Front brake fade.

1mancity2
1mancity2 Posts: 2,355
edited February 2012 in MTB workshop & tech
Doing freeride and dh sections yesterday, noticed my front brake fading after around 1hr, they are hope m4, pad life looks ok, any ideas what causes this and how I can cure it?
Finished, Check out my custom Giant Reign 2010
Dirt Jumper Dmr Sidekick2

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    heat. dont brake as much (dragging the brake), fit bigger rotors. Change to suitable pads. get better brakes.
    have the pads glased over?

    more info really needed.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • 1mancity2
    1mancity2 Posts: 2,355
    Pads look ok, sintered Superstar
    203mm rotor
    I don't brake a lot really
    brakes have always been good, could they need a bleed? (don't feel spongy or unresposive)
    Finished, Check out my custom Giant Reign 2010
    Dirt Jumper Dmr Sidekick2
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    1mancity2 wrote:
    Pads look ok, sintered Superstar
    thats your issue. (other than the brakes themselves)

    if the lever is firm then a bleed will do nothing. if the brakes were fading due to boiling the fluid then you would have a spongey lever and a bleed would be needed.

    basically you are over using the brakes that is putting them out of their usable range.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • 1mancity2
    1mancity2 Posts: 2,355
    Tbh I have started riding a lot harder/faster so you may be right, so what would be a good FR/DH brake upgrade?
    Finished, Check out my custom Giant Reign 2010
    Dirt Jumper Dmr Sidekick2
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    Saint.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Formula.

    I have used both Oros and the 1. no issues.

    BUT i would look at how you brake and maybe some better pads in the front.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • 386ka
    386ka Posts: 479
    nicklouse wrote:
    Formula.

    I have used both Oros and the 1. no issues.

    BUT i would look at how you brake and maybe some better pads in the front.
    What pads would you recommend for brake fade?
    A much loved, Giant Trance X3 2010
  • 1mancity2
    1mancity2 Posts: 2,355
    Just had the pads out and cleaned/sanded them so will try that, but as 386ka says what pads would you recommend Nick?
    Finished, Check out my custom Giant Reign 2010
    Dirt Jumper Dmr Sidekick2
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    386ka wrote:
    nicklouse wrote:
    Formula.

    I have used both Oros and the 1. no issues.

    BUT i would look at how you brake and maybe some better pads in the front.
    What pads would you recommend for brake fade?
    cheap ones.

    but if you meant to try and reduce brake fade i just used the OE ones.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • 386ka
    386ka Posts: 479
    Never mind, I haven't experienced brake fade yet on my RX's, maybe I haven't ridden that hard yet. I am aiming to never feel brake fade again, and also to have a bit more modulation. Sintered is the way to go? (Using stock pads, I think that they are organic)
    A much loved, Giant Trance X3 2010
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    Something I heard every time one of our group in france had brake issues on long descents "You eeeenglish wiz ze seeentered pads". French people all seem to think they cause brake fade. I have no idea if they're correct tbh, never been able to get my brakes to fade even when the rotors've been discolouring from heat (superstar kevlars in Formula Oros incidentally- first time down fort william I had the back brake pretty much deathlocked on at all times in terror, with a 160mm rotor, very pretty colours but never stopped working)

    Never used an M4, are they not pretty potent brakes? Hope seem a wee bit more susceptible to fade than most but from what you describe I'm surprised you're getting fade, the UK doesn't have that many long hard runs so they should be getting a rest on push/ride ups?
    Uncompromising extremist
  • 1mancity2
    1mancity2 Posts: 2,355
    Northwind wrote:
    Something I heard every time one of our group in france had brake issues on long descents "You eeeenglish wiz ze seeentered pads". French people all seem to think they cause brake fade. I have no idea if they're correct tbh, never been able to get my brakes to fade even when the rotors've been discolouring from heat (superstar kevlars in Formula Oros incidentally- first time down fort william I had the back brake pretty much deathlocked on at all times in terror, with a 160mm rotor, very pretty colours but never stopped working)

    Never used an M4, are they not pretty potent brakes? Hope seem a wee bit more susceptible to fade than most but from what you describe I'm surprised you're getting fade, the UK doesn't have that many long hard runs so they should be getting a rest on push/ride ups?

    They feel like they have loads of power and always been spot on, only doing sections of around 3-4mins then a ride/push back up, the brake is fine in the first 2,3 corners then looses power, never had it before but like i've said i am riding harder.

    Cleaned the pads and caliper/rotor see if that cures it.
    Finished, Check out my custom Giant Reign 2010
    Dirt Jumper Dmr Sidekick2
  • DodgeT
    DodgeT Posts: 2,255
    Want me to post you them new pads?
  • 1mancity2
    1mancity2 Posts: 2,355
    Nah be alright till Sunday bud
    Finished, Check out my custom Giant Reign 2010
    Dirt Jumper Dmr Sidekick2
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Northwind wrote:
    Something I heard every time one of our group in france had brake issues on long descents "You eeeenglish wiz ze seeentered pads". French people all seem to think they cause brake fade.
    Sintered compounds TEND to go off quicker than organic, they work well upto a certain temperature then the friction drops quite quickly, organic on the other hand TEND to go off a bit earlier but to hold on longer at higher temperatures.

    If you are prone to getting Sintered to get to hot, the best thing to look out for is cooling off sections, where instead of lightly dragging the brake you can get right off it for a bit to allow it to cool.

    Kevlar is ALMOST the best of both worlds....ceramic are better still!

    Noting that different compounds from different manufacturers within the same catch all groupings will behave differently anyway!

    Simon
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    Northwind wrote:
    Something I heard every time one of our group in france had brake issues on long descents "You eeeenglish wiz ze seeentered pads".
    Just invite them over to ride in our crappy weather conditions and laugh at their foolish organic pads then.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    deadkenny wrote:
    Northwind wrote:
    Something I heard every time one of our group in france had brake issues on long descents "You eeeenglish wiz ze seeentered pads".
    Just invite them over to ride in our crappy weather conditions and laugh at their foolish organic pads then.
    exactly. use the correct pads for the trails. read what the makers say they are best for.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    deadkenny wrote:
    Just invite them over to ride in our crappy weather conditions and laugh at their foolish organic pads then.

    I used the same type of pads for that holiday, and for a race at fort william, and for endless interminable swampy xc rides... SS Kevlar, good at everything.
    Uncompromising extremist

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