All Questions
23
questions
45
votes
6
answers
73k
views
How do I make my rim brakes stop squealing?
My rear rim brakes are squeaking loudly. I don't know what the problem is, but I am sure it has nothing to do with rain because it happens all the time even if it is dry.
Anybody have an idea what ...
- 553
1
vote
1
answer
2k
views
What is the mechanical advantage of mechanical rim brakes and levers?
I understand that the amount of hand force required for a given braking force
depends on the mechanical advantage of the braking system, which in turn is
a multiplication of the mechanical advantage ...
- 20.1k
21
votes
2
answers
251k
views
Converting bike from rim brakes to disc brakes
I just bought a used 2009 Kona Dew and it comes with regular rim brakes. I'm perfectly happy with them so far, but have been wondering if disc brakes would come handy when it rains.
What is involved ...
- 787
58
votes
18
answers
58k
views
What is the practical advantage of disk brakes over rim brakes?
Disk brakes are becomming more popular on bikes now, and I was just wondering what the advantage is of this type of brake over the older rim brakes.
- 683
14
votes
3
answers
11k
views
Why are there metal shavings in my brake pads?
I have several brake pads on my cantilever brakes that have several small metal shavings embedded in the pad. Is this normal? What should I do about it?
- 18.3k
3
votes
4
answers
767
views
Why dual pivot brakes, not longer brake arms?
Dual pivot brakes are marketed as having "more braking power", which in technical terms means higher mechanical advantage. Exactly the same effect can be achieved by longer brake arms (ones ...
- 1,635
25
votes
3
answers
153k
views
How do I stop my rim brakes making a squeaking/squealing sound?
I bought a Schwinn Frontier Sport few months ago and started riding happily. After a few weeks my front rim brakes started creaking. It's so annoying in public places. My rear brake doesn't produce ...
- 353
15
votes
5
answers
64k
views
V-brake arm not returning to "open" position
I have a folding bike with v-brakes and I noticed that when I pull on the rear brake lever, one arm of the v-brake doesn't go back to its original position. I tried adjusting the screws but it still ...
- 837
11
votes
3
answers
6k
views
Do aluminum rims provide better braking than steel ones when wet?
When I upgraded the brakes on my bicycle recently, the shop asked if I wanted to also switch from my (chromed) steel rims to aluminum rims, saying the aluminum rims would provide better braking power. ...
- 469
6
votes
7
answers
7k
views
Why do my brakes squeak? Do I have an incorrect distance between brake pads and rims?
My brakes were working normally until I adjust them today. I thought the brake pads were too close to the rims so I increase the distance a bit. Now every time I brake, they make horrible squeaking ...
- 347
4
votes
2
answers
2k
views
How to remove play in cantilever pivot point?
I have been working my way through issues with noisy front cantilever brakes. After running through many different ways to solve the issue including new pads (Kool Stop Dura2 Duel Compound), setting ...
- 41
2
votes
1
answer
529
views
Road rim bike brakes don't open when using the release
My Tektro R539 brakes do work on the road: they obey to the brake levers at squeezing and releasing times. They do not behave to the mechanism to open them (for wheel removal for instance), they do ...
31
votes
6
answers
137k
views
Direct Pull (V-Brake) vs. Center Pull Cantilevers (pros and cons)
I am looking around for an old mountain bike to ride this winter (and this summer when it is wet).
I was just browsing around and was curious what the difference was between
Direct pull brakes:
...
- 8,576
11
votes
4
answers
16k
views
How do I get my brakes to stop squealing [duplicate]
I've tried sanding them down just a bit, cleaning the brake surface on the wheels, and this does stop them from squealing for a day or two, but it always comes back. I'm using Kool-stop pads if it ...
- 2,943
7
votes
5
answers
282
views
Braking system conversion for Pashley Cargo Bike
I've picked up a Pashley Classic No.33 cargo trike and am turning it into a coffee trike. Once I've got an extra 120kg + my weight on there I'm aware I'm going to need a pretty good braking system. It ...
- 121