I've had a problem with my bike for awhile. I'm pretty sure it has a simple solution, but I don't know much about bike repair. I've searched awhile hoping to find a solution, but it's hard when you don't know the exact terms for the bike.
My problem deals with the brakes. There's no problem peddling, but when I hit the break the bike doesn't stop immediately like it should. It skids for a second or so after i hit the brake. There's also an annoying screechy sound when I hit the break. I'm sure it has to do with the mechanics that clamps down on the tire, but I can't be sure.
What do I need to do to fix this? Is it a simple repair or do I need to take it to a bike shop to get looked at?
The screechy sound should be cured by "toeing in" the brake pads. How you do that varies a little between different types of brakes so I won't get in to specifics. (Cleaning the rims, sanding the brake pads, or putting on new pads also sometimes fix it.)
As to how they stop...you say they "skid" for a second or two. If the tires are skidding (actually stop rotating) then the brakes are plenty strong. In fact, skidding means you are applying TOO MUCH breaking power. You slow down fastest at the point just before the tires start to skid. Once they start skidding, you actually take longer to slow down. It takes a little practice to get the right balance. But it's worth purposely practicing this so you can do it automatically in a panic stop.
Note also that cheap/old tires will tend to skid easier than new, better quality tires because the rubber tends to be harder and more slippery.
But if this is not the problem you are having, please go in to more detail.
Ahh. This is where the issue of knowing terms comes in. By skidding, I meant that the tires keep turning a bit after i hit the brake. I just went and gave it a second look. It seems like the front brakes are much stronger than the back brakes. If I'm correct (which I may not be), the brakes are supposed to be stronger in the back so you dont flip off your bike. Me and my dad checked out the brakes, and they seem to be clamping down properly. However, the back brakes still don't seem to be stopping the bike like they should
Any more suggestions?? I'm not really sure what other information is important.
[quote='rynloo' pid='8893' dateline='1278618433']
I've had a problem with my bike for awhile. I'm pretty sure it has a simple solution, but I don't know much about bike repair. I've searched awhile hoping to find a solution, but it's hard when you don't know the exact terms for the bike.
My problem deals with the brakes. There's no problem peddling, but when I hit the break the bike doesn't stop immediately like it should. It skids for a second or so after i hit the brake. There's also an annoying screechy sound when I hit the break. I'm sure it has to do with the mechanics that clamps down on the tire, but I can't be sure.
What do I need to do to fix this? Is it a simple repair or do I need to take it to a bike shop to get looked at?
[/quote
it sounds like your back rim can be a little bent and the screeching is normal it's just the sounds of the brakes breaking in to the bike . just like when a engine brakes in to a car same thing with brakes . depending on how often you use the brakes will depend on when the screeching will go . you should check your back rim and see if it's a little bent . if its not there could be something on your rim thats causing it so brake a little harder. if not it could be your brake pads . you should go to your nearest bike shop and let them check it out a bit and give them a 1-2 dollar tip so if next time you come you might get a really good deal. good luck with your bike
Make sure your pads aren't worn, there isn't any rocks or debris lodged in the mechanism, etc. Up here in Chicago, salt tends to get stuck on my disc causing this. Scares the hell out of anyone within 1000 ft of you too.