I think I might have needed new brake pads on the bike [updated x2]

"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
07/28/2018 at 14:47 • Filed to: tooty scooty

Maybe. Possibly. Also maybe some adjustment on the old ones.

Possibly.

The new ones feel way higher quality, so I might put some pants on and take them for a test drive. Still pretty convinced I need to switch to disc brakes in front.

[Updated] WOW it stops way better than before! I think this highlights my need for uprated brakes. Hitting the bike shop today.

[Update 2] Ok ok ok.... I bought a new front wheel. The bike shop hooked me up with one with a machined sidewall and disc mount provisions. It was way more money than I was hoping to spend and I question the logic of not buying a used bike with the correct wheels, but alas it is done.

Bonus picture of Dog B and the bike (sans new wheel). (He looks weirdly scary in this picture, but I assure you he is a big sweetheart)

DISCUSSION (15)

atfsgeoff > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
07/28/2018 at 12:58

Yeah, rim brakes aren’t really meant for the loads associated with motorized bikes. You’re going to eventually have to replace many components with heavier duty ones.

I’d personally have just waited, saved, and bought a Super Cub .

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > atfsgeoff
07/28/2018 at 13:04

Man that’s a lot of cash

atfsgeoff > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
07/28/2018 at 13:08

Not for the level of engineering and reliability that goes with it. A cheap Chinese knockoff can be had for 1/3rd the cost but you’ll pay for it in time spent wrenching on it to repair/maintain. The Super Cub is a “get on it and ride” solution.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > atfsgeoff
07/28/2018 at 13:12

time spent wrenching on it to repair/maintain

Wait is that not the point? I thought that was the point of buying motorized toys?

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > atfsgeoff
07/28/2018 at 13:14

Wasn’t that engineering done about 60 years ago? You’d think they’d of broken even on that by now

atfsgeoff > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
07/28/2018 at 13:18

The new North American market Super Cub has a totally different engine, transmission, fuel delivery, instruments, and brakes (among other things) from the original Cub.

atfsgeoff > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
07/28/2018 at 13:19

If that’s what makes you happy, god bless!

TheRealBicycleBuck > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
07/28/2018 at 13:43

Look for Kool Stop pads. They are my go-to for both cantilever and V-brakes.

Nom De Plume > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
07/28/2018 at 13:49

They make brake pads specifically for e-bikes nowadays.

I myself would apply as much introspection towards how well will the brakes work as I would to how concave and thin has the braking surface on the wheel gotten.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
07/28/2018 at 15:04

I’m glad to hear you are installing a wheel with a proper braking surface. With a disc-capable hub, you can move it to a new bike when you upgrade or you can install a disc-capable fork on this bike. Before you start looking, check to see if your current fork is threaded or threadless. It’s hard to switch between the two. Expect to spend at least another $200 to install a disc. You’ll need the correct fork, the brake caliper, the rotor, pads, and the right brake lever. Forget about installing a disc on the rear. Your bike isn’t equipped with the correct mounts and the few adapters out there just aren’t safe.

Overall, you’d be better off starting over with a new bike. That’s going to be hard to do if you are determined to stick with a cruiser. Cruisers are meant for cruising and they just don’t make them with adequate braking for a motorized bicycle.

I’d switch to a mountain bike or hybrid.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
07/28/2018 at 15:23

You can’t put disc brakes on this without putting on a front fork with disc brake mounting tabs. Soooo I think you are stuck with rim brakes for now.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
07/28/2018 at 15:27

Correct . Exploring my options, but I figured if I was already laying out the cash...

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > atfsgeoff
07/28/2018 at 15:29

But that said, that Honda looks awesome and I’m sure it would be a great product.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
07/28/2018 at 16:17

Well... good luck!

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
07/28/2018 at 20:39

I think you are coming to realise that there is no such thing as a cheap and functional bicycle .

We bought my son a decent quality kids 24" MTB last Xmas for $380.

The two most expensive components of the bike (its suspension fork and wheels are both...not quite junk).

I’ve just commissioned a new wheelset for it that will probably cost us the same coin as the bike did. But at least it will roll and track properly.

The fork is the next issue...