Powacycle Salisbury brakes

[oliverdirs]

Hi, I recently bought a Powacycle Salisbury and so far I've been really pleased with it, except for the brakes or rather the brake levers. I live in a very hilly area (a few miles from Bath) and I'm finding my hand and arm are aching after the downhill trip as I have to brake so hard for so long. The real problem seems to be the Powacycle (Wuxing) brake levers - they're quite a distance from the handlebar due to the angle they're at and they can't be adjusted (presumably because of their cut-out switches).

I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has had similar issues and if they've been able to get round the problem somehow. I asked Powacycle if I could just fit a regular adjustable brake lever and they said that in theory I could (though I'd void the bike's warranty) - I just need to detach the brake switch cable at both ends. Is there a safety issue with using a regular brake lever and has anyone done this on a Powacycle?

In the meantime I might just try fitting some better brake pads - maybe if I had to use less force to slow the bike down that would solve the issue.
Thanks,
Oliver

 

[BBB]

I do not think better brake pads will make a big difference, but sometimes cheap outer brake cables tend to crimp slightly under pressure. So better quality outer brake cables might help, especially on the back brake. of course better levers will help as well, but you would lose the cut out. You could also try having a little play on the cable.
Obviously these bikes are sold at a price point, more expensive bikes have better cables etc.
Although many people on here might not agree, I do think the powacycle is not a bad bike for the price. I have sold plenty of them and to be honest they have given me a lot less problems than similar products in that price range.

 

[NRG]

Could also be something as simple as having the handle bars too low as all your weight will be on your wrists and forearms as you lean forward going downhill.

 

[oliverdirs]

Thanks for the replies. Interesting you should mention the handlebars - I'd prefer them a little higher but there seems to be very little adjustment of the height of the handlebars - there's a maximum height marker on the handlebars but they still seem a low to me but I guess I'm getting used to them. The whole size and set up of the Salisbury is not the most comfortable, but as has been said, for the price it's a good bike. I'm going to also try allowing more play on the bake brake lever so that the bake brake bites when the lever is closer to the handlebars. Maybe not the safest thing but it should be more comfortable going down hill.

 

[Abs_N]

Brakes

Hi,

I have had the Salisbury for over about 18 months, the original brakes are terrible, replace the cable and the brakes and this will make a big difference to your stopping power.

I only changed the front brakes as my commute is short but it does make a difference, I got avid single digit 5 brakes and shimano cable which cost about £20.
Believe me the cable makes a big difference to how hard you have to pull the levers, it makes you wonder how much quality difference there is between cables.

Give it a go, hope it helps.

 

[Northern Irelander]

The levers are standard size on all their range.

Try resetting the cable position so there is minimum travel between the rim and pad.

Have the levers set so the pitch angle is around 30 degrees below the horizontal.

 

[weirdfish]

I just need to detach the brake switch cable at both ends. Is there a safety issue with using a regular brake lever and has anyone done this on a Powacycle?

Opinion seems divided on cut off switches and at first I didn't really see the need, however, after a couple of months of riding I do think having at least one is a good idea.

When I first got my bike I was always using the throttle, probably due to the novelty of it on a bicycle, but as time has gone on I reckon I use pedal assist 60% of the time, especially on long stretches where I don't need to stop. Having a cut off switch makes gear changing while slowing down for traffic lights far more controllable. Plus you only have to blip the throttle by mistake once, as you're swinging you leg over the bike, to realise the benefits in throttle mode

I too hate the wuxing levers and while I've changed the front to a hydraulic set up, I've kept the standard lever with its switch for the rear. I am looking to change the rear lever too but I'll need to figure out a way to keep the cut off facility before I do.

 

[oliverdirs]

I've set the brake levers to bite at a more horizontal position which should ease the stress on my hands. Think I'll get a handlebar riser so there's less pressure on my arms downhill (any suggestions for a riser for a Salisbury? Not entirely sure what I'm looking for). I could also do with changing the grips to something softer - is it simple to change the grip on the throttle?
/Oliver