Caliper brake lever soft?

[Pacman]

I bought a new bike from Bow Cycle a few months ago. It's a Specialized Globe Roll (road/hybrid type bike)

It has unbranded brake components on it.

They are caliper style brakes.

I find the brake lever is so soft that it touches the handlebar grip when pulling.

I've tried tightening up the cable at the caliper (squeeze the caliper, tighten the bolt while pulling on the excess wire) but it doesn't seem to help.

Is this a function or poor quality calipers/levers and would switching them out to branded parts help, or is this a simple adjustment?

Thanks
James

[jacky4566]

How close are the pads to the rim? You want them as close as possible without touching. If your wheel is touching in some places but not others then you need to get the rims "trued".

Depending on the lever design you might be able to lengthen the lever travel.

[bspot]

Also look for broken parts.

I had a piece of plastic around the pivot on a cheap pair of brakes crack, and when I'd pull the lever part of the force was deflecting that piece of plastic. Depending on your setup, a broken cable housing end can do the same.