Braking News

 

Well, my experiment is working out better than I'd hoped My rear brakes are now incredibly light, smooth, and silent. The Wheel will lock if a lot of force is applied, but seeing as I can stop from 20mph in around 20 feet with gentle preasure, I don't think it's a problem - looking forward to getting them on both wheels now!.

 

It'll be interesting to see how they perform in the wet, and over a long period of time, what the wear rate will be, but so far so good I'm "feeling much more confident under braking" as Martin Brundle would say

Edited May 4, 200917 yr by Straylight

Hi Mussells

 

I am in China today at the China Bike show, would you like me to find some longer levers for you? I would be intrerseted to see if the make a big difference.

 

All the best David

That would be good as I couldn't reasemble the lever correctly last time I tried. I don't want to try again until I have a lot of spare time, if you have an alternative then I can try that quickly.

I think it will help a lot.

 

Thanks.

As an experiment to improve the braking force of my v-brakes, I've installed the 'Avid Single digit 5' brakes from my Marin in combination with the standard Wisper long levers on the rear wheel. I haven't taken it out yet, but when balancing the brakes I've found a profound difference in A. the force required on the lever (a lot less), and B. the braking effect (when the wheel is spinning quite fast, the brakes stop it dead).

 

I will report more after a test ride, I think the only issue will be an increased risk of locking the wheel, but this will simply be a matter of self calibration In fact, I was so impressed with the difference that I immediately ordered two pairs of brakes in black (the ones from my Marin are silver - and about a decade old).

 

Out of interest, as an aside, the Avid levers on the Marin are somewhat shorter than the Wisper's, and also have an adjustment screw on the pivot to set the progressiveness of the braking, so maybe when my new levers arrive, they'll prove to be more compatible, looking forward to seeing the difference I should also add that I'm using Clarkes inserts in Avid RW2 cassetes, as these have proven to be more durable on my marin than the Avid standard blocks (and they're cheaper too! ).

The standard 905 long levers (that I had) were for centre pull brakes so would have had an excellent mechanical advantage, these would be quite different to V brake long levers.

The centre pull levers don't allow the calipers enough travel and the blocks drag on the rim, the short V brake levers allow the clearance required but don't give me enough leverage to apply decent force on the brakes. I'm hoping v brake long levers will give me just the right amount of leverage but still allowing the clearance required on the disk and v brakes.

If that makes sense.

Just finished working on a one year old 905se with naff brakes. Owner had fitted an Avid BB7 to the front in the hope of improving things but to no avail.

Both front and rear were spongy and ineffective. IMO the brake levers were the wrong type with a 30mm dimension between the pivot and the cable anchor. Most Vee type and mechanical discs use a lever with about 40-45mm which pulls a lot more cable.

I have fitted Travel Agents up by the levers and they multiply the amount of cable pulled. The brakes are much improved now.

More testing tomorrow 'cos it's not exactly the cheapest option at 15 quid each !! But it really does make a difference.

Brakes

 

Hi Steve

 

I hope the tests work out OK.

 

Don't forget we have stock of the much improved brakes that are used on the current Wispers.

 

All the best David

Hi, my brakes constantly need adjusting too, I have adjusted them myself but have asked the electric transport shop in London to have a look at them too, but they said they would have to charge me as I had adjusted them myself and they cant be sure that i haven't done any damage to the bike because of this

I was under the impression that I would get a free service after about a month of owning the bike...

 

If the problem is the levers and not the cable stretching or slipping then I too would like some new levers...plus instructions on fitting them ..

 

The most funny comment to the customer I've ever heard. Can't even think what damage can you do to the brakes when trying to adjust them.

Breaks

 

I wonder if this could "brake" the bike?

I think that's ridiculous, I mean, when does it become your bike - after the warranty period?

 

I've changed the brake calipers entirely for Avids, and the only criticism I have of them is that sometimes they're a bit too good - I've (briefly ) skidded the back wheel trying to slow down in the wet. With the 905's low centre of gravity, I can be a little overconfident at times, and have to consciously remind myself to adapt to the conditions :o . I suppose it's a testement to the design that I've never riden a bike that's felt so stable.

Edited July 25, 200916 yr by Straylight

July 2008

 

Posted 23rd July 2008

 

Hi, my brakes constantly need adjusting too, I have adjusted them myself but have asked the electric transport shop in London to have a look at them too, but they said they would have to charge me as I had adjusted them myself and they cant be sure that i haven't done any damage to the bike because of this

I was under the impression that I would get a free service after about a month of owning the bike...

 

If the problem is the levers and not the cable stretching or slipping then I too would like some new levers...plus instructions on fitting them ..

Edited July 25, 200916 yr by Wisper Bikes

July 2008

 

Posted 24 July 2008

 

Hi Moon

 

We have spare brake levers with the extra leverage an the next trailer which arrives in about two weeks. I will very happily send you a set FOC. Yes of course ETS should make adjustments FOC. Any problems on that front please let me know and I will write to Eddie.

 

 

Best regards David

July 2008

 

Posted 30th July 2008

 

I totally agree John.

 

The problem has now been resolved at ETS, there seems to have been a little bit of miscommunication.

 

You know my views on service, good after sales service in imperative for the wellbeing of customers and a happy customer remains a customer for ever.

 

Best regards David

 

As you can see this was purely a misunderstanding over a year ago that was sorted out within three days. Generally ETS offer a superb service!

 

Best regards David

Hi, those were really old posts...but, I am still having problems with my brakes and speed of the bike. I have also spent almost £200 trying to sort the problem out which includes a number of brake overhauls, fitting a new disc brake, having the bike serviced at a cost of £90 which has made little improvement to the problems I specified.

I have now removed my back brakes as they we causing so much trouble, the front brake disc brake also seems to be dragging the wheel, and the bike only seems to reach 13mph on throttle-hi speed and 11mph on pedelec and throttle-low speed, this is slower than my non electric mountain bike!

 

I am really not sure now what is causing the problems and have just spent £90 on a service which I hoped would resolve these issues. I had specified that I was concerned about the power output of the bike which was why I booked the service, however after I left my bike with the mechanic I was told that he could not in fact deal with any of the power issues, apart from checking the connections and putting Vaseline on them, which I paid almost £100 for!

 

He did fit circular lever things to the brakes and also replaced one of the brake cables, he also said the brakes were rubbing and had sorted this. Having now ridden the bike for a couple of weeks both brakes are once again rubbing but the levers are more effective.

 

I am now at my wits end with trying to sort this bike out and cant afford to throw any more money at it.

 

Any ideas/solutions folks???

Problems

 

Hi Moon

 

Sorry not to have heard from you regarding your problems, I remember your having some teething problems a year ago but I thought they had been resolved, as you know we are always available to help.

 

In the first instance it would be best to talk to Norman our dedicated service manager, you can email him on service@wisperbikes.com. Norman is really there to help our dealers but you seem to have exhausted that option so it seems we need to step in.

 

I have emailed Norman with a copy of your post so he will be in the picture when you contact him.

 

Best regards David

Edited July 28, 200916 yr by Wisper Bikes

Thanks David, I'll have a chat with Norman later.

Well, I've had the brakes serviced again by bikefix Bikefix - the bike shop on your desktop

and am pleased to say that they are now working ok.

 

They were fitted with circular springs which increased pull on the cables and I haven't needed to adjust them since so that is great!

 

The power issues are still a problem though as the bike never reaches a very high speed and I am constantly being overtaken by unfit people on shoppers which is quite embarrassing.

My only thought is that the bike has been restricted in some way.

Lack of power

 

Hi Moon

 

I am sorry to hear you are still having power issues, this is very unusual on a Wisper, what did Norman say when you contacted him?

 

Are you using throttle only when these unfit people overtake you?

 

If I can be of any assistance please call me on 07733226906, or email me miall@aol.com

 

Best regards David

A word or caution about the circular travel agents used to give extra pull on the brake levers. Mine failed last night whilst I was going down hill, I managed to stop the bike by dragging my feet and allowing the pedals to hit the back of my calves. It turns out that the cable had worked itself loose from the component.

 

I have no idea why my back brake didnt stop me either..ho hum

 

David what is the status of this brake problem, has any kind of product recall been done and what solutions have been proposed?

Circular Travel agents?

 

Hi Moon, sorry to hear you are having problems, please email Norman at service@wisperbikes.com and he will sort you out. What is a circular travel agent?

 

Best regards

 

David

A word or caution about the circular travel agents used to give extra pull on the brake levers. Mine failed last night whilst I was going down hill, I managed to stop the bike by dragging my feet and allowing the pedals to hit the back of my calves. It turns out that the cable had worked itself loose from the component.

I don't know why you still need these, I have had problems with the lever's pull ratio not working with the caliper but Wisper provided replacements for both and they work well now.

 

I have no idea why my back brake didnt stop me either..ho hum

After paying a bike shop to service the brakes I'd be very upset with that.

I've had quite a bit of trouble getting the back brake to work well and I've now found the old Shimano XT parallelogram brakes are a good fit, odd because I tried fitting them before I got the new frame and they wouldn't go. I still can't get much stopping power out of the brake but it's enough to stop me slowly on a steep hill which is an improvement.

The travel agents look like this, and were fitted by your mechanic in Kent

http://www.bike-components.de/images/product_images/popup_images/17964_1_qbp_travel-agent_v-b.jpg

 

I have contacted Norman and am awaiting his reply.

 

Mussels I am surprised to hear that your back brake is also ineffective.

Thanks Moon

 

Thanks for the image moon.

 

As a matter of interest we don't have a mechanic in Kent.

 

Please let me know when the problem has been resolved or if I can be of any further assistance.?

 

How long have you had your bike now?

 

All the best

 

David

Really, then why was I given the details of this man by Norman Bicycle repair man who said he was ' the wisper mechanic in my area'

I don't know why you still need these, I have had problems with the lever's pull ratio not working with the caliper but Wisper provided replacements for both and they work well now.

 

Could you give me more info on this?

Mechanic

 

Really, then why was I given the details of this man by Norman Bicycle repair man who said he was ' the wisper mechanic in my area'

 

Hi Moon, I assume it was because Norman felt it would be more convenient for you to use one of our dealer's local to you instead of taking your bike to Guilford.

 

Any way, let me know if I can be of any service, Norman will be contacting you next week.

 

Best regards

 

David