hi there basically when i got the bike the brakes were good. the pads were starting to get low so i decided to change them now Ive changed them there now crap

i use to be able to stop on the front wheel now it wont even lock up

and for the back i pretty much have to stamp on the pedal to lock it

any one got any ideas why this is happening???

i have bed them is aswell

Have you just changed the pads and done nothing else .

yeah only changed the pads

I suspect they are not quite bedded in. The other option is that you have bought cheap pads.

You could bleed some new brake fluid through the system as generally it needs replacing every 2 years; or more frequently if subject to abuse.

The brakes will be improved enormously if you get braided steel hoses. Remember that the originals are now 20 years old.

i think it is the crappy cheap pads

because i have bedded them in properly and i have braided steel hoses and ive changed the fluid

thanks for the help shall be buying some better pads now! haha

Other option is that you have contaminated the pads or the surface of the disc

On the subject of bleeding brakes, i made an extremely cheap, but effective brake bleeding tool from a solder puffer,and some cheap clear tubing.
Fit tube over nipple in usual fashion,now squeeze, the puffer bulb flat and insert the end into the other end of your pipe, which can be just draped over the handle bars.
Now, gently, undo the 8mm, bleed valve, the vacuum effect, will pull the fluid through, at a controlled rate.
You can top up the master cylinder as you go, or close the valve.
I also recommend, lightly, tapping the the caliper, in the piston area, and also flicking the brake hose, this helps release any, errant air bubbles.
It really does work a treat, and gives a great brake, where sometimes, you may struggle, through normal, open/ close/ pump/ method.
Mike

I always use a syringe and pump it in from the caliper bleed nipple - works for me.

Spokey

pressure filling, or even with a syringe as someone recommended from bottom is always better because then you are helping the bubbles rise rather than trying to force them down against the way they want to go.
Odd thing with bike calipers is that the bleed nipple isn't at the lowest point of the system like on the A/C I maintain, so there is always going to be potential for the odd bubble to get trapped - I guess thats where tapping it helps.

Regards,
SkidMark