My back brakes on my bmx arnt gripping very well and i dont no how to make them better?

Question

its an abd (avanti bike development) 1080 and there good brakes but its just not gripping on the rim as well as it should also i dont want to get new ones i just want to tweak them to work beter

Answer 1

First make sure both brake pads are hitting the rim at exactly the same time.  If one hits before the other, this causes, what I like to call, "Mashed Potato Brakes," because it feels like you're squeezing your brakes into mashed potatoes.  Anyways, adjust your brakes so both pads hit the rim at the same time.  If this doesn't help, the take the pads off and file them down with a metal file to get a new layer of rubber exposed.  Brake pads will get gunk and dirt built up on them and cause them not to grab as well as they originally did.  If none of those help, take it to a bike shop and get em tuned up.

Answer 2

The brakes on your bike are "U" brakes, right?

Well, I hate to tell you this but U brakes aren't supposed to be able to stop on a dime- or a quarter- or a dollar bill. They are to allow the rider to carefully modulate and control speed while doing tricks or complex maneuvers.

A very good mechanic can "tweak" them for you but you'll never get absolute positive braking from them. They just aren't made for it.

Answer 3

Your brake pads are worn out, don't worry, just go to your local bike shop. The decent ones are about 10 USD and the nicer ones are about 20 USD. Get one of the nicer ones, because your brakes will last.

Answer 4

If they are not worn out you should be able to adjust them.

Answer 5

near the brake lever there is a little bolt type thing that the cable goes through. twist that bolt out until you get your stopping power back.

Answer 6

U should buy new brake pads man..