Stopping power

I use 2 levers for brakes because there are just times I want more front brake than rear and others maybe no front at all. I run the front brake and clutch on the left, and rear on the right. It was easy to get used to using the clutch and front brake together at the same time, I reach my fingers over the clutch and grab the brake with one or two fingers.

The side pull is often about the weakest brake there is so proper adjustment is important but Im sure you have that down. Some center pull are better but barely. A coaster would help but that would lose the rear derailuer and there would be no more moutain bike feature. I would think that the double lever would be tough to get good braking with side pull but I dont know for sure since I have never tried it.

You could look for a used V-brake compatable front brake fork, or you could find a disc front wheel and caliper for pretty cheap on ebay or even some discount bike suppliers for around $60-70 but you also would need a disc compatable fork and that would really add to the cost.

what bill said - stock side pull brakes on walmart bikes suck big time. try to get them as tight as possible so you have the least amount of lever travel possible. Or pick up some big motocross / other brake levers... the big levers = more leverage = more braking power. Get a V brake fork or even a V brake adapting plate for the rear. It will make a big difference. Or you could even get some nice sidepulls like these: http://www.porkchopbmx.com/Dia-Compe-MX1000-BMX-brake-caliper-BLACK-ANODIZED-MXS0011T.htm
also check to see if you are using stock rims that have a painted surface. I dont know what fricking idiot decided that it would be a good idea paint the braking surface of wallmart / cheap bike's steel rims with glossy paint. The paint will essentially ruin any attempt made to stop the bike.....^~^ anyway good luck. -MOTO

The only thing I can add is to make sure your rims and pads are clean. Regularily wipe them down with a bit of degreaser on a cloth. If you can't get a good grip on the rim nothing else will help.

Use front and rear disc brakes. I use them on my racer/ cruiser and they work great.

Instead of disc brakes, you can use hydraulic rim brakes http://www.rosebikes.com/article/magura-rim-brake-hs-33/aid:474179

https://images.danscomp.com/images/products/mid_489051.gif

vbrake adapter plate. Bolts on where old-school beach bike calipers would go, and uses steel hose clamps to pin down the sides. Ugly but it works.

I'd rather just use a bike that had v-brakes designed into it from the factory.

Cut or grind the mounts off a cheap parts bike. I find parts bikes at yard sales, thrift stores etc.

Jamesgregory:::

Here's the adapter plate you're looking for>>
http://www.danscomp.com/products-PARTS/489051/V-Brake_Plate.html

TiM

If you need to run 2 brakes, and a happytime clutch, get this:

http://www.bikeberry.com/media/cata...ab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/o/combolever.jpg

$15 http://www.bikeberry.com/engine-kit-parts/2-stroke-clutch/combo-brake-and-clutch-lever.html


You can probably get a whole 90s mountain bike with cantilevers or v-brakes, for $50 to $100, at pawn shops, craigslist, etc.

If it uses cantilever brakes, you can replace them wtih v-brakes and levers on the same brake studs.

Jamesgregory said:

Hmmm!!! Where can I get these V adapters? I will replace both front and rear calipers with these if they will work better. I googled and drew a blank

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