How can I improve these cantilever brakes that are installed on this cheap e-bike that we got for free from family? I’m handy with a wrench and rebuilt my road bike with a new shimano groupset, so not scared to get my hands dirty, just don’t know where to start.
I’ve adjusted the brakes as best I can and replaced the pads and cleaned the wheel rims, but even at full force I just gently glide to a stop. Even at low speeds I can’t stop quickly, they’re just absolute shite. It’s a bit dangerous really.
What’s the next steps to get these at a level where I feel confident on them?
by dhevans79
2 Comments
Those are V-brakes. [These are cantilever brakes](https://www.renehersecycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/thick_straddle_cable.jpg)
[How to adjust V-brakes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMa9UqY9obk)
Well, really you should not get an E-bike unless it has disk brakes.
Its simply due to the weight of the bike.
I doubt these kinds of bikes have the mounting points for disk brakes but you could check so you can upgrade them.
The only other option is to lose weight yourself if you have the excess weight to do so.
When you cleaned the rims and pads did you do a final stage of cleaning with rubbing alcohol or disk brake cleaner?
Degreasers can leave residue which is why you want to clean it with a residue free cleaner.