Colorado Kid

Just back from the bike shop. They put on new Kool Stop Duel Compound brakes. I haven't had time to test them but boy did I get heavy pressure to get new brakes and a new rim. ( Better gripping, so they said.) I've never had so much pressure from a shop to buy MORE!! "Look", said the head mechanic. "If money is tight, we can do payment plan!" Holy Pete!!! I don't know if I trust these guys'. I think they're see a cash cow in me. What do you think?

phughes

What is the condition of the brake surface of the rim? If it looks okay, and isn't worn, disregard their suggestion.

Colorado Kid

Rims are like brand new. Very low miles on them. I put on Araya 700C, 32 hole, 3X and lanced up last year. (When I did the rebuild.)

smd4

See if the shoes help. Maybe you'll feel a difference.

I installed a set of black and a set of salmon Kool Stops in appropriate holders, so I can swap them out easily, but haven't had a chance to test them. Other than feel at the lever, I'm not sure how to really conduct a true test (I installed some Scott Matthauser pads a few weeks ago and they were just really spongy-feeling). I don't want to spend time pedaling up to a certain speed, then applying the brakes at a given point to see how far it takes me to stop with different pads installed. That seems like a bit of a PITA.

phughes

Then definitely ignore them. You would be better off spending the money on new brakes, though I doubt it will be necessary. The pads should help. Let them bed in and see how they are.

Colorado Kid

New pads did the trick. I sanded the rims too, (Just in case.) The bike runs like brand new. Thanks everyone.

GamblerGORD53

I did a couple 39 mph brake tests with my 2 SA drum brakes roadster bike. Where the road is flat after a short steep hill.
Stopped in 6 or 7 turns of the 700x36c tire. 42 to 46 feet. Anybody beat that?? , or NOT. LOL.