Braking in the wet?

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Which leads me to my question, I also bought the koolstops as part of my winter upgrade but I am finding it really difficult to get my old blocks out of the holders (shimano 105 5700) Any tips?

I had similar issues and resorted to the item known as a subtle persuasion tool, aka a hammer. Positioning the blocks (correct way up so that can stay put and the holder move downwards) and a couple of gentle taps (had the end wrapped in cloth). Once they started to move (assuming you have removed the screws), they slide out. 1 of the 4 needed something smilar to go it as well, the others slid in happily.

As for wear - not really noticed much yet and have now clocked up around 700-800km on the bike and I changed the brakes within a week of getting it.

 

[MrJamie]

If you pull and hold the brake lever lightly, you can feel after a couple of metres how much extra bite it gets when the rims are dried off. It does mean that unless you're constantly drying your rims then emergency braking is terrible. I recently switched my front brake to disc after giving up with different brake pads, because the cyclepaths here frequently intersect roads blindly making it very dangerous to maintain any pace without being able to slow down and the difference is amazing.

 

[ManiaMuse]

i've been sat up on the hoods yesterday going home and with baggy tops to slow me down without the need to brake! my normal 35-40 MPH descent turned into a 20 mph one which was too fast really but any slower and id be using a set of pads every other day! lol

i try and pulse the brakes if i know i need to slow but i hate roundabouts in the dark, wet and wind!

Good idea. No need to race when it's wet, you're not going to break any records and riding even a little bit slower gives you more time to react.

Just common sense stuff really, give yourself more breaking distance in front so you don't have to brake as hard. Coast more often if you think the lights might change on you. Pulse the brakes and try not to brake while turning

Even with the best brakes your braking performance is going to be worse and less predictable than in the dry. Super skinny tyres probably don't help either if the water sticks to them.

 

[Schneil]

Just jumping on this thread, like the OP I find my braking quite scary in the wet. Yesterday wasn't fun, with wet leaves and heavy rain. I've got 25c tyres and Tektro R358 callipers with the standard pads.
I'm thinking about upgrading the pads. They look to be cartridge style ones. Can I use Shimano compatible pads?

 

[Davidc]

Great thread, which gnerates from me one reply and two further questions!

I found an improvement in overall braking by fitting some Jagwire ripcord brake and gear cables.

Which leads me to my question, I also bought the koolstops as part of my winter upgrade but I am finding it really difficult to get my old blocks out of the holders (shimano 105 5700) Any tips?

Last Thursday I put new shimano ultegra shoes and holders on to the bike, been pretty damp on all my rides and after about 150 miles they look 50% worn?! Are Koolstops any better fro wear?

On cantilever brakes I found that Koolstop Salmons wore out far too quickly. I fitted their dual compound pads, which are black at the front and pink at the back, and they've been fine. In the wet it still takes longer to stop. I just slow down (only applies on downhills - sad isn't it?)

 

[Nigeyy]

I'll second that, and I use them. There could be better or equal pads out there, don't know as I haven't found them.

FWIW, I also have a bike with Avid road discs on -yes, they are much more consistent in the wet.

koolstop salmons are the way forward so ive been told!

 

[BlackPanther]

I don't have wet braking problems any more, my trike has drum brakes, my 2 wheeler has hydraulic discs, so it's more down to tyres for me now. Water will always greatly increase your stopping distance with rims brakes, and when I was a road biker I just accepted that it's a lot safer just to ride a bit slower.....especially downhill!

 

[lulubel]

Just wanted to add my voice to those saying to slow down.

My scariest ever commuting experience was on my first wet commute, when I crossed the A30 at 20mph with my brake levers pressed tight against the bars. Fortunately, it was 5am and the road was clear.

 

[Matthew_T]

Just a word of caution; When braking in the wet, if you feel like you need to grab the brakes a lot more be careful, I did it too tight once and my cable snapped. Having your front cable snap in the wet on a downhill with cars in front of you isnt funny. And then trying to use your foot anf realising you have SPD's on only makes things worse.