Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the March Giveaway: Coming Soon 3/24


Brake cable too short
#1
I am not a bike mechanic by any means. I was wondering if a brake cable can be too short and if the lack of slack can actually affect the braking. A mechanic saw my braking cables and immediately told me that I don't have total braking power. If that is true, why?
  Reply
#2
this can happen if the loop from the levers to the first stop on the frame is too short, it can cause problems due to lack of feel and unintended application of the brakes when turning the bars.
It should be a nice radius, allowing the wire to move smoothly inside the outer cover, slack is not required as this can allow the cable to jump out of the stops and result in no brakes at all.
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
11,761
07-22-2015, 06:43 PM
Last Post: knl
 
9,132
07-11-2015, 10:28 PM
Last Post: nfmisso
 
11,248
06-30-2015, 02:49 PM
Last Post: Painkiller
 
14,444
08-21-2013, 03:42 AM
Last Post: 1FJEF
 
18,818
04-27-2011, 06:12 PM
Last Post: Painkiller

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Santini fluted frame
Today 01:39 PM
Expensive bikes with crappy wheels
Today 10:15 AM
Where are you from and What is your favo...
Yesterday 11:43 PM
2007 Trek Pilot S.P.A. 5.2
Yesterday 07:06 PM
2010 Specialized Hardrock
03-26-2024 09:16 PM
1990 Specialized Rockhopper How to Fluff...
03-25-2024 07:05 PM
Thread busted on right pedal crank
03-24-2024 08:52 PM
Trek domane tyre
03-24-2024 05:48 PM
Modern rims crack at spoke holes
03-24-2024 05:32 PM
Cup & Cone — Simple & Durable or PITA & ...
03-24-2024 04:53 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Painkiller
21 posts
no avatar 2. ReapThaWhirlwind
16 posts
no avatar 3. Jesper
16 posts
no avatar 4. GirishH
15 posts
no avatar 5. meamoantonio
15 posts