Cargo bike brakes
 

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Cargo bike brakes

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I’ve no doubt this is a stupid question and obvious, but I’m going to ask it anyway.

How do the front brakes on a three-wheel cargo trike work? Is there some sort of hydraulic or cable splitter, or is it cleverer (or simpler) than that?


 
Posted : 18/04/2025 1:09 pm
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I had to fix the brakes on a friend's cargo trike a while back.

Hers were tektro hydraulic operated on a single lever, with a splitter going to two calipers on the front wheels.

One caliper was sticking so the steering became very dangerous as it grabbed on one side, almost tipping the whole thing over.

Seriously if you are thinking of buying one make sure you test ride it. I found hers pretty terrifying to ride even when it worked.


 
Posted : 18/04/2025 4:01 pm
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I’d assumed there would be some way of adjusting the balance but it doesn’t sound like it?

From seeing the ones in Copenhagen recently they’ve got sizeable discs on and one side grabbing could be… interesting.


 
Posted : 18/04/2025 5:52 pm
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No adjustment or way to balance those tektro ones. wouldn't be surprised if that was typical but they're the only ones I've seen up close. I removed them and took them to a shop to bleed properly and lube the pistons which did the trick.


 
Posted : 18/04/2025 6:49 pm

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