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Frenchbuilt

Are there any special brake cables that do not stretch as much as what I am finding in the local bike shop? The longer the cable the more stretch and the rear brakes always feel spongy. This is the way it has always been but the new bikes I checked recently (best ones) have great feel even on rear brake and I know that they are of course much more modern in conception but they still have cables. And, I can see the old brakes flexing here and there.

Its no big deal but I am trying to get everything as smooth as possible and nice.

Thanks, Dan

Gtane

Dan,

Current brake cable outers have a nylon or similar insert (against which the cable runs back and forth) in addition to the outer and coiled housing (so three layers in all). The addition of the nylon inner has improved brake performance no end. Teflon coated cables are worth using with the nylon lined outers for further improvement. All three outer layers provide rigidity and it's this rigidity that will improve braking performance. I have found these three layer outers to improve braking on older machines where they have been replaced.

Not only the above, but the reduction of cable slack is also of great importance when setting up the brakes. By slack I mean the amount of cable waving about in the wind. One needs as little of the slack as possible yet as much as required to provide maximum braking efficiency. I suggest looking at professional machines through the ages to get an idea of the amount to have. Cutting out this slack as well as using pre stretched cables will help no end. Manufacturers sell pre stretched cables so would recommend sourcing a set.

The calipers also need to be precisely set-up, balanced, lubricated and completely free to do their work when needed. Don't worry about flex, many calipers flex under pressure but do check them for possible fatigue.

The rear brake always has slightly more play than the front because there is more cable from the lever to the caliper.

Tim

verktyg

Once installed and initially stretched, steel brake cables themselves will stretch very little.

My guess is that what you are felling is the cable housing, rear caliper and to a lesser degree the lever flexing.

The rear brake on a bike should only be used for modulating your speed. If your rear wheel locks up and starts to skid you have little control of the bike. Jobst Brandt has written about this extensively, do a web search on him and brakes.

Front brakes do 90% of the stopping anyway, that's one reason most fixies only have a front brake.

Frenchbuilt

Thank you, I agree with everything!! Since I like to play with things, I will
just work my way through the system to make it as "tight" as possible.

Thanks again for the posts.

Dan

scozim

My rear Weinmann 405 brake has always been a little spongy to the feel and it causes a little stress when those college students pull out from the stop sign in front of me. Fortunately, the front does grip better. I even changed levers and have new calipers ready to go this winter (Sachs New Success) to try and help a little more.