First bike with hydro brakes - dos and don't'

larkim
larkim Posts: 2,485
edited January 2015 in MTB beginners
Our household has acquired its first bike with hyrdaulic brakes (Tektro Auriga Comp) so I thought now would be a good time to ask what I should do with them!

I'm expecting in terms of do's:-
- use the provided spacers in between the pads when the wheels are off

I'm also expecting the following don'ts:-
- touch anything if its working fine

But beyond that I have little idea and don't want to stuff things up!

Matt
2015 Canyon Nerve AL 6.0 (son #1's)
2011 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc (son #4s)
2013 Decathlon Triban 3 (red) (mine)
2019 Hoy Bonaly 26" Disc (son #2s)
2018 Voodoo Bizango (mine)
2018 Voodoo Maji (wife's)

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    larkim wrote:
    I'm also expecting the following don'ts:-
    - touch anything if its working fine

    Matt
    Yep.

    Hose a bit of water in if muddy. Otherwise leave them alone.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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    Parktools
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    do ride it.

    don't mess with owt.



    read the manual before starting owt.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Don't listen to people who advocate bleeding will sort whatever issue you think you have...most of the time the subsequent problem was caused by poor bleeding!
    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.
  • bartimaeus
    bartimaeus Posts: 1,812
    I have Auriga Comps on my 2010 Avalanche, which I have had since early 2012... I am pretty sure the brakes have never been bled (I've not bled them) and they are fine. I've had to align them, and sort a sticky piston, but as said they don't need much doing other than new pads every so often. Enjoy!
    Vitus Sentier VR+ (2018) GT Grade AL 105 (2016)
    Giant Anthem X4 (2010) GT Avalanche 1.0 (2010)
    Kingley Vale and QECP Trail Collective - QECP Trail Building
  • MrJames
    MrJames Posts: 24
    Don't grab the front brake lever too hard :D
  • swod1
    swod1 Posts: 1,639
    bed the disc brake pads in with a few hard stops down a hill.

    If you have to clean the disc rotors use isopropyl alcohol other wise leave well alone.
  • Neil_aky
    Neil_aky Posts: 211
    swod1 wrote:
    bed the disc brake pads in with a few hard stops down a hill.

    If you have to clean the disc rotors use isopropyl alcohol other wise leave well alone.


    This is the best reply - especially to use IPA to clean the rotors - actually this is also good advice for rim brakes, surprising how much you can improve the stopping power by cleaning your rims with IPA.
  • bartimaeus
    bartimaeus Posts: 1,812
    +1 for IPA... If you are cleaning rotors it's worth also checking the pads as well. I usually sand mine - or replace them if they appear to be contaminated. New pads will be ruined by contaminated rotors, and clean rotors aren't much good if your pads are covered in gunk.
    Vitus Sentier VR+ (2018) GT Grade AL 105 (2016)
    Giant Anthem X4 (2010) GT Avalanche 1.0 (2010)
    Kingley Vale and QECP Trail Collective - QECP Trail Building
  • bloghog
    bloghog Posts: 40
    Yes, bed the pads in with a few hard stops, don't grab the lever too hard and leave them alone unless they require attention i.e. don't bleed them unless you have to.
  • ben@31
    ben@31 Posts: 2,327
    Neil_aky wrote:
    This is the best reply - especially to use IPA to clean the rotors - actually this is also good advice for rim brakes, surprising how much you can improve the stopping power by cleaning your rims with IPA.

    You use an IPA to clean your bike??
    img00042-20110511-1934.jpg
    "The Prince of Wales is now the King of France" - Calton Kirby
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Neither of those are Indian pale Ale though......or iso propyl alcohol for that matter!
    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.
  • ben@31
    ben@31 Posts: 2,327
    The Rookie wrote:
    Neither of those are Indian pale Ale though......

    Kirkstall (in Leeds) isn't far off. I was close




    By a few 1000 miles.
    "The Prince of Wales is now the King of France" - Calton Kirby
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    I'll be out there in just over a week, I'll have a pint for you!
    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.

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