Subject:     Re: motoBMX brake issues
Date:     Thu, 28 Apr 2005 12:57:32 -0700

Doug-

I have a feeling the smaller tubes of the Bike Friday are twisting and
turning toe in into toe out under braking. I would try a lot of toe iright
off the bat. As for the centering issue many times they do not stay centered
because the attachment screw is just a hair too long so it seems you are
tightening the spring adjuster, but actually your are bottoming out in the
threaded hole of the brake boss. Try grinding some off the end, or buy some
M6 x 16 or M6 x 18 screws at a decent harware store.

The other problem is you are really asking that cable to do alot. The cable
already goes through a lot of twists and turns on that frame design, and
then must navigate the Travel Agent. We do not recommend their use. Anyway
all that makes for alot of friction which pulls and tugs the brakes around.
So, with all that you are going to need quite a bit of spring tension to
keep things centered.

I hope that helps. Get back to me on the results.

Have a good ride,

Paul
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 7:16 PM
Subject: motoBMX brake issues


>I have  installed some of your motoBMX brakes on my Bike Friday with 406
>rims, Ultegra STI shifters and Travel Agents. I am having problems with two
>issues and would like to know if you have any advice for me.
>
> Brake squeal: Despite varying the toe-in, I get terrible brake squeal
> especially on the front. This was not a problem with the original Avid SD7
> brakes.
>
> Loss of centering adjustment: I have continuing problems with the brakes
> losing their centering. I have to constantly tweak the spring adjustment
> to keep them centered. This does not seem to be a problem with the cap
> screws on the mounts loosening since they are still snug when I go to
> readjust. The brakes seem quite sensitive to slight changes in the cable
> housing loads from the long cable run from the levers. I have tried
> increasing the spring tension somewhat with little or no effect. It may be
> that I have not yet hit on the right pressure. The only overall solution
> is to back the brakes away from the rim but that gives me more lever
> travel than I would like.
>
> Any advice would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Doug Wilson