Questions tagged [brakes]
Disc/rim/drum/coaster brakes; braking technique, maintaining brakes, anything else about stopping a bike.
198
questions
45
votes
6
answers
73k
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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
12
votes
2
answers
89k
views
How do I know whether my bike can use disk brakes?
I have a Gary Fisher bike (wahoo I believe). I think it's considered the entry level Fisher mountain bike.
Could I put on disc brakes as opposed to using the standard brakes on this bike?
Standard ...
- 121
52
votes
8
answers
76k
views
Why don't brakes come with 'Safety Levers' any more?
It used to be very common to see bikes with dual pull brake levers (if that's even the right name) as shown below. However now it seems almost impossible to find brakes like this. Even finding a ...
- 21.9k
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 ...
- 20k
70
votes
19
answers
85k
views
Do skilled cyclists really "use the front brake alone probably 95% of the time"?
Sheldon Brown's Braking and Turning Your Bicycle page states that:
Skilled cyclists use the front brake alone probably 95% of the time
and
"Generally I advise against using both brakes at the ...
- 7,125
35
votes
1
answer
152k
views
What is the difference between I.S., post, and flat mount disc brake mounting standards?
What is the difference between "I.S." (international standard), "P.M." (post mount), and flat mount disc brake mounting standards?
Does one have a clear advantage over the other and is there a ...
- 29.3k
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
7
votes
2
answers
12k
views
Can I convert flat bar to drop bars on a hybrid bike
I'm fairly certain that the bars should change out quite easily; I'm more concerned about the shifters and brakes. Currently I have a hybrid 18 speed with cable disc brakes and Shimano Deore XT ...
- 71
11
votes
2
answers
28k
views
What is the actual cable pull of brake levers?
I understand that there are 2 brake lever cable pull standards:
Standard Pull Levers
Long Pull Levers (for V-brakes and disc brakes)
But what is the actual difference in pull? And specifically: what ...
- 213
24
votes
6
answers
7k
views
What kinds of brake designs exist, and what are their general pros and cons?
Here are the ones I'm aware of:
Center Pull Cantilever
Slightly better braking than side pull brakes.
No recentering problem.
Relatively rare
V-Brakes
Cheap to produce.
Similar in braking power to ...
5
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Convert a Cannondale SM1000 (about 1991 model) to disk brakes
I've got an older, about 1991, model Cannondale SM1000 mountain bike purchased new. Would it be worth it to convert to disk brakes and if so what would be the process?
- 51
19
votes
5
answers
30k
views
Fixing noisy V brakes
My V brakes make a lot of noise when I brake! I am annoyed by such noise, not to mention the pedestrians. My mechanic said that it will not make this noise after using it for couple of days, but it is ...
- 2,958
40
votes
15
answers
64k
views
When should I not use my front brake?
I have only been riding for a short time and I remember when I was a child there was a belief that if you used your front brakes going downhill that you would fly over your handlebars.
However, my ...
- 1,509
18
votes
3
answers
68k
views
do I need to change my disc if the brake pads got oil on them
In trying to change the brake pads on my mountain bike, I managed to get oil on my new pads and empty out all the brake fluid, and consequently also get some oil on the disc. I took the bike to the ...
- 303
5
votes
1
answer
5k
views
How do I get rid of the noise on my Hayes Stroker Trail brakes
I recently bought a new bike that came with Hayes Stroker Trail hydraulic brakes. From day one they were squeeky and not very grippy. I wrote it off to the burn in period that most disc brakes ...
- 384