Having virtuallly finished my 2 bike builds (a DP Firebird Mk2 and a Mk1 Raleigh Burner) i took them for a little test ride yesterday.
I remember (20-25 years ago now) that I used to be able to lock the back wheel up of my bikes when riding, but now the brakes seem a little feeble.
I know I am now much heavier than I was, but they do seem quite poor. The Firebird has MX levers & brakes, the Burned has all original Weinmann brakes.
The brakes on both bikes are similar in performance - new brake blocks (both bikes have different types fitted) fitted fresh from the box with no sanding/roughing up the surface. Should i have done this? And all the wheels are alloy rims. No I haven't polished the rims.
Maybe I ought to meths wipe the rims (to de-grease them) in case they have got contaminated? Although to my finger, they dont feel greasy/oily
Or are they just generally not good compared to the brakes on newer bikes?