I’ve always liked v-brakes.  They are simple, they work, and they are reliable.  But, recently I’ve been having some issues with my favorite v-brakes, my Paul’s Motolites.

The first problem really isn’t a problem with the brakes, but more the wheels.  I managed to flat-spot the rear Crossmax ST on the UK-14’er (aka Kent Eriksen Ti Hardtail).  While this could easily be attributed to ‘user error’, the result is that the nice ceramic brake surface coating chipped off of the rim where it was bent.  The rims are subjected to a lot of potential damage, and this was the result.  I suppose it is really only a matter of time until you ding a rim, and if they are ceramic, you may lose some of it.

Looking more closely at my rims, it is clear that there are dozens of scratches and chips in the ceramic braking surface.  Most chips are small and haven’t spread (apart from the flat-spot), and the brakes still work quite well, but it is quite annoying as new ceramic rims are very expensive.  The rims for Mavic Crossmax rim-brake wheels are even more expensive (along with most of the other proprietary parts that comprise a Crossmax wheel) and subsequently the replacement parts cost far more than a replacement wheel.  So, the result is that if I want to fix my rim, a new wheel, or likely wheelset, is the most cost-effective solution.

The second problem I had was with the Motolites, specifically with the brakes and the brake cable housing.  First, a lesson on brake cable housings and how they work:

A brake cable housing consists of a hollow steel core coated with a plastic outer casing.  At each end of the housing there is a metal ferrule (cap).  Most cable housings also have an plastic liner inside of the steel core to reduce friction between the brake cable and housing.  The inner steel core provides the strength of the housing.  When the brakes are applied, the cable is pulled through the housing, and the housing is compressed between the brake lever and the brake.

Anyway, on a Motolite brake, the cable passes through a bent metal tube called a ‘brake noodle’ prior to attaching to the brake.  The brake housing terminates at the ‘brake noodle’.  However, the hole in this ‘brake noodle’ for the cable appears to be a large enough diameter that the steel core of housing can pull through the ferrule and into the ‘brake noodle’ (See the above photo). This effectively shortens the housing length and renders the brake non-functional.

If you look at the ferrule below, you’ll see the result of the above brake housing steel core passing though it.  I believe that the ferrule likely failed because it was supporting the full force of the front brakes due to the size of the hole in the ‘brake noodle’.  This failure has happened to me twice.  If you’re interested, I’ve tried shop bulk cable housing and Jagwire housing as well as a few types of ferrules, but the results have been the same or similar.

I contacted Paul for a solution, but I did not get a response.  Honestly, I am pretty disappointed with them.  Their parts are usually very nice and not inexpensive.  To put it kindly, their customer service leaves a lot to be desired.

On the bright side, I found that the old-style Motolites use a different ‘brake noodle’ that does not use a ferrule, but instead has a nicely machined piece that fits between the cable housing and the ‘brake noodle’. I put one of these old-style ‘brake noodles’ on the front brake and I haven’t had any more problems.

See the ‘old style’ above and right, and the ‘new’ above and left.  The smaller outer diameter of the ‘old style brake noodle’ has the added benefit of not rattling against the ‘hooked canoe’.  Great terminology, huh?

However, as you may have guessed, I’m not too happy with these brakes.  While the brakes are working (for now), I have a better, bluer, and titanium-er solution in progress…

A few weeks ago I rode several of the trails at Fox Creek.  I rode the ‘Fox Creek XC’ track, then west on ‘Human Projectile’, through the Kangaroo Creek Campgound, up the ‘Thomas Hill Climb’, then around on some of the tracks in the middle, then to the east side on ‘The Big End’ and finally back up  The Guts’ and/or ‘Ridge Run’.

From my first ride, I’ll say that the east side is a lot more interesting than the west. The ‘Fox Creek XC’ track is pretty good, but it is easy to get lost and end up on a fire track or in a loop you didn’t intend to repeat.  Overall, Fox Creek is a nice area, but I’ll have to ride it a few more times to get a good impression.  The first photo is a panorama from the top of the Thomas Hill Climb Lookout.  Here are a couple more photos:

Thomas Hill Climb Lookout

Somewhere in the middle?

The ‘Eagle Short Course’ race was the second race in the 2009/2010 AMTBC Summer Series, and my second MTB race.  This race was similar in format to the ‘Dirt Crit‘ in that the course was short (about two minutes per lap), but the terrain was a little more technical.  The race was time limited plus two finishing laps, with the riders separated into five race grades.

Based on my performance and observations in the first race, this time I decided to enter in the ‘C Grade’.

My race stated well.  I was in second after the mass start, and held that position for two or so laps.  I passed the leader and actually held the lead for about a lap, and then crashed one one of the slightly technical sections (around 2:30 in the video).

I had ridden this section of the course several time prior to the race, but this time I didn’t quite make it.  My front wheel grabbed a rut in the dirt and I went over the bars.  Surprisingly, the front wheel came partially out of the dropout and the brake jammed.  After a quick repair and wheel realignment I was back in the race, though apparently about 30 seconds down (on a sub two-minute lap).  The rest of the race was unevetful with a few passes and being passed a few time.  I ended up finishing seventh of ten.  The complete C Grade results here:

I was race plate 421.  As you can see, the first few laps went pretty well, then in lap 4 I crashed.  My remaining lap times never quite recovered to my pre-crash lap times.

For comparison, average lap times by grade; minutes:seconds (number of laps completed):

Full results and more info available on the Adelaide MTB Club site: www.amtbc.com.

Like many others, I’m going to lay blame from my problems, at least partially, on my equipment.  I decided to swap my front Larsen TT tire with a 2.1″ Maxxis Rendez eXCeption series.  Supposedly, this tire should offer more cornering grip than the Larsen TT, and it may, but what it doesn’t offer is any braking traction whatsoever.  The Rendez was sketchy on any slightly loose descent, and felt disconnected in heavy sprints/acceleration.  Interestingly, this 2.1″ Rendez is actually 1/4″ narrower than the 2.0″ Larsen TT.  I rode the Rendez on a few trails prior to the race, and against my better judgment, I left it on.  For those who are interested, I generally ride the rear Larsen TT at 32 psi and the Rendez in front at 28 psi, both with tubes.

Overall I am happy with the results, and I’ll have more video and data tables after the next race.  The video turned out much better this time (no leaf on lens).  The first-person on-bike video was from the ATC3K helmet camera and the Sony W300 was used for the rest of the video.  Next time I think I’ll try for more off-bike angles