Bicycle Brake Cable
Bicycle brakes question?
This is a fifteen speed quest escape bicycle ,the brakes are adjusted to semi precision the cables and pads are new but it is very difficult to apply enough grip to stop it on a steep grade.What am I doing wrong?
There are a number of things that may be causing this problem. My guess is that the bike cost you between $70 and $90, right? To this end, lower priced bikes tend to have one or more of the following issues when it comes to brakes.
Check each of the following… your bike may have more than one of these.
1) Does your bike have steel rims? You can tell this if the rims are either chrome plated or painted. If it has steel rims then they are probably flexing as you apply the brakes, reducing their effectiveness. In this instance there is nothing you can do to improve braking without replacing the wheels;
2) Are the brake arms made of stamped steel or are they of solid aluminum? This is easy to determine by checking the back of the arms. If they are hollow then they are made of steel… and again, they are usually either chrome plated or painted black. If the arms are steel they are probably flexing so much that braking is compromised. Replacement calipers cost about $20-$25 plus installation;
3) Are the brake levers all metal or do they have plastic parts? The part that holds the lever is called the hood and is where the lever pivots. If this is plastic, it may also be moving around too much… you may even be able to see it bend and move around as you pull the lever. Chances are if you have steel brake calipers you also have plastic brake lever hoods. You’ll need to replace both the calipers and the levers… about $50 plus labor.
So, as you might have figured by now it probably would have been better to have spent just a little more money at a bike shop or just choose a better bike where $200 would have gotten you an inexpensive but reliable bike and service to boot.
Keep in mind that the bike is doing exactly what it was designed for- very cheap, no frills transportation. Don’t blame it on the bike or the store or the person that sold it to you as they didn’t force you to buy a cheap bike, it was your choice.
Basic Bicycle Repairs : How to Install Bicycle Brake Cables
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