Carrera Vulcan brakes naff - upgrade ideas

rapid_donkey

A couple of weeks ago I got a 2012 Carrera Vulcan from Halfords, equipped with Clarks SX Skeletal hydraulic brakes. Theyve had a good few tame rides to bed in, theyre just naff I think.
To stop quickly I have to squeeze the lever stupidly hard, its even hard work to lock the rear wheel up.
I have previously had a 2010 Kona Hei Hei 100 with Shimano brakes so know its the brakes and not my technique.
Is it worth upgrading the pads first? If so, are there any pad upgrade suggestions?
Or is it worth just upgrading to a whole new brake set?
Im currently watching these on ebay, they are brand new and also come with the mounts, so I presume everything I need to fit these to my bike are included? Are these a good set of brakes?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/avid-Elixir-R ... 4ab41794e5
Thanks in advance.

supersonic

I'd try new pads and thoroughly cleaning the rotors with alcohol. The bed in as per the instructions.

The Elixirs are good brakes for about £100.

rapid_donkey

Ive done a bit of research, and the only replacement upgrade pads I can find for the clarks skeletal brakeset is clarks own sintered brake pads. but according to a review, they are already fitted as standard.
Does anyone know who else does replacement pads for these brakes? Ive tried ebay and google.

EH_Rob

Superstar?

cooldad

Clarkes stuff is ok

El Zomba

Does the lever pull feel soft or spongy? Maybe they need a bleed.

cooldad

El Zomba wrote:

Does the lever pull feel soft or spongy? Maybe they need a bleed.

After a few weeks highly unlikely.

chez_m356

cooldad wrote:

El Zomba wrote:

Does the lever pull feel soft or spongy? Maybe they need a bleed.

After a few weeks highly unlikely.

but not unknown

bwfc4eva868

I replaced mine with Shimano SLX, much better brakes. Can't fault them. Got them for a bargain tho on Ribble cycles.

rapid_donkey

There is plenty of pressure in the levers, theres not alot of movement when you squeeze them.
It just never wants to stop fully, you have to put alot and I mean ALOT of pressure into the levers to stop quickly.
I think Im just going to change them for Avids or Shimanos.

Neal_

Did Halfords sell you a can of GT85 and have been spraying it anywhere near your bike? I'd say your pads and discs are contaminated, you can try to clean them but if the pads do have oil on them you'll probably need to replace them. Halfords and Chain Reaction Cycles sell the pads but Magura Marta pads may fit which are sold by Superstar Components.

rapid_donkey

I dont think there is any contamination, I have had the pads out and had a look at them as considered sanding them down a bit.
However Neal, you are a genius. The clarks pads fit skeletal AND magura marta brakes, so I just ebay'd the latter, and loads of pad options come up! Must be the same size! Some are M4 and some are M5 though which is slightly confusing!

Neal_

You won't necessarily be able to see the contamination but sanding the pads and cleaning the discs is still a good idea, see here > viewtopic.php?f=40043&t=12666026

Whilst it is true I am a genius ( ) I'm not 100% sure Magura Marta pads will fit a Clarks SX calliper as the backing plate is different, see below.

Clarks SX


Magura Marta


If you think they will fit then get the "M4 - Magura Marta/Magura SL" pads from Superstars for half the price of everywhere else . http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_ ... ucts_id=28

rapid_donkey

I think the pads with the round circle thing round them are M5, and the Clarks shaped pads are M4, but I have emailed Superstar to ask before buying anyway.
They do have this handy brake pad identifier: http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/images/e ... ifiier.jpg but it seems to go against what EBC say about some pads they are selling.

The Rookie

I have tried a Vulcan out with those brakes , and I would say you have contaminated pads, this one would lock the rear wheel easily and also put it up on it's front wheel if I tried a bit too hard.

Simon

rapid_donkey

Thanks Beginner, what you describe sounds completely the opposite to what I am experiencing with mine.
Going to Fineshade Woods today so might pop in the shop and get some new pads.
If it sorts it I will be happy, I dont want to be replacing the brakeset on a 2 month old bike!

mini_death

I'm a mechanic for halfords and I loath the clarks skeletal breaks, I do think they're rubbish although I'll admit I'm a bit of a snob. However, if you can't pop it up onto the front wheel you should sterilise the pads and rotor. If it's feeling spongey get it bled too.

You've still got your six week service so drop it into them and suggest the pads might be contaminated.

Don't forget though, disk brakes like to get wet and muddy from time to time.