Brake Pads

squigs

Hi All,
My rear pads have worn alot and need replacing. I have had the bike since November 2009, Specialized Sirrus Comp Hybrid. I have cycled all the way through winter no matter what the conditions. Around 100 miles between end of November and end of December. Then since January have done 700 more miles. I live in Cornwall so no matter where I go the hills are big!
Is 800 miles acceptable from a set of rear pads in those conditions?

skyd0g

Your pads will naturally wear more in wet conditions, due to the added grit on your rims - so 800 miles could be considered reasonable. However, your description points more to incorrect use of the brakes - iro 95% of your braking should be using the front brake.

See here for a guide: http://sheldonbrown.com/brakturn.html

squigs

Thanks for that, great advise.

Next Problem is!!!!
Have now replaced the pads and tried adjusting and adjusting and adjusting, but one side of the brakes rubs against the rim, didn't before but does now, I am sure this is because the space is so much smaller now, problem is, how is this over come?
Ps, the pads are just slide in replacements not the whole thing

Garz

I too wear out the rear brake faster, probably stems from riding non road bikes in early life and could control skids as opposed to flying over the handlebars.

My new pads are about 200 miles old now, but the de-facto ones I got with the bike lasted for almost 2.5k miles. The more confident I got though the less I used the brakes, one of the pals I ride with hammers his breaks compared to mine as he isn't keen on the descents!

sub55

:roll: :roll: :roll:

rake

just grab the caliper and rotate it slightly.job done.

seanoconn

Easily fixed squigs. There should be a little screw on either side of the brakes, loosening the srew moves the brake pad nearer the rim and tighter further away, giving the brake lever a little squeeze every so often helps while you're doing this. Once the brakes are evenly centered you can get the correct distance you want between brake pads and rim by loosening the bolt holding the brake cable and pulling it tighter or making slacker.

If your sirrus comp doesn't come with v-brakes, forget the above!

squigs

Great advice, really helped.
Seanoconn, Does have V brakes and your instructions sorted it out.
Slight rubbing on a certain area on the tyre, but that is because it isn't 100% true so just need to pop it in for a little service.
Anyway, cheers guys!