Questions tagged [brakes]
Disc/rim/drum/coaster brakes; braking technique, maintaining brakes, anything else about stopping a bike.
1,234
questions
14
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Is this brake mounted incorrectly?
A friend of mine just got her bike back from the store after getting new brake pads, a new fork and a new cassette. After riding a few meters I noticed a weird behaviour while using the front brakes ...
- 86.5k
9
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Front tire & downtube clearance - extremely dangerous?
I recently moved cities and met someone to buy a used "vintage" bike from them. While test riding at a slow speed I gradually applied the brakes. The front brake seemed to jump from light ...
- 1,302
2
votes
4
answers
565
views
I was leaning the bike against the wall
I have a quite a new bike (aluminium frame) and I came home after a ride and when I was leaning a bike against the wall I hit the brake caliper (or more like the tube, that's next to it) against the ...
- 6,276
2
votes
2
answers
160
views
Specialized Stumpjumper Women's HT 2006 Worth Rebuilding Back Up?
I absolutely love my Specialized Stumpjumper HT 15.5 (26" wheels), so light and nimble - a dream for single-track and general xc trail-riding (and nice and nifty for running around town too) but ...
- 3,722
1
vote
2
answers
281
views
Light fork recommendations?
I just built my first bike up, it's a total frankenbike and it's a lot of fun, but I'd like, just for fun, to see how light I can make it as I do mostly use it for practical commuting. The frame is a ...
- 3,721
6
votes
2
answers
940
views
Is it important to cover the brake lever apparatus with a protective hood?
This question may just be too basic, but was unable to find a direct answer. People seem to assume that a brake lever hood* is a given, but I'm wondering if it's necessary or really does all that much ...
- 2,069
6
votes
2
answers
266
views
New Alloy Rims, but can’t brake?
I rebuilt an old Peugeot and swapped out the old steel rims for new alloy rims. I then cleaned the existing caliper brakes and put on new brake pads and cables, but they just don’t stop the bike. So ...
- 128k
5
votes
2
answers
1k
views
I changed my V-brake pads but I can't adjust them correctly
I changed my V-brake pads with new ones but now one of the pads is in touch with the rim all the time while the other one has a normal distance from the rim. Adjusting the cable or spring force didn't ...
- 1
4
votes
3
answers
185
views
New V-brake arms don't spring back
I installed new V-type brakes on my bike, which is the same type of brakes as it previously had.
When I tighten the single bolt that holds the brake arm, the arm does not spring back.
If the bolt is ...
- 101
0
votes
1
answer
821
views
Can I use a Shimano BL-MT200 lever on a Shimano BR-M446 brake caliper?
I have a leakage on my lever, and can't find any Shimano BR-M446s for sale. Was wondering if Shimano BL-MT200s were compatible.
19
votes
5
answers
4k
views
The stock brakes on many e-bikes may be inadequate. What changes would make them adequate, and at what cost?
Note that some links in this question go to sites with a metered paywall, i.e. you can access something like 4-5 free articles per month. While the question mentions a bike manufacturer, the problem ...
- 7,899
3
votes
3
answers
18k
views
My v-brake lever (just one) is stiff. What's wrong?
After tuning my brakes a lot (I was learning how), I suddenly noticed my back brake got really stiff. Did not really matter if the cable is loose or not, the lever itself feels really hard to pull ...
- 6,437
5
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Brake pads keep getting contaminated - how to diagnose?
(see updates at the bottom)
My bike uses Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. I can't find any markings on the calipers or handles, but the manufacturer's website says they're BR-M315.
Over the past few ...
- 563
7
votes
2
answers
14k
views
Pros and cons of mixed hydraulic/mechanical brakes vs pure hydraulics
Title of question is self-explanatory.
Recently, it was added to the market brakes that are an hybrid mix between the mechanical Bowden steel cable and hydraulic system, which their oil tank is near ...
- 163
2
votes
2
answers
269
views
Shimano BR-MT400 caliper upgrade?
After 2 years calipers no longer retract fully (pistons) causing annoying rubbing sound.
What options do I have to upgrade it (perhaps something more durable) providing I still want to reuse the same ...
- 65