Bicycle Brake Mechanics?

Question

I just had to buy a new rear wheel for my bike and the new rim is short, flat and fat, as opposed to the original "Deep V" style rim that was on there. What is the trick on brakes to getting them to widen and still work? I have widened the space for the shoes, but now when I apply the brakes the "recoil" as I call it, isn't there, they want to just stay in contact with the rim. Are there any websites to illustrate how to remedy this? If so please share!! Thanks!

Answer 1

If you have "V" brakes, also called linear pull brakes, you should take the brake pads off the bike and reverse the spacers- rather than the wide one being on the inside- next to the pad, swap it with the narrow one. BE CAREFUL- there are a bunch of them and you don't want to mess up the orientation of the "alignment spacers".

If you have another type of brake you'll have to reveal it.  

Answer 2

down where your wheel is where the brake squeezes the wheel there should be a bit of left over wire undo the bolt and then push some more wire through and then its bassically done or you could take it to a bike shop thats what i done and i watched him do it so i knew how in future and if its the brake he will only charge about five pound they charged me 6 pound for a new brake and 2.45 for fitting

Answer 3

Everything you need to know about brakes

http://sheldonbrown.com/brakes/index.htm...

I depends so much on type that a good start is to check there.