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2009 Bowery Mashup - Replacement Brakes

  • 12-12-2009 1:13pm
    #1
    mvpr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 295 ✭✭


    How are things?

    Have the bike almost a year now and she's great, though find the brakes a bit casual.

    Anyone know of decent replacements that will fit? I dont think the standard shimano-type will fit - the arms on my brakes a longer than a standard road set.

    Any advice much appreciated


Comments

  • #2
    blorg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    If the frame is the same as the normal Bowery, and I think it is, standard road brakes should fit fine.

    However, changing the calipers will likely not help much, I took calipers off a Trek road bike and put them on the Bowery with Kool Stop salmon pads and the braking still felt a bit mushy. These same calipers worked 110% on the road bike they came off.

    I think it may be the levers, at least they were the only thing I didn't change.

    Changing the pads to the Kool Stop probably did help a bit, that might be your best bet.

    Alternately you may need to look at adjusting the brakes to make them a bit better. Have they always been "casual" or have they got worse? Maybe the pads need replacing?


  • #3
    Doc_Savage
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 677 ✭✭✭Doc_Savage


    it's gonna be the rims and the pads that'll make the biggest difference!


  • #4
    blorg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    Rims make no difference, I tried different front wheels and braking sensation was identical. Same wheels on my road bike braking completely different.

    There is definitely something with the brakes on that bike, I honestly think it is the levers.


  • #5
    penexpers
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,038 ✭✭✭penexpers


    These are the Tektro levers? Would agree they are pretty poor. Used them with calipers on my Smooth Hound and it always felt very spongy.


  • #6
    blorg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    Spongy is what the sensation is all right. In fairness braking is actually fine, it just feels worse than my STI levers. Did you ever try anything else Penexpers? The Tektro levers on my Tricross are far better but I discovered that they are actually only compatible with V-Brakes, so not an option with calipers.


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  • #7
    mvpr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 295 ✭✭mvpr


    Thanks for the comments.

    Havent noticed any deterioration in the braking - I guess its always been the same. Replaced front pads recently.

    Replacement brake levers might be the way forward. What'd be the best option? Something like these?

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=34689

    http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=95&idproduct=21738


  • #8
    blorg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    Not the LX ones, they are for V-Brakes. The R550 would have the right amount of cable pull. Impossible to tell if it will make a difference until you give it a go of course!


  • #9
    mvpr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 295 ✭✭mvpr


    Can you recommend new pads which would improve braking performance?


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