ComradeNF

So I got my Windsor The Hour from BikesDirect a few months ago and I absolutely love it. However, the brake levers are very poor, and they do not stop the bike very well, even after getting them tuned. I was wondering, what entry level calipers and levers would you guys recommend that don't suck like the stock parts do? Also, what else will I need? I am a complete noob when it comes to bikes. I don't know if I need new cabling, etc.

Could it be that just my levers suck, and not the calipers?

Also, I know different stores have different prices, but around what price point should I be looking to pay a LBS to do the upgrades I listed here?

Thanks!

solipsist716

Newer, better pads. No need to splurge on new calipers and levers, as those are probably sufficient.

Soo__Fuego

https://www.retro-gression.com/produc...brake-calipers

(2) Dia Compe BRS100 - $48

europa

Yup, new pads should always be your first step. They harden up with time and although your bike is new, you don't know how long the pads have been in storage. The pads may not be particularly good in the first place. Just go to your lbs and buy some reasonably priced pads - you don't have to pay heaps for the things (though some people do).

Incidentally, cartridge brake pads are a good way to go. The pads come in a carrier (duh) but if you undo a grub screw, the old pads just slide out and the new ones slide in. The beauty of this system is that new pads are about half the price of the original set up. Having said that, you won't be changing pads more than once a year or so, it's not biggie.

Typically, new pads will transform a bike's braking. It still may not be enough, but it's cheaper than calipers and levers and you can use the pads in your new calipers if you go that route.

HonestOne

I find that the brakes on my bike feel a bit spungy even though the bike is pretty new, any ideas?

TheRealFaux

Maybe the brakes just suck.

seau grateau

+1 to pads. As for...

Adjusting cable tension may help.

solipsist716

Also that, and I should have prefaced this by telling you to rough up your pads a bit with some sandpaper and see how that affects your braking.

Steev

Check that the brake housing is run with smooth large curves and enters the levers and calipers straight. Check the housing ends are cut clean and square.
Check the brake pads are actually aligned to the brake track and the cable tension is OK.
Clean the friction area of the brake pads and the brake track with a non-residue cleaner.
This is all free to try and just basic proper install, something that can't be guaranteed with a Bikes Direct bike.

HonestOne

Cable tension and everything else looks good. Can't think why it feels that way. I'll try rechecking alignment and brake-pad hardness, to sand them or not.

RollCNY

Being married, I would pay extra for brakes that did that.

solipsist716

I think I see what you did there?

RollCNY

Based on your user name, its all in your head.