Rim Brakes - Barrel Adjusters - Different Rim Widths
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 947
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 286 Post(s)
Liked 262 Times
in
129 Posts
Rim Brakes - Barrel Adjusters - Different Rim Widths
I’m planning to use Tektro R559 on an all-road bike that can take up to 42mm tires. I want to use two wheelsets, one has a 20.8 external width and the other is 23 external. When I swap wheels, can I assume the barrel adjusters should allow for 2.2mm adjustment, or is that too much?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 571
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 366 Post(s)
Liked 273 Times
in
175 Posts
I'm not sure, but it sure seems like 2.2mm is within compensating for pad wear or a wobbly wheel. I don't expect that you'll have any problems, except if the bigger wheel is also wobbly.
#3
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,851
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12778 Post(s)
Liked 7,695 Times
in
4,084 Posts
Looks like those have a release lever, so that might be enough that you won't have to use the barrel adjuster much ( which would be a pain in the ass IMO).
Using the release lever to accommodate the two sizes you might need to partially deflate the tires on the wide rims for install/uninstall.
Using the release lever to accommodate the two sizes you might need to partially deflate the tires on the wide rims for install/uninstall.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Georgia
Posts: 748
Bikes: I don't even
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 81 Post(s)
Liked 193 Times
in
77 Posts
While I do think that the barrel adjuster may be able to take up the extra width, it is likely that the pads will contact the rim in a different place. Set up correctly for 23mm external may have pads rubbing the tire even with cable pull adjusted for the 20.8mm external.
Either way, you probably need to use a tool to adjust correctly when switching between the two wheelsets.
Either way, you probably need to use a tool to adjust correctly when switching between the two wheelsets.
Likes For theblackbullet:
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 947
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 286 Post(s)
Liked 262 Times
in
129 Posts
While I do think that the barrel adjuster may be able to take up the extra width, it is likely that the pads will contact the rim in a different place. Set up correctly for 23mm external may have pads rubbing the tire even with cable pull adjusted for the 20.8mm external.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,725
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5791 Post(s)
Liked 2,581 Times
in
1,431 Posts
Don't overthink this. You should find no issues swapping these wheels, since the rim diameters are the same.
You might even find that no brake adjustment is needed, with the difference being within the lever's working range, and your hands automatically adapting.
In any case, IF any issues do arise, they'll be minor and easily solved.
You might even find that no brake adjustment is needed, with the difference being within the lever's working range, and your hands automatically adapting.
In any case, IF any issues do arise, they'll be minor and easily solved.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#7
aged to perfection
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: PacNW
Posts: 1,817
Bikes: Dinucci Allez 2.0, Richard Sachs, Alex Singer, Serotta, Masi GC, Raleigh Pro Mk.1, Hetchins, etc
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 839 Post(s)
Liked 1,258 Times
in
663 Posts
The Tektro R559 brakes are really good, maybe the best rim brakes ever. I have them on the Dinucci and they work great.
I think if you set up the cable so that it fits your "wide" rims with the adjuster screwed all the way "in" you'll find that you have enough take up in the adjuster to work well with the narrow rims.
Do confirm that the pads are in proper contact with the rim on both wheels - this should be achievable as the arms are pretty long on these brakes.
I'm with FBinNY don't over-think this
/markp
I think if you set up the cable so that it fits your "wide" rims with the adjuster screwed all the way "in" you'll find that you have enough take up in the adjuster to work well with the narrow rims.
Do confirm that the pads are in proper contact with the rim on both wheels - this should be achievable as the arms are pretty long on these brakes.
I'm with FBinNY don't over-think this
/markp