Brakes on the kiddo’s new bike is a bit tight. It’s been sat in the garage of the guy we bought if from for a while apparently.
What’s the best way to loosen it up. She’s right at the bottom of the size chart for the bike and it hunk her hands are a tad weak. So I need the brake levers to be as easy and sensitive as possible.
What’s the best course of action? Just get it moving? Some sort of spray/lube? Or get someone sensible to help with a bit of full recabling?
It is calliper brakes isn’t it?
Do they ease if you pull them repeatedly? Could be a bit stiff from sitting there?
Depends on whether it’s the cable routing or the actual levers? They might have a tightener on the levers?
With respect I think she should learn to sort it herself, her dad is only going to fuck it up.
How else is GB supposed to catch up with her? 
This was my original thinking… Until she almost crashed into my car on her first 10sec quick ride! 
Very good point!
I appreciate she may not have dura-ace, but is there a reach adjustment that might help her out.
Also worth squirting with a bit of lube like you first mentioned, who knows how long the cables have been in there l.
Just looked up the Wiggins Rouen & the Claris on it should have reach adjustment…
Cor I don’t think he’s got a career in TV ahead of him.
Thanks though that’s perfect. Didn’t even know you could do that. TT comes out on top again!
I think a bit of adjustment along with some lubing up and flexing of the brakes should make a world of difference and we can have an actual go on the bike tmw if it stays dry.
Cheers!
Quick Q:
Can I get away with using a Shimano 10 speed 105 casette from my P2’s rear wheel on a road bike that’s set up for 11 speed Ultegra???
Just been for a mini-spin and it seems to work ???
The shifting will be all over the place but if you plan to ride it like a single speed it’ll be fine with a bit of fiddling of the RD barrel adjuster. I’ve a 10sp cassette on my turbo and have used it with 11sp groupo on my P2 (snap) in erg mode where shifting isn’t required.
OK you seem to be right - it works but the shifting downwards is horrible
Don’t think I can live with it for race tomorrow so think a trip to Decathlon is in order to buy a cassette removal tool
Do double check the limit screws though… you don’t want to shift up your RD into the spokes.
Edit… this was a bit late. Shopping trip it is then!
aaah I ran to Decathlon , bought the tool, ran home , got the cassettes off, then found out my 10 speed hub doesn’t seem big enough to fit the 11 speed cassette.
I’m going with the original plan, horrible indexing
it seems fine once it finds it’s gear & it’s another flat 4 lap crit style course so 
I think it’s time to move into the 90’s and go 11 speed 
You could do this and buy another Nike while Mrs fruity is in Africa
You can take a cog out of the 11 speed cassette, then you’ll have a 10 speed cassette but with 11 speed spacing.
This should fit your hub and shift fine, you’ll just have an unused click on your shifter; and as has already been said, make sure your limit screws are set correctly or it will shift off the end of the cassette.
Take the small washer off that sits behind your 10 speed cassette - the 11 should go on
I thought that but couldn’t find a washer - the 10 speed seemed to be sliding straight to the limit of the hub. I think it’s just smaller perhaps. Wheel is about 15 years old - has stuff changed perhaps 
Jeff is right I need a new bike
