Dr. Peter Venkman - Ghost Busters 1984
Crap, the rear wheel on my commuter broke a spoke yesterday and I had to ride home with no rear brake (due to the wheel wobbling.) Luckily I've got a spare set of wheels and a truing stand.
Bike Commuter Tip: Spokewrench - I didn't have one, but could have used it to loosen the spokes opposite of the break. This would have brought the wheel a bit more true possibly allowing me to actually use my brakes.
Bonus Bike Commuter Tip: Brake Pads - Wow! A new set makes a huge difference. I only had one pair on hand, so I replaced the backs and realized how degraded their performance has become. I think the pad material must get hard because the fronts aren't all that worn down, but they definitely don't grab as well as the new rear pads. Since we are talking about less than $10 per wheel, I suggest changing them regularly.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
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If your brake pads appear 'shiny' on their surface simply remove the wheel and resurface them with a file. This will greatly improve braking performance again. -John
Back in the old days of heavy wheels, I remember busting a spoke and riding for another week.
Now, with all the lite weight, small count spoke wheels, pop one and your on the cell calling for a ride.
Due to my body weight, I need good brakes. New pads every spring.
I second the filing/sanding method. If you still have the one or two (or more) indentations in the pad, it is good to continue using. A light grain sandpaper every once and awhile really helps.
Those pads are pretty old (age-wise) and getting pretty close to the wear-indicators.
I hear you guys (and you are correct about resurfacing), but they aren't all that glazed over and I'm not optimistic they'll be a lot better.
I once lost 6 spokes when a rock flipped up into the wheel and got jammed in the frame. I was able to clip them off with my multitool, and ride back to work (about 2 miles) with a clown wheel! That wheel has been in my "to fix" pile for a number of years now.
Just replaced brake pads on my On One. Can't believe how good it stops now. V brakes are still pretty cool when tuned!
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