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Brakes that don't slow you down

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gsk82
Joined: 09 May 2009
Posts: 47
PostPosted Sat Nov 7, 2009 8:46 pmReply with quote    
I've started using my old bike the past few weeks because i don't want to get my shiny Focus Cayo too mucky. only problem is that the kits all Sora. I've got no problem with the gears but the brakes just don't seem to slow me down, decending is rather scary.

I've got 105 on my Focus and think the breaks are very good. I had the bike serviced recently and the cable were all changed as were the pads, they seem to be set up right as well so shouldn't be that. So my question is... Would changing the brakes or levers make much difference if i only did one and not the other?
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ride_whenever
Joined: 17 Oct 2006
Posts: 8174
Location: United Kingdom
PostPosted Sat Nov 7, 2009 8:52 pmReply with quote    
very little difference.

Did you mean you've had new cables and pads on the old bike?

If so i'd try cleaning the rims.

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hopper1
Joined: 16 Aug 2008
Posts: 1075
Location: Norfolk coast.
PostPosted Sat Nov 7, 2009 9:16 pmReply with quote    
I have Sora on my old bike, never had an issue with stopping.
Did you scrub your new brake pads in?
+1 for cleaning the rims.
And, without trying to teach you to suck eggs... Are your brake 'quick releases' in the correct position? Wink

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karlmoreton
Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 64
Location: Lincoln, United Kingdom
PostPosted Sun Nov 8, 2009 9:43 amReply with quote    
Wipe rims down with baby wipes and de-glaze pads with fine sandpaper eg P180.

Poor machining of rim surfaces can also effect braking, if you are particularly interested in a brake upgrade I can personally recommend these-

www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/info_BCMCFORBK.html

Have them myself lighter than new Dura Ace, cartridge pads, only |£50 for the set (front and rear), oh and they are very powerful ! Shocked

Focus Cayo
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John C.
Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 1730
PostPosted Sun Nov 8, 2009 6:15 pmReply with quote    
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Kool_Stop_Dura_Ace~Ultegra~105_Pair_Of_Cartridge_Inserts/5300005952/

try koolstop pads

http://www.ripon-loiterers.org.uk/

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
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Monty Dog
Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 10415
Location: Fleet, UK
PostPosted Sun Nov 8, 2009 7:13 pmReply with quote    
Replace the one-piece blocks with cartridge holders and pads - a softer compound like Salmon will help too, but they wear quicker

Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
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Bill D
Joined: 04 Jan 2009
Posts: 30
PostPosted Sun Nov 8, 2009 9:35 pmReply with quote    
Try taking the 105s off your focus and putting them on the old bike. Any difference? If so, cheapest option would be to leave them on til you want to ride the focus again.
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John.T
Joined: 12 Nov 2004
Posts: 1735
Location: Harrogate. N. Yorkshire. UK
PostPosted Sun Nov 8, 2009 11:17 pmReply with quote    
Monty Dog wrote:
Replace the one-piece blocks with cartridge holders and pads - a softer compound like Salmon will help too, but they wear quicker

I have no problem with block life with mine. On my Trek 5200 they have been on since 2006 and have done about 9000 miles, admittedly summer ones but not all dry. On my winter bike the rears lasted about 5000 miles and could have gone a bit further. The fronts are still going strong after about 7000 miles. For the performance they give I can stand this 'quick' wear. Very Happy

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John C.
Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 1730
PostPosted Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:23 pmReply with quote    
Not sure how Koolstop work, they stop you quickly but don't wear rim or pad

http://www.ripon-loiterers.org.uk/

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
Hills are just a matter of pace
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