Brakes?

[teajay]

Hey folks,

My speedster is coming along nicely, but I'm a bit worried about the brakes. The donor bike was a cheapy BMX bike with center mount side pull calipers. I tossed the crappy brakes that came with it and got some better quality side pulls: http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1406.

These are ok but still don't seem to stop the bike with enough authority. Since I'm new at this bicycle stuff I'm wondering if maybe I'm not adjusting the correctly. Should they be able to stop the bike solidly? As recommended I've switched out the stock chrome wheels for alloy wheels. Maybe new brake pads like Kool Stop?

Looking online I've noticed that side pulls are generally looked down upon. Should I replace them with U-brakes or V brakes? I've found adapters that will convert a center mount to use either of these but am not sure if it's worth the effort or expense.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Teajay

[AtomicZombie]

If you don't mind a little surgery and paint touch ups, you could remove the cantilever studs from another fork or rear frame and install at least one on your bike...

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/images/vbrake-overall.jpg

There is no comparison - these brakes are so much better than side pulls.

At leas one would make a world of difference.

Brad

[theDude]

If you squeeze your brake lever so it just about touches the grip the wheel should lock up. If it doesn't the caliper may need adjustment, you might need better brake pads, or like Brad said they might not have enough guts to get the job done. I'm using those same calipers and pads on the front two wheels on my StreetFox and they are able to lock up both wheels.

[trikeman]

If you haven't already, you might take a look at this thread.

http://forum.atomiczombie.com/showthread.php?t=589&highlight=brakes

[teajay]

Thanks for the replies. I've considered the "surgery" but the bike is a project I've been doing with my two nephews who we're taking care of for a month. The lads have never touched a tool before and I wanted to give the some schoolin' on making stuff. They've taken to the building in a big way, but they leave in a week and given my limited bicycle skills -- and days off -- welding on posts would probably be too complicated. Also, I'm not sure my new welding skills are up to attaching small IMPORTANT parts.

So, since I'm out of time I need to substitute money. Jenson makes a V brake adapter: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BR400A00-Dimension+Linear+Pull+Brake+Mount.aspx. Would this be a reasonable solution. Can anyone recommend a decent brake set to go with it that won't break the bank? What about U brakes? There's also an adapter for these: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BR407G12-Tektro+U1+Bmx+U+Brake+Adapter+Plate+Blk.aspx that's cheaper. Would this be a reasonable alternative?

I could probably only afford to do the v brakes on one wheel while I could do the u-brakes on both.

Thanks again for all the help! I come from a background of playing with motorcycles, not bicycles, and this is all new to me.

teajay

[TheKid]

How about finding a donor with a fork that has the cantilever mounts? Maybe a thrift shop or Craigslist, or if worse comes to worse, a new bike for a donor from Wallyworld.

[trikeman]

Good idea on find a different fork with good brake mounts (and brakes) already on it. Only problem will be finding one that fits the existing head tube.

If it will fit your headtube, here is a front fork with canti mounts already on it.

http://www.bikepartsusa.com/bikeparts/item/01-103574/fork-20_inch/Pyramid--20%22-MTB-Fork%2C-WCanti-Posts&category=fork-20_inch

[teajay]

Thought about it. Nothing on craigslist or the local thrift shops. Walmart is a possibility, but the head tube is already attached and painted and I'm not sure I could find a fork that would fit and I don't really want to cut off the one that we've attached to attach another. Plus I only have 2 full days this week and nights after work to finish up so that the boys can take it with them when they go home.

Thanks,

teajay