Bike brakes

[Scott Douglas]

The brakes on my bike have been making a 'not good' sound for a while now and I've been ignoring it. Until yesterday when it became obvious I should look at them.
I think I need new pads.

Down to metal on one section and no wear on the other end.
I found the receipt for the bike when looking for info on the type of brakes.
It'll be 10 years since I bought it new back in Nov '13.
This is the type of brake I have on it.

Any recommendations as to where I should look to get new pads for it?
The local shop doesn't open until 10 this morning so I thought I'd find out what you guys think before heading on down there. I tried the shop I bought it from yesterday but they weren't open. Not sure when they'll be open either. Probably should have read the sign on the door. That shop is the little guy in the big vs little shop battle around here.

[herr_oberst]

I'd recommend KoolStop "salmon" for your bike. Good price, good pad

[LEAKYSEALS951]

looks like there is a piece of metal shard embedded in the pad more than worn through and through. The horizontal black line on top center in that pic is the wear limit. You aren't at it yet. I'd try to pick out that metal /rock/ whateverand keep on cruising- that said, sometimes new pads will really bring new life to braking. Perhaps fix the current pad and order a new set online or something/ get to bike shop when convenient.

[Scott Douglas]

I went to the bike shop and picked up a new set of pads w/hardware for $8+change. Got home and put them on, adjusted as best I could and they work GREAT now. Quiet too.
After reading this I went back out and dug the old pads out of the drawer I'd put them in as I saved them for emergency purposes. I got out my knife and dug at that 'metal' or whatever that is showing in the first pic.
It disintegrated under the knifing. Rubbed the pads on some sandpaper and I now have an extra set of used pads for next time. I think it must have been a rock from the beach or something like that. It turned to 'dust' mostly as it didn't come out as a 'rock' from between a tire tread.
Anyways, it got me out in the garage and my bike is the better for it now.
Thanks for the help.

Oh, just looking at the ones @herr_oberst linked to, mine have threaded posts. Thanks again.

Note. When the bike shop guy looked at the pad he said it looked like the brake had been adjusted perfectly. The pad came from the back left hand side of the bike. He explained how they should be adjusted so they don't squeal. Mine don't and never really have.
Leading edge in first contact relative to rotation so it's drawn into the rim as pressure is applied. Made sense to me and works well.

[Racerbvd]

Well, I am a fan of Paul's brakes and Kool-stop pads.


This sports 29" wheels, I am 6', 270lbs and they STOP me, and when I say stop, I let a friend ride it last week and it about threw him over the bars.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Isn't it amazing what a new set can sometimes do.
I was going to comment on the toe, but didn't, but I was also thinking it looked set up pretty nicely by whoever originally did it.
Enjoy!

[john70t]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

Down to metal on one section and no wear on the other end.

Each arm has a pivot and a retraction spring inside.
Take off, clean and lube, reinstall. Make sure they are even in operation.

Make sure new pads have full contact.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by LEAKYSEALS951

Isn't it amazing what a new set can sometimes do.
I was going to comment on the toe, but didn't, but I was also thinking it looked set up pretty nicely by whoever originally did it.
Enjoy!

I have a nifty set of wedges that make setting toe on rim brakes a snap. But for what it's worth, disc brakes are the future.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

Oh, just looking at the ones @herr_oberst linked to, mine have threaded posts. Thanks again.

KS makes brake pads in many, many different configurations; threaded, non threaded, cartridge only, wet weather compound, dry weather compound, dual compound ....

[Scott Douglas]

Thanks guys, it's a ten year old beach cruiser I got for exercise when I retired. 7-spds, balloon tires, the look I wanted so's not to embarrass myself down on the bike path at the beach. It has served me well. Since my heart surgery I really don't need more speeds, even though it'd be cool to have more options. As for disc brakes, yeah, they'd be cool too. I looked at a replacement bike while at the shop. It'd cost @$700 to replicate what I have with the adjustable stem and sprung seat post, but, I would get hydraulic disc brakes in the deal.
But, I'd also loose the balloon tire look too.

[herr_oberst]

It looks great. It looks like you have it set up exactly the way you need it for the things you want to do with it. And you're showing up and getting your blood pumping.

[Scott Douglas]

I swapped the wheels when I first got it. Put on some that came with a Diamond Back Ascent that's been hanging in the garage rafters for a long time. They had better hubs and stainless spokes, looked like new after a lot of years and still look good today.
The rack was/is a must have for an old guy beach cruiser and the bag holds 'stuff' that would look dorky strapped to the rack. I could probably ditch the tool bag and pump as I've never used them and probably wouldn't when out on a ride. But you just never know who or what you might run into out there and I like to be able to offer help when needed and take care of my own self when needed too.

[herr_oberst]

The day you consciously decide to leave the repair tools at home is the day you need them...

[Scott Douglas]

That's exactly why they're still on the bike!

[LWJ]

Funny. I just swapped pads on my mountain bike an hour ago. Made me look like a pro wrench. Yay.

Also, Kool Stop is located about a mile from my house. Never been there or met anyone affiliated with them. But local nonetheless.

Glad you got your ride working!

[look 171]

new brakes pads feel so good.

One thing I learned to get them center is to bend the spring instead of turning the 'lil adjustment screw where the throw it very limited. I just use my finger to neither bend the spring in or out. Works great and a lot less cussing.

[Scott Douglas]

So today I got around to fixing my buddy Hank's rear brake. This is on the bike that I had replaced the spoke for him on the rear wheel.
What a pita.
The pivot on the right side was not wanting to pivot as it was deformed some how besides being super grimy with dirt and oil. I finally got it to pivot so it'd center nicely. As I left to take it back to his house I applied the front brake and was greeted with a scalded cat squeal. So, back to the garage for one more adjustment.
He was pleased with the outcome of my efforts and should enjoy riding his bike more now too.