Category Archives: Brakes

Phoenix from the flames

What do you call a pair of phoenix? I don’t know either, but these two have just arisen from the flames. The Specialized Bicycles Dolce was in a sorry state. Worn chain, cassette, brake pads and cables that just didn’t work well enough. Shimano-Road came to the rescue with a new cassette, KMC Chain did the biz and Raleigh Bicycles took care of the pads. The cabling, as always, was replaced with Fibrax Limited‘s finest. Everything works as it should once more. The Whyte Bikes Kings Cross had lain dormant in a damp shed for a couple of years so was feeling pretty sorry for itself. A new Shimano-Road Sora front mech, new cables from Fibrax Limited, a new KMC Chain, SRAM road bar tape and an FSA bottom bracket were fitted tout-suite. It’ll now resume commuting duties though the winter (bless it).

Brake Central

Right, now that the summer holidays are done and dusted (at least for those of us with kids), it’s back to work with a vengeance. Last week was brake week. Three bikes, three sets of new hydraulic brakes. Can’t recommend these Shimano-MTB stoppers enough; straightforward to shorten (measure twice, cut once) and decent modulation for the money. What’s not to like?

Carrera Virtuoso

On to a Carrera that had problems stopping, and a little problem going as well. Having replaced the Shimano-Road cassette, a KMC Chain chain, Shimano-Road bottom bracket, Fibrax Limited brake pads (super sticky) and a new rear brake cable (again, courtesy of Fibrax Limited), it now goes (and more importantly) stops when it should. Really liking the groovy SRAM road bar tape too. It’s BLUE!

Carrera Virtuoso

Carrera Virtuoso

Cannondale Quick

A quick catch-up on what’s been through the doors in between the snow last week. First up, a Cannondale Quick that had been a little starved of attention. New Shimano-Road cassette, KMC-Bicycle Chain & Accessories chain, a replacement Schwalbe tires Land Cruiser (a 5 on Schwalbe’s puncture resistance scale), replacement MAGURA brake pads front and rear, Shimano-MTB bottom bracket cups, middle and large Shimano-MTB chain rings and all wrapped up with an Annual Service. Phew! I’m not expecting to see this one again anytime soon!

Cannondale Quick CX

Cannondale Quick CX

Merida Matts 20

Next up a Merida Matts 20 that had received a decent cleaning regime, but unfortunately, time had caught up with it. A new Raleigh Bicycles rear wheel, Shimano cassette, KMC chain, Shimano bottom bracket and cabling from the guys at Fibrax Limited means this bike can now tackle the worst the canal tow path can throw at it.

Merida Matts

Specialized Hardrock

Another bike that has seen lots of use, but perhaps not as much care as it warranted. This Specialized Bicycles Hardrock was treated to a new KMC Chain Europe B.V. chain, new SRAM MTB cassette, brake pads from Raleigh Bicycles and a bottom bracket from Shimano-MTB. This was all rounded off with an Annual Service and as a result is good to go.

Specialized Hardrock

Specialized Hardrock

Apollo and Dynatech

His’n’hers bikes in for some long overdue TLC. This seems to be a recurring theme; a son or daughter begins to enjoy cycling, so Mum and Dad see the opportunity of some quality family time together. The only problem is their bikes are almost unrideable. The Apollo was suffering from chronic material fatigue; both tyres and all four brake pads had suffered perishing having been left for so long. So, thanks to Raleigh Bikes new puncture resistant tyres were fitted along with some decent pads. The Dynatech needed much the same; new front tyre (thanks Schwalbe), new pads (again, from Raleigh), a new front mech (Shimano) and new chain (KMC, take a bow). Both bikes are now fit for purpose and won’t let their owners down.

Apollo CX1.0

Apollo CX1.0

Dynatech

Dynatech

The bikes that time forgot

Quick catch-up time. The mad summer holiday rush has abated, thank goodness (no pleasing some people), but it’s been business as usual this week. These two Raleigh Bicycles have sat largely forgotten since about 1995 (they were purchased in 1994 with the receipts to prove it). Their owners have decided that now’s the time to dust them down, get them roadworthy and put them to good use. Spangly new tyres courtesy of Raleigh Bicycles, brake pads from the same company, inner tubes courtesy of Schwalbe tires, replacement cables from the Welsh Wizards at Fibrax Limited and they’re almost ready to go. Just waiting on the arrival of some spiffy Moon lights then they’ll be out the door. Those of you with keen eyes will have clocked the Sachs Huret twist shifters…with a lock mechanism. Why this would be required, I have no clue, but something a bit different.

Trek, Scott, Gary Fisher and Giant Cadex

Next up, a Trek Bicycle 2.1 which leads a hard life as a commuter and weekend warrior. Full Premium Service for this one, and a replacement freehub body to ensure it didn’t sound like a 737 taking off everytime it revolved. The Shimano-Road bottom bracket was also due a swap as its bearings had finally thrown in the towel. The Premium Service is a great way to have a full spring clean of your bike, with brand, spanking new Fibrax Limited cables thrown in to the bargain. Next up a Scott bikes 60 that needed an Interim Service, plus a wee tweak to its rear hub to eliminate the play that was present. The Gary Fisher, and you don’t see too many of these about, boasted a full complement of Shimano-MTB XTR goodness, but its wheels, tyres, inner tubes and cables weren’t fairing so well. A new pair of Raleigh Bicycles wheels, knobblies and tubes courtesy of the kings of rubber, Schwalbe tires and the all-important cabling taken care of by Fibrax Limited. Lovely, lovely bike, and now it’s headed off to Aviemore to continue its adventures. Finally, an original carbon-framed Giant Cadex also needed some TLC. Again, all new rubber from Schwalbe tires, all new cables from Fibrax Limited and some hub fettling means one seriously light bike (aided by its full Shimano-MTB XT setup) is ready to hit the trails again.