Sinclair C5 brakes + GT Tequesta Swytch bike

[@Boemel]

The plastic font wheels need the hard brake pads. i've had rubber brake pads completely lock up braking from high speed and completely dislodge the caliper and break the wheel. Then went to disc brakes.

[@timsbobs7774]

@@Boemel yes I’ve put some new ones on and roughed the rims up a bit with sandpaper and I get a bit more grip now.

[@stampydragon2739]

Sand the rim with a low grit sandpaper to make the outside really Ruth will increase friction

[@timsbobs7774]

@@stampydragon2739 yes work a bit better after sanding rim thanks!

[@stampydragon2739]

@@timsbobs7774 it's a trick they used to use on motorcycle conversions back in the early days when they strapped engines to bicycles

[@shm5547]

Is there some residue from the old brake blocks on the rim? Looks like there might be at 0:29. Perhaps rubbing with some fine sandpaper might remove it and improve the rim surface friction. Perhaps a tiny amount of Isopropanol Alcohol might also help remove any grease from the rim.

[@timsbobs7774]

Thanks yes I’ll try that good idea!

[@miniac60]

Kool-stop brakes work better. Usually cost more too!

[@shm5547]

Don't expect much from the front brake. It's an utterly awful single pivot calliper operating on a tiny plastic wheel. I actually think they designed it to be weak, because when it does bite (on a slippy surface for example), the loss of steering control is far more terrifying than the lack of braking power! Especially as the rear brake only acts on the offside wheel and has a tendency to make you drift towards oncoming traffic when applied!

[@miniac60]

Kool-stop should be better, they cost more too.