Renolds Stratus Rims uneven braking

T. Field said:

I'm using Kool-Stop black pads as recommended by the
manufacturer, the brakes don't tighten down smoothly, they
shudder and grab, squealing as you come to a stop. Any
suggestions on preventing this?

Make sure the wheel is true (sounds like it's not), the rim
is clean, the brake pads and calipers are securely fastened,
and that the pads contact the center of the rim's braking
surface. The Kool Stop salmon colored pads are preferred,
but I don't think that's your problem.

Art Harris

Tom Field said:

I'm using Kool-Stop black pads as recommended by the
manufacturer, the brakes don't tighten down smoothly, they
shudder and grab, squealing as you come to a stop. Any
suggestions on preventing this?

What you describe is common with new rims that have not been
worn clean of traces of oil and manual handling, and new
brake pads. Assuming your brake calipers are properly
adjusted and do not have axial clearance on their pivot
shafts, cleaning the rims would probably do the trick. This
is done most easily by riding through a mud puddle while
braking, there being sufficient grit and wash for the brake
pads to do the cleaning and rinsing. Other than that,
wetting the rim and applying household cleanser while
braking will also do.

Other than that, you can't beat Kool-Stop salmon colored
pads regardless of rim (other than ceramic coated).

koolstop.combrakesOpen ↗

Jobst Brandt [email hidden]