Bicycle brake systems are used to slow down or stop a bicycle. There have been various types of brakes used throughout history, and several are still in use today. The three main types are: rim brakes, disc brakes, and drum brakes.
Travel along (a road or route) on foot
Walk with steady steps making a soft dull sound
embroider: add details to
slog: walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud; "Mules plodded in a circle around a grindstone"
a number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
New brake pads and straddle cables
My local bike shop had a pair of new genuine Dia-Compe straddle wires ($1 each) and these great Delta "Aztec-2" brake pads (only $10 for a set of 4) so now this is a very smooth riding and also a very safe bike. These particular pads are among the best on the market (in my experience).
During my ride today I noticed a big difference in braking efficiency. What had been "spongy" with the original worn pads is now extremely solid.
Those are inexpensive but completely new CycloPro tires which came with the bike. Size is 27 x 1-1/8" and they look very nice on this bike. Schrader valves were typical on most all 27" rims in the US market (not sure about Great Britain). I'll probably rebuild the wheels to 700c since I already have the same model 58 Super Champion rims with the correct spoke holes in that size too. But no rush on that. I would do it now if I were planning a long trip, but just around town there is no need.
These calipers are stamped with an actual date: 12 85 ... I have now checked, and unseen beneath the mounting bolt assembly for the brake pad post there is a vertical adjustment slot. This means the pads can indeed slide down to accommodate the 4 mm. smaller radius of the 700c rims.
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Salmon Kool Stop Continental Brake Pads
Continuing to follow the gospel of Sheldon Brown, my Sprite is now adorned with Kool Stop Continental brake pads in a beautiful Salmon color.