Commando Specialties front shoes

Looking at them, said to be made by RGM. I have heard that RGM has high friction front brake pad replacements, but seem only to be as a replacement. Anyone have experience with the C.S. shoes? Cheaper than buying from UK. I haven't called C.S. yet but will tomorrow.

Same as Fedoro or not?

I arced my original shoes with the sandpaper routine, but I notice one of my shoes has a rivet that is very close to the top of the linings, so I want to replace them soon.

Dave
69S

Dog, I purchased some complete rear brake shoes, they came in a green box, so maybe Harris? But from my experience the cheap already lined shoes aren't much chop. The linings seemed to be as hard as nails and I ended up stretching the rear cable in frustration trying to get some braking. I had my original shoes re-lined locally by a brake specialist and had the shoes machined to match up with the diameter of the drum, more mucking around but if you want the most out of your drum brakes, this will achieve it! So I would get your old shoe re-lined at a brake place, you just need to measure your drum accurately and give them the backing plate and shoes, unless you have a big lathe yourself?
Cheers Richard

Hmm, I remember a long time ago reading about new high friction liners, but have forgotten about it. I have heard good things about the RGM shoes from a few fellas on this forum. I think there was even an article about re-lining your old shoes, I'll have to look into it, it may not have been on this forum. My rear shoes seems perfectly fine for now.

One of my original front shoes was contacting the drum with about 2", the rest was shiny, like new. The other shoe was completely missing the drum and was like new (although 1 rivet was real high). I adjusted them and then sanded them with 60 grit attached to the drum and now have complete contact with both shoes, but I have not had the bike on the road since, so maybe I should get a feel for it before jumping into new shoes/liners. Anyhow, I feel confident that I can turn my shoes with the drums and sandpaper to effect good contact.

Dave
69S

Hi Dave,

I've had a set of the CS front shoes on my Combat for a time now, and I like them. I can't say whether they are the same as Ferodo or not. They had a high metallic content, and said on the bag they were from RGM. I tried some Emgo shoes, and they weren't good at all. The CS shoes seem like the most bang for your buck. I don't have the stiffening kit, or have rebushed the brake plate, as shown on the Old Britts website. Bascially just changed the shoes, arced them, and was ready to go.

Thanks Don, I'll try a set. Think I'll call CS to see if they will tell me how they differ from the Ferodo.

Dave
69S

I tried a set of the RGM high fricton shoes last summer and they were much better than the stock shoes or locally relined ones. However, they did seem to be a little hit or miss. Usually the bike would stop like nobody's business and other times I was just stretching the cable. It was not a consistant problem, so I don't have a feeling for why they don't grab sometimes. This spring they seem great, so it might be a dirt / contamination issue. I plan to keep using them, but will be a little careful.

Greg

Hi Dog, Stockie again, thinking back the shoes I got were Emigo, and they did not appear to have any metallic about them, so maybe the CS ones will be a good friction material, still a good idea to arc them to your drum, for the best braking though!
Specialy if your drum has already had a skim?
Cheers Richard