squeaky breaks

[missliz]

If it isn't glaze on the pads, simple to sand off or dirty rims take it by your mechanic, who should take about ten seconds to make a minor adjustment and fix that awful squeal. Hate that! Fixing/rebuilding your own brakes is actually not that hard, but it's a sort of zen thing and takes some time to learn- you need to develop the touch. I've fixed everything on my bikes and done it really well, but somtimes it's easier to just find a really tuned to the groove mechanic who does it every day, sort of like a really good pediatrician for your kids. Besides, a good bike mechanic will drop amazing pearls of wisdom and s/he already has all the tools. Some bike tools are pretty weird.
Look for the fix it book- "Anybody's Bike Book" by Tom Cuthbertson is good to read even if only to talk to the mechanic. A lot of stuff is really incredibly easy to fix yourself, and the rest is nice to at least know about.
Once a master does you a brake adjustment though, you'll be amazed. 'Nother level.

missliz