Replacing my front brakes
 

I just recently purchased a Micargi RD-269 fixie bike to commute at college.
It came with brakes already installed to the front wheel,
but personally,
I feel that the brakes aren't strong enough.
It also requires a lot of strength pressing the brake lever to slowly brake.
In the end,
my hands end up hurting from all the tight squeezes just to stop my bike.

Thus I wish to replace the brakes on my fixie.
Since this is my first bike I've ever owned,
how would I go about this?

- Do any type of brakes work for a fixie?
(ie: mountain bike brakes on a fixie, ect.)
- Is there a specific size or requirement for certain bikes?
Or are all bike brakes generally "one size fits all"
(similar to question above)
- Suggestions on certain brake brands, (ect.) that I should get.
(I've did some research and brake brands such as Tektros are good, ect.)
- Just any general advice/help about changing the brakes on the bike. (what I should get, do, ect.)

What I wish to get out of this is brakes that are:
- Pretty sensitive to my pressing
- Brakes easily
- COMFORTABLE brake lever

Thanks for all your help.

You can get your brakes Adjusted by the Local bike shop, And it will work 10 times better, Also changing your brake pads to something like the koolstop salmon or stock shimano 105 brakes pads will allow maximum brake strength, Also. Cleaning the break surface of your rim will help Alot.

yeah those calipers look like junk ... any short to medium reach dual pivot will vastly improve the braking, couple of caveats here though:

1: the frame might not work with modern calipers with recessed fixing bolts

2: if you don't know what your doing or have the tools to do the job right bring it to a shop

3. plan on spending at least 1/3 the cost you paid for the bike on the upgrade ... if you are willing to do this then I am sure the options will be plentiful

4. I'd be willing to bet that with some adjusting you might be able to get better braking out of what you have

if the shop does not have the specific model I want,
is it typically appropriate to bring buy it myself
and bring it to the shop to change for me?
(I would assume the shop would want you to buy their products, ect.)******

Always safe than sorry.

Sounds like a lot going on. Best bet would be to take it to a shop and ask if they can properly install/adjust your current brakes/levers. Hard to do online tech support if you have problems by wholesale.

either way ... buy from them they figure how to make it work on your bike or buy your own and they will possibly snicker a little but will charge a premium on the labor if they spend a lot of time making the part you bought work on your bike if it becomes a hassle.