I don't remember your username so I'm just putting this out there.

Last week I tightened my disk brakes, specifically at the cables. They had gotten to the point I had to pull the levers all the way to the handlebars and were still feeling weak.

After a little adjusting (I made the front one a little too tight at first) they started feeling great, but this morning on the way to work they started feeling really weak again, like they were barely engaging. Only this time, the levers don't go all the way to the handlebars, the travel distance is the same as when they were doing fine, so it's not that the cable has slipped.

I don't want to over-speculate since I haven't really done this sort of thing before, but I'd appreciate advice on things to check. My workplace has a ton of tools I can borrow if need be.

  • cilantrofellow [any]
    ·
    4 years ago

    How old is your bike? Like others said brake pads might be the culprit. I tended to ride on my brakes so I needed to get them replaced pretty frequently.

    I really want a bike again haha.

    • Rem [she/her]
      ·
      4 years ago

      Had it coming up on two years, been commuting with it daily for about one and a half of that.

      • cilantrofellow [any]
        ·
        4 years ago

        Oh yeah if you haven’t they’re probably worn down completely.

        • Rem [she/her]
          ·
          4 years ago

          Mm, okay I'll pop them open and have a look. Will have to bring her to the bike shop and get some replacements. Are they standardized or do I have to look up an exact model?

          • dallasw
            ·
            1 year ago

            deleted by creator

          • cilantrofellow [any]
            ·
            4 years ago

            I’ll defer an answer I’m not sure, honestly my bikes were rim brakes but friction is friction.

            I found this article though - look and see how much material you have left on your pads. https://totalwomenscycling.com/road-cycling/maintenance/ask-expert-know-brake-pads-need-replacing