Braking bad

Disc brakes are superb as long as you take care of them. Which you can do with these simple rules

DO… Get them dirty occasionally. The scouring nature of a bit of dirt is actually good for both the rotor and the brake pads. Mostly it prevents pads ‘glazing’ (where the pads become very smooth and shiny), which results in sub-par braking accompanied by a loud squeal. Obviously grit and filth can cause premature wear too so don’t use this as an excuse not to clean your bike thoroughly. Occasionally reset the pistons. This is done simply by pressing them back inside the calliper body, although bear in mind that there are special tools for the job. Don’t be tempted to butcher your pads with a screwdriver. Resetting the pistons ensures they’re working evenly and one is not stuck, which is a common cause of disc rub. Replace brake pads before they get…

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Cyclist Off Road (Digital) - 1 Issue, Autumn 2020

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