Brakes feel like they are not even there on my used road bike. How can I fix it?
It is quite possible the brake rubber is old. Or the rims may have an oily residue on them. As the pads age they become hard and dry. The result is long stopping distances and brake fade. You can try to use a file on the pad brake surface to remove the driest rubber. Avoid sandpaper as the grit can get lodged in the rubber and damage the rim. The results don't typically last for long. Replacement pads are inexpensive and easy to install.