brake problems

HI,

Hard to tell from the pics but I have read that chromed steel rims have lesser braking ability than than aluminum rims...I can't remember where I read that tho (of course, generally speaking, bikes with aluminum rims tend to be of higher quality so maybe everything else being upgraded too makes the difference?).

Anyways, sanding the rim is interesting but maybe try cleaning the rim with some brake cleaner...you would be surprised how a little bit of oil film can greatly reduce braking performance.

If the pads are old and maybe glazed over you may try sanding the surface of them to get to the "new" rubber....If that doesn't work maybe try a good set of aftermarket brake pads.

NOTE: For max braking performance your rims need to be true...I would also check that the brake arms are rigid and not flexing back and forth (from front to rear when viewing the brakes from the seat).

Hope this helps.

Andrew

PS - Whatever you do, for your sake and others possibly, make sure you get the braking figured out...sometimes you just have to stop...FAST!

they do make a brake pad just for steel rims, I forgot who made them ,but they do seem to help out. the brakes I like to use are the stock V brake with koolstop pad. for me they seem to work well enough for me and I have been able to kill the engine with the brake. One thing I do before I get going in the morning is to check my brake pads before I start out, because I can wear out a set very quickly.

mike