The point at which the brake arms can, by design, retract no further doesn’t influence the issue with centring on the majority of V-brakes fitted to Apollo bikes. The brakes are manufactured with poor tolerances and materials that allow the component parts to move or bind in ways that they were not designed to do. This interaction alters the effective spring tension randomly.
As PT1029 stated with cantilever and v-brakes it’s vital to retain cable tension when the brakes are at rest. If the arms stopped before the brake lever was fully released it might be possible for the cable to slacken enough for the v-pipe or straddle cable barrel to unhook and render the brake useless.
The adjustment screws on v-brakes do not act as brake arm stops. They just dictate the point at which the spring action commences and therefore, how much spring tension there is at a given point in the arc of the brake arm.
Search found 4013 matches
- 23 Mar 2021, 10:48am
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: why cantilever brakes don't have limit screws?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 525
- 22 Mar 2021, 8:01pm
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: That Halfords Apollo bikes are OK
- Replies: 19
- Views: 7307
Re: That Halfords Apollo bikes are OK
bongo wrote:peetee - yes the centering problem with my rear brakes has been an ongoing tussle (I believe mine are the original brakes, ooft). I've found only using the adjuster screw on the left is the only way to keep it centred for any period of time. Touch the right hand screw and it goes off kilter for some reason. Could be a quirk of my bike though or just my amateurish fiddlings ....
Not at all uncommon. Both my children’s bikes were the same and many that I have had through my workshop. It’s not unique to Halfords either. I have seen this issue on bikes from other budget outlets such as Argos and Toys R Us.
- 22 Mar 2021, 7:45pm
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: why cantilever brakes don't have limit screws?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 525
Re: why cantilever brakes don't have limit screws?
Cantilever and v-brakes need to sit within a couple of mm of the rim surface so that they can be operated to their full capacity with a lever that has a user-friendly action with regard to pressure and travel. They also need to retract from that position so that the wheel can be removed from the frame without the blocks being disturbed.
I have spent a lot of time scratching my head as to what causes the centring problem. As the brakes are repeatedly applied the centring alternates randomly from correct to left or right of centre. I suspect each (cheap and nasty) plastic spring seat holds its spring in a less than ideal way and it is poorly mated to its brake arm and distorts as the brake is applied resulting in frictional variations between the arms each time the brake is applied.
I have spent a lot of time scratching my head as to what causes the centring problem. As the brakes are repeatedly applied the centring alternates randomly from correct to left or right of centre. I suspect each (cheap and nasty) plastic spring seat holds its spring in a less than ideal way and it is poorly mated to its brake arm and distorts as the brake is applied resulting in frictional variations between the arms each time the brake is applied.
- 22 Mar 2021, 3:07pm
- Forum: On the road
- Topic: Coast to coast, and back....
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1984
Re: Coast to coast, and back....
[XAP]Bob wrote:peetee wrote:[XAP]Bob wrote:Marazion to Hayle (and back) (So Lelant to Long Rock was a ridiculously good guess)
Thanks!
Thinking about it, that was a more logical route given that my idea would involve the A30 which is far less attractive than the parallel Tredrea Lane which, no doubt, you took.
If I hadn’t been in so much of a hurry to post my guess before anyone else got it....
Yeah - I have used the A30 west of PZ, but not east of it - Tredrea lane and whatever the road is south of that when Long lane turns off...
Did a 20 mile loop including going up chywoone hill yesterday, and my legs can feel it today... going to have to go out for gentle spin (I'll probably go east, so only as gentle as climbing out of Marazion gets)
Chywoon is a good ‘n. I remember the Tour of Britain riders coming down there in 1990 and they were leaving the team cars behind!
I did 26 miles off road yesterday and although I enjoyed every minute, in retrospect, it wasn’t a good move. I had my jab last week and although I feel well enough i don’t have any go in my legs. I’ll take a walk up the shops now but that will do it for today, I think. Shame cos it’s a good day to be out.
- 22 Mar 2021, 12:50pm
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Left Hooked but My Fault say Police
- Replies: 68
- Views: 3650
Re: Left Hooked but My Fault say Police
My understanding is that if crossing a continuous/solid (ie, not hatched) line the vehicle has to yield to traffic in the adjacent lane regardless of speed or size or what the lane is assigned for.
Re: the vehicle not being taxed. Does that not invalidate the insurance and make the drivers position un-defendable?
Re: the vehicle not being taxed. Does that not invalidate the insurance and make the drivers position un-defendable?
- 22 Mar 2021, 12:12am
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Best wishes for Brucey
- Replies: 613
- Views: 73493
Re: Has anyone seen Brucey?
Missing Cunobelin’s posts too
- 21 Mar 2021, 8:58pm
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Brooks leather grip spokes
- Replies: 13
- Views: 772
Re: Brooks leather grip spokes
Well, I’ll go to the foot of our stairs! Why build a shed when a mansion will do, eh?
But then again how many of us have 30 gears when 10 will do just as well?
You pays yer money....
But then again how many of us have 30 gears when 10 will do just as well?
You pays yer money....
- 21 Mar 2021, 8:46pm
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Left Hooked but My Fault say Police
- Replies: 68
- Views: 3650
Re: Left Hooked but My Fault say Police
Would there be a difference in the polices’ verdict if the cycle lane had a solid line dividing it from the traffic?
And what then if the cyclist was a bus? It’s very common for busses to move freely past congested traffic. I could see how this scenario would create a less than favourable outcome for the car driver.
And what then if the cyclist was a bus? It’s very common for busses to move freely past congested traffic. I could see how this scenario would create a less than favourable outcome for the car driver.
- 21 Mar 2021, 5:00pm
- Forum: On the road
- Topic: Coast to coast, and back....
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1984
Re: Coast to coast, and back....
[XAP]Bob wrote:Marazion to Hayle (and back) (So Lelant to Long Rock was a ridiculously good guess)
Thanks!
Thinking about it, that was a more logical route given that my idea would involve the A30 which is far less attractive than the parallel Tredrea Lane which, no doubt, you took.
If I hadn’t been in so much of a hurry to post my guess before anyone else got it....
- 21 Mar 2021, 4:46pm
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: That Halfords Apollo bikes are OK
- Replies: 19
- Views: 7307
Re: That Halfords Apollo bikes are OK
Apollo bikes will last if given attention along the way by someone willing to put the time in that wouldn’t be necessary on a better quality machine. As mentioned previously, the bearings are not well sealed and many are badly prepared at the point of sale (more on that in another thread ). In addition a large proportion of them languish outside where the weather finishes them off in no time. I bought two new ones for my children. They weren’t the cheapest on offer at £140 each but between them they have served 5 children more after that so represent decent value for money with the above mentioned care. The only issue I have come across that is pretty much unavoidable is the v-brakes that are commonly fitted exhibit wilful refusal to stay centred but reliable, cost-effective replacements can be easily found.
- 19 Mar 2021, 12:13pm
- Forum: The Tea Shop
- Topic: TV licensing...
- Replies: 1894
- Views: 104048
Re: TV licensing...
peetee wrote:I’ll put it to the vote; do I open it or not?
Well, wracked with all the eager anticipation felt by the sort of child that wants to see the inside of every wrapped object under the Christmas tree, I had to see what the envelope held.
To say I’m taken aback is an understatement. Not content with calling me a liar In 2020, 2021’s insult strategy is to call in question my cleanliness!
- 18 Mar 2021, 4:51pm
- Forum: The Tea Shop
- Topic: Irritants?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 1211
Re: Irritants?
I can suggest an antidote to No‘s 2 & 3 but it does involve a lot of threats and junk mail.
- 18 Mar 2021, 11:56am
- Forum: The Tea Shop
- Topic: TV licensing...
- Replies: 1894
- Views: 104048
Re: TV licensing...
I’ll put it to the vote; do I open it or not?
- 18 Mar 2021, 11:34am
- Forum: The Tea Shop
- Topic: Who's had the vaccine?
- Replies: 1420
- Views: 56865
Re: Who's had the vaccine?
I had the Astrazenica yesterday and woke feeling fine. Took a walk in superb weather this morning but soon started feeling a bit worn out. Nothing serious, I did four miles comfortably but going uphill was just hard work.
- 18 Mar 2021, 8:40am
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Crossing the border
- Replies: 37
- Views: 3437
Re: Crossing the border
Mick F wrote::lol:
I rode over the border for a ride round a "foreign country", rode back again, and survived.
Sunny and bright here, and Mrs Mick F has the washing out on the line.
No white sheets I hope. They might think we have surrendered.