Posted by Andrew on September 27, 2002 at 22:05:45:
In Reply to: brake power posted by Ian Cochrane on September 27, 2002 at 21:16:45:
Hi Ian,
It sounds like you have done all the ajustments necessary to get good braking. If the braking is still poor, rear wheel removal to inspect the brake shoes in unavoidable. You should see your problem when you inspect the brake shoes. It's possible the brake linings are worn out and need replacing. It's possible the cause of your poor braking is a build up of dust and dirt in the drum that's caused the brake friction material to glaze over. The friction material can be cleaned and revived by rubbing with emery cloth. Remove the brake shoes and clean all the dust and dirt. Make sure the drum is also cleaned out. Make sure all the moving parts are clean and lightly grease the cam that moves the brake shoes. This cam should turn freely when the shoes are off. With everything clean and the pivot points lightly greased, your brakes should be ok.
Just one thing - are you expecting too much from your rear brake. About 75% of the stopping power comes from the front brake. Are you trying to stop using the rear alone?? The stopping power should come from the front brake with the rear there to give just an extra bit of brakeing plus stability.
Punctures. Fixing a puncture at the roadside is just about impossible unless you resort to extreme measures like putting the bike on its side to remove the rear wheel or supporting the bike on whatever you happen the find. I avoid the puncture in the first place by putting that green Slime in the innertubes. This stuff is supposed to seal the puncture instantly, just leaving a trace of green slime on the outside of the tyre. Then you can have the puncture fixed when convenient. I am also a member of a motoring organisation who will come and fix my bike if it has a puncture.
Happy Savage riding, even the ones with poor brakes.