Bike Maintenance Tips, Tricks & Techniques (Digital)

Bike Maintenance Tips, Tricks & Techniques (Digital)

1 Issue, Bike Maintenance Tips, Tricks & Techniques 3rd Edition

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Hydraulic disc brakes

Hydraulic brakes are much more powerful than cable operated ones. The principle is simple: pulling the lever towards the bars activates the master cylinder, pushing fluid down a narrow tube to the calliper, acitvating the slave cylinder which pushes the pistons outwards. The pistons push against the brake pads, moving them inwards until they contact and grip the rotor attached to your wheel. The brake fluid is incompressible – any movement of the lever is transferred directly to the brake pads via the two cylinders and the pistons – and a hydraulic brake can be very powerful indeed. The idea of dealing with hydraulic fluid can be daunting, but as long as you’re calm and careful, it’s not difficult at all.
There are two types of fluid that are commonly used in mountain bike disc brakes and you MUST use the right one for your brake – using the wrong one will damage seals throughout the system irreparably. DOT fluid has a higher boiling point and expands less at high temperatures, whilst mineral oil is easier to work with, less corrosive and less environmentally damaging. There isn’t a significant performance difference between the two when used in mountain bike brakes, just don’t confuse them. Both types will eventually absorb moisture from the air and become less effective, so buy small amounts and keep them sealed, disposing of leftover half-bottles responsibly if they’re been hanging around for a while. Wear rubber gloves to protect yourself when using both types of fluid, as…
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Bike Maintenance Tips, Tricks & Techniques (Digital) - 1 Issue, Bike Maintenance Tips, Tricks & Techniques 3rd Edition

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