The brakes on my bike suck. Anything I can do?

Question

Its an orange Next bike from walmart... thats all i know. Uhm... my brakes have never been really good. i need good brakes for tricks. Is there anything I can do to fix it?????????

thanks in advance,

JiLL

Answer 1

You don't say what type of bike it is, so I'll just assume it's a mountain bike style.  Having the brakes adjusted properly is the first step.....good pads is a necessity, too.  If those two things don't make them stop well, then look at your levers on the handlebar.  Some cheapie brakes use a nylon clamp to mount them to the bar, rather than a metal one.  If this is the case, buy a new set of levers for cheap....you can get them from $10 to $20 a pair in all sorts of brands.   If you have the ultra-cheap stamped steel (cupped) v-brakes, then just pick up a new set of v-brakes from Tektro or Shimano Deore for $20 to $40 (complete kit with levers, calipers, and pads).  

Also, make sure your rims are clean....use some dish soap and a scrubber, or some acetone or isopropyl alcohol to clean off any grime from the rim and pads.  

Hope this helps....and be careful with the new brakes!  Grab them easy until you know how much more they grip than your old ones.  :o)

Answer 2

clue no.1... its from walmart.  yeah, you can tighten the breaks, or if needed replace the break pads (maybe their worn down) or the wires shot.

consider the problems, look at them, and get it fixed. its simple.

Answer 3

if you have steel wheels [pretty chrome plating]

they will NOT stop for anything if they get the least bit wet

just some advice

steel wheels are still on some of the cheapest bikes sold today

though that is gradually changing to alloy [better braking all around]

wle.

Answer 4

Cheap bike, cheap components. The brakes will never be as good as a good set of V-Brakes with forged arms, but maybe you can improve the braking by replacing the pads and adjusting the cables. Try to find name-brand pads such as Dia-Tech or Kool-Stop. Expect good pads to cost $15-20 per wheel, which illustrates how chintzy a whole bike for $94 really is.