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Lazyass
Unless your caliper is damaged then it's out of adjustment, takes literally a few seconds to center the pads. Or your wheel is off center and needs to be trued. And if your bike has calipers I seriously doubt it has posts for v's.
I read this link below and realize now the pads have to be set differently . Guess that's my issue . Didn't even realize there was a centering adjustment!
Dont know where I would be without this forum!
https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/dual-pivot-brake-service
Last edited by AJW2W11E; 10-26-21 at 04:29 AM.
Likes For Trakhak:
10-26-21, 01:19 PM
#8
Senior Member
Dura Ace on one and Ultegra on the other.
10-26-21, 02:05 PM
#9
A Roadie Forever
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 10,231
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 111 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3304 Post(s)
Liked 2,028 Times
in
1,319 Posts
I'm a fan of really good brakes on both wheels. My best fix gear has Shimano dual-pivots. My Mooney (also set up fix gear) has ear;y '80s Shimano cantis. My city fix gear has centerpulls. Nafac front and Weinmann rear. All three bikes are serious stoppers.
That said, all three brake types (four really, the Mafac and Weinmann, while both centerpull, are quite different) have their quirks. Ignore them and they will make my life miserable, like bad puppies. Address those quirks and I get brakes that work really well all the time.
Typical challenges - toe-in and squeal esp those Mafacs without the toe-in adjustment (until you get pads with it). Housing length - sidepulls and dual pivot: too short and the brake gets pulled askew when you tighten the cable to stop. Cantilevers - their near infinite possible cable and straddle cable adjustment (or next to zero on some brakes) with some combos being really bad. Cable runs: details that add kinks or tight bends, poor entrances and exits from levers, housings and guides.
You might just want to look at a bike with brakes like yours that stops well. Copy the adjustments, cable setup, etc. Try it.
That said, all three brake types (four really, the Mafac and Weinmann, while both centerpull, are quite different) have their quirks. Ignore them and they will make my life miserable, like bad puppies. Address those quirks and I get brakes that work really well all the time.
Typical challenges - toe-in and squeal esp those Mafacs without the toe-in adjustment (until you get pads with it). Housing length - sidepulls and dual pivot: too short and the brake gets pulled askew when you tighten the cable to stop. Cantilevers - their near infinite possible cable and straddle cable adjustment (or next to zero on some brakes) with some combos being really bad. Cable runs: details that add kinks or tight bends, poor entrances and exits from levers, housings and guides.
You might just want to look at a bike with brakes like yours that stops well. Copy the adjustments, cable setup, etc. Try it.
Likes For 79pmooney:
10-26-21, 02:28 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Greenwood SC USA
Posts: 1,861
Bikes: 2002 Mercian Vincitore, 1982 Mercian Colorado, 1976 Puch Royal X, 1974 Allegro No. 76, 1973 Raleigh Competition, 1973 Raleigh GS, 1971 Gitane Tour de France and others
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 643 Post(s)
Liked 824 Times
in
442 Posts
I run a mix of brakes on my fixed-gears. My Mercian has Shimano dual pivots, I think RX100 or comparable operated by old Gran Compe aero levers; the Gitane TdF has vintage Weinmann Carrera sidepulls operated by old Dia Compe/SunTour Blaze aero levers; and the Raleigh Competition has Weinmann Vainquer 999 centerpulls operated with Tektro aero levers with quick releases. Common to all of them are modern Teflon lined housings and stainless brake cables.
If you have access to cone wrenches that will fit, look to see if there are wrench flats between the body of the brake and the face of the fork crown. There should be. When you locate them, use a flat wrench (maybe a 14 mm?) to center the front of the brake. I've tried loosening the brake centerbolt itself from behind and manhandling the brake into place and then tightening it all up again, but somehow that doesn't work as well as using the flats on the centerbolt IN FRONT of the crown. I DO understand the frustration!
If you have access to cone wrenches that will fit, look to see if there are wrench flats between the body of the brake and the face of the fork crown. There should be. When you locate them, use a flat wrench (maybe a 14 mm?) to center the front of the brake. I've tried loosening the brake centerbolt itself from behind and manhandling the brake into place and then tightening it all up again, but somehow that doesn't work as well as using the flats on the centerbolt IN FRONT of the crown. I DO understand the frustration!
10-26-21, 02:53 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,671
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2864 Post(s)
Liked 2,842 Times
in
1,309 Posts
Tektro 720 cantis on the SSCX. Took some time to get the setup just right, but it's worth it when you do.
10-26-21, 07:24 PM
#12
Member
I've run Dura Ace BR-9000 and Ultegra BR-6800 on my single speeds. If I need longer arms, I use discontinued BR-650s. All three provide nice firm brake response. Higher end Tektro's are also good. I find the lower levels ones tend to rust out.
If you need better brake pads, Kool Stops are good for that, too.
If you need better brake pads, Kool Stops are good for that, too.
10-26-21, 08:47 PM
#13
Cheerfully low end
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,395
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 427 Post(s)
Liked 677 Times
in
444 Posts
The Schwinn road bike has my old Suntour Superbe single pivot side pulls. I got them new over forty years ago. These are the ones with the continuous adjust lever and I think were basically a copy of a very nice Campy brake of that era. They do fine with Kool Stops and cables and housing in good order.
Otto
Otto
10-26-21, 09:03 PM
#14
Veteran Racer
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,595
Bikes: 29 frames + 74 wheels
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1076 Post(s)
Liked 427 Times
in
249 Posts
You have to adjust the caliper such that the two brake blocks contact the sides of the rim at the same time. With Tektros, this often means that the brake blocks are not the same distance from the rim when the brake is open, since one side moves more than the other when the brake lever is gripped.
__________________
What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman
Originally Posted by Dcv
I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.
Likes For TejanoTrackie:
10-26-21, 11:42 PM
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by TejanoTrackie
You have to adjust the caliper such that the two brake blocks contact the sides of the rim at the same time. With Tektros, this often means that the brake blocks are not the same distance from the rim when the brake is open, since one side moves more than the other when the brake lever is gripped.
10-27-21, 07:03 PM
#16
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 9,732
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2801 Post(s)
Liked 1,960 Times
in
1,299 Posts
My Langster has Cane Creek eeBrakes (gen3 I believe) and my Single Speed/Fixed Gear RandoCross FunTime Machine runs TRP Revox Cantilevers both with SRAM S500 levers. If SRAM made their levers for long pull brakes I would probably go for some Paul MotoLites but ehhh the Revox are great brakes.
12-08-21, 08:31 PM
#18
A Roadie Forever
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 10,231
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 111 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3304 Post(s)
Liked 2,028 Times
in
1,319 Posts
Originally Posted by TejanoTrackie
You have to adjust the caliper such that the two brake blocks contact the sides of the rim at the same time. With Tektros, this often means that the brake blocks are not the same distance from the rim when the brake is open, since one side moves more than the other when the brake lever is gripped.
12-08-21, 11:28 PM
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Those Tektro handbrakes aren't much but they do the job!
Started riding SS two years 2 years ago, first I had a huge mountain bike with disc brakes.
I bought an old Langster at a garage sale; rode it for kicks first.
Its little brake and 15 lb frame made me scared to take it on a road.
Now I ride SS 5 days week. Same little brake. Today I was speeding down a hilly road in rain at 30 mph, didn't think twice.
Started riding SS two years 2 years ago, first I had a huge mountain bike with disc brakes.
I bought an old Langster at a garage sale; rode it for kicks first.
Its little brake and 15 lb frame made me scared to take it on a road.
Now I ride SS 5 days week. Same little brake. Today I was speeding down a hilly road in rain at 30 mph, didn't think twice.
12-11-21, 09:10 AM
#20
2k miles from the midwest
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington
Posts: 1,683
Bikes: ~'75 Colin Laing, '80s Schwinn SuperSport 650b, ex-Backroads ti project...
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 399 Post(s)
Liked 638 Times
in
312 Posts
Anything will work fine if it's set up correctly AND has KoolStop salmon pads.
12-18-21, 10:09 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: st augustine fl
Posts: 897
Bikes: 2019 Wabi Lightning, 2009 Cannondale Capo, 2016 trek Domane 6.9, disc and Di2, 2016 Scott Scale 710, 27.5 plus tires and boost rims
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 80 Post(s)
Liked 143 Times
in
54 Posts
I use Sram Red cable brakes on all my SS bikes ( just about the nicest production brake made IMHO) with the exception of my Vigorelli which needed a longer reach caliper so I put a set of mid reach Tektro brakes on that bike
__________________
"ready to navigate"
"ready to navigate"
12-19-21, 08:01 AM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,529
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 376 Post(s)
Liked 186 Times
in
93 Posts
Originally Posted by AJW2W11E
Thanks for your advice ! Readjusted today .It made a world of difference, right to the bottom ; left to the top.
12-19-21, 08:37 AM
#23
Veteran Racer
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,595
Bikes: 29 frames + 74 wheels
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1076 Post(s)
Liked 427 Times
in
249 Posts
Originally Posted by IAmSam
I realize I am late to the party but this cannot be right - have you got the caliper centered?
__________________
What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman
Originally Posted by Dcv
I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.
12-19-21, 09:50 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,529
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 376 Post(s)
Liked 186 Times
in
93 Posts
Originally Posted by TejanoTrackie
Read post #14. Sometimes centering the caliper does not work.
right to the bottom ; left to the top
Last edited by IAmSam; 12-19-21 at 10:01 AM. Reason: ooops...
12-20-21, 05:18 PM
#25
Newbie
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 1
Bikes: 2012 Schwinn Little 500 - "Mash Up"
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I use a coaster brake on my single bike that I just got on the road. It came with a front break, but since the bike didn't have a rear wheel when I bought it, I went with the coaster break that came with the wheel I bought for the bike. I really like it.
