Servicing Brakes

Sounds like too much cable between lever and caliper. Hold the caliper closed with your hand and then loosen the allen key bolt which holds the cable. Do not press the lever at all. Pull the cable from the end and then tighten the allen bolt and depress the calipers. This should tighten up the brakes and also reduce the amount of travel in the brake lever when pressed.

If anyone knows of any mistakes please do correct me...

That's how I fitted the cable in the first place, so it can't be that... I don't think the housing is too long either, it only has a small bend in it.

I think it might be the brake pads. Any way I can treat them at home to confirm this? I've heard of baking them to soften them up before, but not sure how long and at what heat.

Thanks for the advice though, it did help validate that I installed the brake correctly at least (I hope).