Check your brake cables!

kamilb1998 · 07, January, 2013 - 20:36:52

I took my C5 up and down the close earlier to check if it was good for another 200 miles + over the next few weeks and at applying the brakes before entering the garage, I heard a snapping noise and lost all brakes. Lucky it was on entering the garage and not when approaching a junction at rush hour tomorrow.

I rang my local cycle shop to confirm their opening times, "We shut at 5 sir, that's in 2 minutes" Oh, bugger. You see, I really need to source a brake cable tonight for my Sinclair C5. Mine's just snapped and I have no replacements at home. "Ah, yes. I remember you. Give me a ring when you get here and I'll open the shop up for you"

Result! Now I have brakes that can hopefully be trusted for another 6 months.

Worst of all is that the cable showed no signs of fraying anywhere along it's length prior to snapping and it was replaced about 6-8 months ago.

Check your cables the next time you're near your C5. If they show any signs of fraying anywhere, especially if they're frayed at the lever end, simply replace them.

Luke S · 07, January, 2013 - 20:44:17

Very lucky. How did you stop when you entered your garage $:-\$ $:-\$ $:-\$

kamilb1998 · 07, January, 2013 - 20:52:36

Quote from: Luke Salsbury on 07, January, 2013 - 20:44:17
Very lucky. How did you stop when you entered your garage $:-\$ $:-\$ $:-\$

The driveway leading into the garage is on an incline so I pulled the front brakes, stuck my feet out, closed my eyes and hoped for the best

Lancealot · 07, January, 2013 - 20:56:46

Lucky considering the mileage you do...............

Lance

kamilb1998 · 07, January, 2013 - 21:06:01

Quote from: Lancealot on 07, January, 2013 - 20:56:46
Lucky considering the mileage you do...............

Lance

Certainly was. If it had snapped on the commute I would have probably returned home with very brown underwear!

C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER · 07, January, 2013 - 21:29:53

Regarding brake cables there are a few types about ..What you have to do is the check out the inner cable for thicknes and get the thicker one ..And hopefuly it should last longer ...Befor fitting it take out the inner and grease it then push it back ...
Bye Chas

kamilb1998 · 07, January, 2013 - 22:31:34

Quote from: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 07, January, 2013 - 21:29:53
Regarding brake cables there are a few types about ..What you have to do is the check out the inner cable for thicknes and get the thicker one ..And hopefuly it should last longer ...Befor fitting it take out the inner and grease it then push it back ...
Bye Chas

The one I got today is certainly a fair bit thicker than the old one was, but I wasn't aware of there being different types. I just thought the old one was a cheap Chinese item.

KarlG · 07, January, 2013 - 23:15:12

Much better than greasing are the Gore Ride On cable sets. It also pays to buy the stainless cables set, one they are stronger than ordinary steel, and two they don't rust.

EDIT: Spelling error.

Luke S · 08, January, 2013 - 17:48:30

Quote from: kamilb1998 on 07, January, 2013 - 20:52:36
Quote from: Luke Salsbury on 07, January, 2013 - 20:44:17
Very lucky. How did you stop when you entered your garage $:-\$ $:-\$ $:-\$

The driveway leading into the garage is on an incline so I pulled the front brakes, stuck my feet out, closed my eyes and hoped for the best

Hope it dose not happen to me soon, not when I am out

mhurt · 08, January, 2013 - 19:00:20

I had that happen to me as I approached a roundabout, downhill, at about 20mph. Sheer luck and steering into a coned off area for roadworks meant that they didn't have to scrape me off the wheels of several wagons and cars. Not something I ever want to repeat :p
Glad you're OK!

Karl · 08, January, 2013 - 20:34:31

I tend to replace mine every other year, and all are replaced on those I refurbish or repair. For such a cheap item it makes a lot of sense to be cautious

kamilb1998 · 08, January, 2013 - 20:37:18

Yup, for £7 for fronts and rears and with my mileage it makes sense to replace them every 6 months.

kamilb1998 · 08, January, 2013 - 20:40:50

Quote from: KarlG on 07, January, 2013 - 23:15:12
Much better than greasing are the Gore Ride On cable sets.

I have Googled these and it seems the company has shut down as of 31/12/12. Do you have a link?

KarlG · 09, January, 2013 - 01:00:50

Where did you find this report as I can't find anything?

Sorry I'm lost concerning your request for a link. A link to what?

kamilb1998 · 09, January, 2013 - 07:49:40

When you go on their website (http://www.rideoncables.com/en_us/) you get the following message;

GORE® RIDE ON® Cable Systems are no longer available as of Dec. 31, 2012. All confirmed orders will be shipped per the purchase order agreements. For questions about confirmed orders or warranty information, please call 800-488-5544 or email rideon@wlgore.com.

News:

Check your brake cables!

Karl