Hydraulic brakes question

saracen fan
saracen fan Posts: 389
edited September 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
hi all,
Im new to all this so I apologise if ths is one of those annoying questions asked a thousand times! (I did look but couldnt seem to find an answer to my question)

Basically Ive never had hydraulic disk brakes before, or even mechanical disks, im used to V brakes (told you im new to this! :wink: )
Im just wondering if mine are as sharp as there meant to be? the manual gives warnings of immense stopping power but they dont seem and better than some of the V brakes ive had...
The back brake is very good, it will completely lock even when im doing 30mph, however the front brake is not sharper than my old V's which would through me over the handle bars if grabbed to quick...
is this normal? can they be adjusted?
any help would be great!
Unlike my credit card im currently carrying a low level of interest- Peter Griffin


Saracen Trace 1

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    how long have you had them?

    they do need to bed in.

    and yes the power can be about the same a Good Vs but will be more consistant in poor conditions.

    Which brakes are they as some do guild the lilly a bit too much.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • x-isle
    x-isle Posts: 794
    Yep second that.

    You won't notice much of a difference in V to Disk until you start putting them through intense conditions.........

    Try a prolonged downhill section in the wet and mud.

    Then you'll notice the difference......!
    Craig Rogers
  • Matt 24k
    Matt 24k Posts: 186
    Try using a cable tie to pull the front brake lever into the handle bar over night. Leave it overnight making sure that the master cylinder is at the highest point of the brake system so that any air will rise to the top of the master cylinder. If this improves the power of the brake than you have air in the system and it will almost certainly need to be bled.
  • Daz555
    Daz555 Posts: 3,976
    Be very careful not to get anything remotely greasy/oily on the pads or rotors or this will seriously impact your braking.
    You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
    If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
    If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.
  • saracen fan
    saracen fan Posts: 389
    Thanks for the advice guys, it would be fair to say they havent had a hard life so far....just road riding, havent took it on the black route at high lodge yet :wink:

    they are Tektro Auriga COMP's and ive had them about 3weeks, they have got better in that time I think there bedded in now?

    I guess untill I truely punish them i wont see there true ability.....so il let you all know how I get on with some downhill sections (if I survive lol)
    Unlike my credit card im currently carrying a low level of interest- Peter Griffin


    Saracen Trace 1
  • bulkylad
    bulkylad Posts: 9
    i also have these brakes and have found them very good .... but definately prone to overheating ( at least i think thats what causes them to go squidgy) on the stock pads/ mineral oil , i have bled the brakes a few times after them going 'squidgy' and this wasn't remedied until i changed the pads for a ceramic compound and the mineral oil to a2z vodka mineral oil , havn't had to bleed them since :).
  • jayson
    jayson Posts: 4,606
    It just sounds to me like they need to bed in properly before they give up their full stopping power.

    Ive just fitted a new set to my bike so im goin through the same thing until they wear in and settle down.

    I really doubt theres actually anything wrong with them they just need time which is very tedious.
    Remedy

    Merida

    Austria 2012

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