brake disk pads

[cyclopopcicle]

hi, i have a disk brake setup, but i dont think the brakes are strong enough, they will stop me but are not strong enough to even skid my back wheel on gravel, but i dont know how to check, adjust or replace, i also have no instructions on how to do the above so i am looking for guidance from you guys.
pic of brakes.

cheers

 

[Lowe]

Cable discs. They're not the greatest stoppers really, hydraulic are a lot better.

Fairly easy to tighten up though. See the cable that runs down the right hand side of the picture? You can see a nut (probably allen key) which holds the cable in place. Loosen that up a bit, pull the cable through so that the slack is taken in, and re tighten the nut.

Also check to see if you have an adjuster for the pad position. As the pads wear away, not all calipers have auto adjusters which push them back into the optimum position. Instead you'll either find an allen key hole which when tightened will wind the pad in towards the disc, or you'll find a little adjuster wheel which does the same thing.

If you're really stuck, head down to your LBS and ask them to show you how to do it.

 

[cyclopopcicle]

i have adjusted as suggested, but not been able to test out yet.
thanks for the info