I know this sounds like the sort of question that someone who knows nothing about bikes would ask, but I assure you I have tried everything. I have retensioned the cables (I have even replaced the rear one) but for some reason the brake pads just don't stop the bicycle. They look practically as good as new too - despite being thirty-two years old they have virtually no wear at all. What could be causing this?
2007-11-20 05:38:54 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
By the way, the brakes are single-pull calipers.
2007-11-20 05:39:27 · update #1
Ah thank you! I suspected that, but I was told it was more likely that it was the cable. Strange really.
2007-11-20 07:04:05 · update #2
32 Years Old ! ! !
It's the compound mate ! - It's aged!
Todays brake pad compounds are far more advanced than the pads of old, the biggest difference is they work in the wet!
I still use caliper brakes now but the big difference I find, is wet weather braking; The only small disadvantage is the accelerated wear that occurs. (tends to be messy on your rims too!). But it's worth it!
Get some new Brake shoes and pads, you will notice the improvement.
Best of luck mate.
.
2007-11-20 07:00:10 · answer #1 · answered by onlyme Mr G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The brake pads are probably ready to be replaced after 32 years. This has nothing to do with the visible condition of the parts. It's mainly about the condition of the material itself. The pad has probably lost much of it's moisture and is unable to produce friction to stop the bike. Think about trying to erase a pencil mark with a dried up eraser. Same concept.
2007-11-20 06:43:08 · answer #2 · answered by Jay P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As said, you have great museum pieces, worth storing well for their historic value.
Now, get new brake pads as everyone has said, and you will have working brakes.
Would love to see your re built bike, he, he.
2007-11-20 07:41:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't listen to all these other answers. What you need new brakes pads!
2007-11-21 03:50:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
32 years old? This is a wind up, right?
2007-11-20 09:58:56 · answer #5 · answered by Steve C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dude, your riding components 3 decades old!!!
2007-11-20 07:19:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
mm i don't know but if i did i would like to help you take it to a shop
2007-11-20 06:29:54 · answer #7 · answered by little kizzy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋