Cable disc brakes

[lechatnoir]

also clean the rotors. they;re likely heavily contaminated form being touched and handled.

Use some Isopropyl alcohol

 

^^^^definitely this

 

and try sanding the pads on a flat surface. remember to bed the brakes in again when you're done

[MrJacques]

This might be better than the levers that are currently on there?

 

https://bikemob.co.za/products/shimanoef500shiftbrakeleverset-7speed (I have a similar set on one of my bikes)

 

And there does seem to be options for 7 speed shifters:

 

https://www.buycycle.co.za/mountain-bike/components/shifters/shimano-revo-shifter-set-3x7/

 

A better quality cable might also help.

[Martin PJ]

If you don't mind waiting two months buy something off Aliexpress.com Looking at about 40 dollars for front and back set pair. I bought some many years ago to replace cable disc brakes which were always poor, and still using them. They are shimano and work very well. Some entry level brake.

[porqui]

Strip them completely and give them a thorough service and replace cable inner and outers.

Pay attention to pads that they are not contaminated.

[Longbarn Killer]

So, the consensus is to give them a good clean and replace cable.

 

I'm gonna do that on the weekend. If there is no improvement, I'm going to look out for a set of hydraulic brakes on the hub.

[droo]

I'd put money on glazed or contaminated pads. Replace, clean rotors with alcohol, bed them in properly and you're good to go.