How to Improve the Brakes on Your Mountain Bike
Stopping can be a good thing, no? Keep your brakes clean so they'll be there for you.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Remove the wheels from your bike.
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2
Clean the wheel rims with rubbing alcohol and steel wool to remove grime and the black streaks of rubber left from the brake pads.
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3
Use a knife, stick or any thin object to remove grease, rubber or dirt from the grooves of the brake pads.
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4
Take a piece of sandpaper and lightly sand the brake pads to roughen them up and improve their gripping power.
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5
Replace the wheels on your bike.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If your brakes have lost all stopping power, it's either time to tune them or replace them.
For a thorough brake overhaul, bring your bike into a bike shop for a tune-up.
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Comments
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Sep 10, 2006
The spring is often just a piece of stiff wire. You can slide the wire out of position, then bend the wire somewhat. Then slide the wire back into position. This will change the spring tension, if the adjustment screws aren't enough. -
Aug 08, 2006
A light grind with an angle grinder or dremmel along the surface of the rim will improve stopping power (remove your tire first). I'd recommend using a harder compound brake pad if you choose this method. Another method is to take a solid block of roofing or road tar and streak it on the rims. They will squeak for a bit, but the braking will be instant.
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Jul 14, 2006
Buy a decent pair of brake pads when buying v-brake pads, a good pair may cost a few quid more, but is much better.
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Jun 30, 2006
On V-brakes, knock pads closer to rims to increase stopping power. Don't tighten too much, as the brake pads will burn out.
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Jun 30, 2006
On V-brakes, knock pads closer to rims to increase stopping power. Don't tighten too much, as the brake pads will burn out.
