Balancing Cantilever Brakes

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12-01-20, 01:15 PM

#26

dabac

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Quote:

Originally Posted by daniell

I just measured the alignment of the frame. I put a string around the head tube and attached to the dropouts. There was about 3/4 cm of difference between the sides. Is this significant? Can this be affecting my inability to balance the brakes?

If the frame isn’t symmetrical, it’ll be impossible to set the brakes symmetrically as well.
But you should still be able to set the brake pads where you want them WRT the rim.

12-01-20, 01:25 PM

#27

daniell

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dabac

If the frame isn’t symmetrical, it’ll be impossible to set the brakes symmetrically as well.
But you should still be able to set the brake pads where you want them WRT the rim.

Is 3/4 CM significant?

12-01-20, 02:27 PM

#28

ClydeClydeson

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Kapaun

Turn the bars more and it'll look like the tire is touching the fork.
You just can't tell unless it's a straight, head on shot.

There are head on shots further down the thread, and they agree that the wheel is not centred. This may not be because the axle isn't fully seated, but it will definitely make the brakes harder to adjust.