I have caliper brakes on my bike. What are your thoughts on caliper brakes? Are there better braking systems? How much do they usually cost?
What brakes are on it now ? Do they have a name on them ?
Rebuild the brake system,make it tight and true.Do not forget to tension the springs on both sides equal.Then buy a good set of eagleclaw coolstop pads for it. Just one persons opinion. p.s. I call most caliper bicycle brakes 'slowing down devices'Not brakes.If you can not skid then they are not good brakes.
There are so many variants on caliper brakes and even more differences in quality there is nobody that can answer your question correctly. If you are unsure about what type of caliper brakes you have at least give us the brand and model of the bike so we can try to answer you intelligently. EDIT: You have either side pull or centerpull brakes. I am pretty sure that they are long reach models which are almost impossible to find. but the brakes are probably not your problem. The bike is equipped with chrome plated steel rims. All steel rims tend to flex when braking pressure is applied which reduce effectiveness, and the chrome is a slippery surface which discourages friction which is necessary for stopping. I strongly suggest that you do NOT make the attempt to upgrade anything on that bike. most of the parts are obsolete and making an upgrade will just waste your money. If the DESIRE for better brakes is your only concern, then don't do it. If your brakes are not functioning I would recommend going to a shop. you may just need new cables, housings, and pads. If more work than this is necessary, I suggest looking for another bike.
