So just the other day I noticed that the brakes were a bit sticky. Today it was much worse. They are almost locked. This is my everyday transport so if I can’t get the parts quickly to fix it I’ll probably end up cycling to work.
Think I know the problem. The front disks are quite heavily worn in the centre. I’d changed pads a few months ago and noticed an improvement but now they have bedded in to the shape of the disks they are sticking again. Could be binding around the edges I suppose. Callipers/pistons did not look in too bad condition, but guess I might need to look for replacements also. Some second hand stuff off eBay, these are pricey bits.
Rode home, bike was all over the shop. As I pushed it into garage noticed side stand was almost on the ground, then realised I also have a flat back tyre. Bikes… sheesh!
Update.
Seems I might have been a bit hasty in my assumptions. Thought I better check the bike over before I go searching the internet for parts. Its not ideal checking over at night outside with just a torch to work by. On the plus side its a reasonable night, not too cold, not too wet. So, back tyre first. Found a nice puncture with the offending piece of metal stuck right in the middle of the tyre (see piece of metal in middle of picture).
Its from something we’ve been doing cutting up at work so I know exactly what it has come from. I have my work colleagues to thank for this one then… Pulled out the old puncture repair kit that has been sat under my seat unopened for year. I reckon its been kicking around for at least six years. It has seen better days :ermm:
Thought I would give it a go at plugging it anyway, nothing to lose. First plug broke before it would go into the tyre. After attacking the hole to make it a bit wider I managed to get the second one in. Pumped tyre up to 40psi so now all I can do is wait until tomorrow to see if it goes down overnight.
Checked the rear was spinning freely, then jacked up the front and yup its spinning. Must just have been zero air in the rear that was making it so hard to push the bike. So there is it is, tell tail sign you’ve go a flat tyre! Wouldn’t have noticed at work as its after dark when I am ready to leave.