Brakes! How are yours?

**Bikeguy Joe** · #1 05-29-2008, 05:19 PM

O.K., as requested, a thread dedicated to brakes.

Who wants to write the definitive brake manifesto? Volunteers?

**Bikeguy Joe** · #2 05-29-2008, 05:23 PM

Personally, all three of the motorized bikes I've built had only rear coaster brakes. Not the best set up, however, I do live waaaay out in the boonies and don't have a lot of riding where I couldn't just coast to a stop.

I realize a lot of you ride in the city or more congested areas where good brakes are more than just a good idea.

I'll be the first to admit I know nothing about bike brakes except the cable pull type and some of the variations of those, and coaster brakes.

Pad types?
Brake types?
Disc?

**Dave31** · #3 05-29-2008, 07:55 PM

I've got some link's about brakes in my favorites, maybe it will get something started.

Video:Http://bicycletutor.com/adjust-cantilever-brakes/

Articles about brakes:Harris Cyclery Articles About Brakes

Brake Maintenance Video: YouTube - Bicycle Brake Maintenance Video

Bicycle Repair - Adjustment bike brakes

U-brakes: YouTube - How to Repair Bicycles : How to Adjust a Bike U-Brake: Bicycle Repair

Clean disc brakes; YouTube - How to clean disc brakes on a bicycle

Disc brake conversions: Brake Therapy Disc Brake Conversion

**Bikeguy Joe** · #4 05-29-2008, 09:13 PM

Exellent!!!!!

frenchman159 · #5 05-29-2008, 09:28 PM

Great links.....I'm thinking the dual lever as it's kinda a pain to have the front on the clutch side........I've heard good and bad about it....input ?

**Bikeguy Joe** · #6 05-30-2008, 06:37 AM

I always liked the coaster brakes because they were simple and never failed.
The down side to them is that 80% of your braking is done with the front wheel- if it's equipped with brakes.

**Dave31** · #7 05-30-2008, 01:52 PM

I have had my coaster brake fail, coming down Mt. Lemon after the Death Race. The hub got hot and just stopped working, I had to jam my foot between the tire and seat post tube to stop. And you know what is really really bad? I still have not added front brakes! Shame on me

**Bikeguy Joe** · #8 05-30-2008, 06:50 PM

I still don't wear a helmet or have front brakes!!!!!!

I don't even have a motorized bicycle right now!!!! I rode my bike without a motor for the last two days!!!!!!!!

deacon · #9 05-31-2008, 09:09 PM

Wild eyed rebel biker... fat marlin brando on a ten speed with a tiny little engine.

. That has got to be one of the silliest images I have had in a month. Thanks for the laugh guys.

Opps was supposed to be in helmets again. Sorry

spad4me · #10 06-04-2008, 10:34 PM

I consumed every set of brake pads that I bought at Wall-e-world almost immediately.
I found an abandoned bicycle with American made pads and two ell shaped support brackets that ride on the rear frame to align the pads properly.
These pads are still going strong.

I stripped the bike for everything usable after this.