Swapping wheels and brakes (calipers or shoes?)

[WeightySteve]

So it seems like I'll have a spare front BR 7900.

Until now when I'be been swapping between carbon rims/deep section to alu rim C24's (for windy days) I've just been swapping the shoes. Any beneift to think about swapping out the whole caliper? Seems a bit less fiddly (not having to get them aligned spot on each time), but might cause a lot of cable wear around the pinch bolt.

Assuming I wont have to remove the cable ends and the cable and adjuster barrel can come in and out of the caliper in one peice.

[CharlesM]

The cable would be why I wouldn't swap calipers... Shoes are probably easier anyhow.

[HammerTime2]

Or use these EE Brake Pad Holders http://fairwheelbikes.com/ee-brake-pad- ... -1964.html , if they're ever in stock. Allows you to easily swap pads, presuming a single shoe placement works for both wheels.

[HillRPete]

I'm thinking just swapping the pads would be easiest? In fact I've been pondering to look for knurled-head screws, so the pads can be swapped without the allen key.

[btompkins0112]

I had a separate set of pads/holders and swapped them out....you usually need to adjust positioning anyways so seemed like the less fuss solution.

[HillRPete]

I just find it way more fiddly to adjust the toe-in, compared to frobbing the inline cable length adjuster a bit.

[eric]

I swap pads. Adjusting the toe-in and pad position takes me 2-3x longer than swapping pads on Shimano style holders with the set screws.

I mark my pads front and rear so they go back in the same position.

[Geoff]

+1 on shoes. For toe-in, use the same shim every time. Presto.

[ThaRiddla]

I also swap pads back and forth for my race and training wheels. It takes about 5 minutes to remove one set of wheels, swap pads and install the second set of wheels.

Like eric, I keep my carbon pads (front and rear) separate from my alu pads. I keep the ones not currently on the bike in a baggie marked for front and rear so they go back into the same position each time. A small alignment on my front brake once the wheel is on and i'm ready to go.

I usually clean off each of the pads when removing them so i keep the dust level down and allow the pads to last a little longer. This also gives me a chance to inspect them for hunks of metal or debris.