Renolds Stratus Rims uneven braking

T. Field said:

I'm using Kool-Stop black pads as recommended by the manufacturer, the
brakes don't tighten down smoothly, they shudder and grab, squealing
as you come to a stop. Any suggestions on preventing this?

Make sure the wheel is true (sounds like it's not), the rim is clean, the
brake pads and calipers are securely fastened, and that the pads contact the
center of the rim's braking surface. The Kool Stop salmon colored pads are
preferred, but I don't think that's your problem.

Art Harris

Tom Field said:

I'm using Kool-Stop black pads as recommended by the manufacturer,
the brakes don't tighten down smoothly, they shudder and grab,
squealing as you come to a stop. Any suggestions on preventing this?

What you describe is common with new rims that have not been worn
clean of traces of oil and manual handling, and new brake pads.
Assuming your brake calipers are properly adjusted and do not have
axial clearance on their pivot shafts, cleaning the rims would
probably do the trick. This is done most easily by riding through a
mud puddle while braking, there being sufficient grit and wash for the
brake pads to do the cleaning and rinsing. Other than that, wetting
the rim and applying household cleanser while braking will also do.

Other than that, you can't beat Kool-Stop salmon colored pads
regardless of rim (other than ceramic coated).

http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/#continental

Jobst Brandt
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