Tips Archive:

Hot Tip of the Month- November 2003: "Resistance Pads"
The resistance pads on your bikes take quite a beating. Out of all the many serviceable parts on the bikes, these in particular can “scream” for attention and care. On the bikes that use a caliper system or double pads, the most effective way to care for them is to remove them once a month, rough em’ up with a steel bristled brush and them give them a generous spray of a Teflon based lube such as Tri-flow. The squealing from these pads is usually an indicator that they need some care or if enough time has passed, even replacement. Pads on this type of system will generally last a year or two with fairly regular care. On the bikes that use the uni-foot or top load single pad system, care and maintenance is also essential for a good running machine. I use a wire bristled brush to remove any glaze that develops and then put a couple of drops of 3-1 oil or Tri-flow drip on the leather AFTER I have removed the glaze and/or build-up. ALWAYS pay close attention to the order or the parts you remove to ensure that re-assembly is done correctly. For more goodies like this, check our manuals.