Brakes...

[Catrin]

My lovely Gunnar has V-brakes, and they've never been a problem. Today I did a 27 mile ride and had significant problems with my brakes.

I just didn't have the stopping power I expected to have which means that when I DID have to stop, I was still going faster than I should have been. This led me to fall once, then I almost got ran over because I....just...couldn't...get....stopped in time. Thankfully the pickup was paying attention and he stopped for me. Whewww! I don't know if he realized that there was a problem or if I was just being clueless, but he stopped.

I've never tried to adjust my brakes, and am a little nervous to do so. There hasn't been any problems in recent rides, just today. Is there something I can check as far as troubleshooting is concerned? Neither brake is dragging, that was the first thing I checked.

[Owlie]

Are they sticking? Are the pads worn or glazed?

[Catrin]

Nope, they aren't sticking, just not giving me much stopping power... I will look at the pads and see if they are glazed.

[indysteel]

Could be a cable issue. If you don't see an obvious issue with the brakes themselves, I'd suggest taking it to Nebo for a tuneup.

[OakLeaf]

Does it feel any different at your hand when you apply them? Sluggish, jerky, grinding, lever going too close to the bar? Or do they feel normal but just don't work?

Sometimes a little touchup with sandpaper is helpful even if they don't look badly glazed.

Glad you're okay!

[Catrin]

The right brake feels a bit soft, I will take a good look at them and if I don't see anything will take it to my shop for a tuneup. I've been debating if that was needed anyway. I've got over 1K miles since my last tuneup...

[Owlie]

Could be a cable issue. If you don't see an obvious issue with the brakes themselves, I'd suggest taking it to Nebo for a tuneup.

That was my next thought.

[goldfinch]

Try turning the cable adjuster to the left to see if that helps.