Is there such thing as very bad v-Brake pads for bikes?

[bagusbagus]

I'm not sure if this makes sense, however, my cheapo mtb has got just terrible rear brakes and I have no idea why, there is plenty of meat still left on the brake pads (mind you they are the age of the bike, at least 8years old and I doubt their sale value when new has ever been more than 50p)

I have changed the cables on the bike, adjusted the brakes at least 3x , there is a very very good pressure grab and action ,however they just barely stop you. The front brakes are fine and stop good.
Is this a thing or I have something else wrong?
I tried searching for replacement pads,however all I can find in the 55mm size I have are some very cheap poundshop quality ones,seems like the standard are 70mm? But I guess I need the 55mm size If I already have that,or is it possible to use larger size as well? Also what's a good brand I should be looking at?

[mak250300]

Not had a go of a bike with V brakes for a few years now but have you tried taking them off and giving them a sand? Used to do it many years ago and seemed to help.

Also have you tried cleaning the rim of the wheel with some form of degreaser just incase when you lubed the chain some went on the rim.

[CoolC]

If it's the really cheap plastic V brakes, they truly are useless.

I'd suspect that the brake pads are still in such good shape for an old bike that they are so hard that they are next to useless, so start by getting some new blocks and see how it goes.

[Rewe]

You can use whatever size will physically fit.

[MDMA .]

Try some Kool Stop ones.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/s?q=kool...

[bagusbagus]

mak250300 said:

Not had a go of a bike with V brakes for a few years now but have you tried taking them off and giving them a sand? Used to do it many years ago and seemed to help.

Also have you tried cleaning the rim of the wheel with some form of degreaser just incase when you lubed the chain some went on the rim.

Thanks Son for the idea, just ordered some ''CLARKS ELITE TRIPLE CONTOUR brakes '' for £2.95 from fleabay
At that price, I think you can just stick a new pair on instead of faffing with the old ones if I have already wasted some time with them,
Wish my Car brake pads were £2.95 and some 10mins to fit

[bagusbagus]

Got the Clarks pads, fitted in under 5mins and Hoooly FUUK! Stops on a dime now, I have to be careful not to engage them too much or I send my rear wheel drifting.
Awesome,changed my bike totally!