Disc brakes

[TakeTheHighRoad]

How long should they last? And how do I know whether they're worn?

I got my first bike with disc brake about 1000 miles ago, and the braking has been quite poor on them recently. I can't tell whether they've faded or what, and looking for advice on how to fix (is it a case of getting new pads?)

 

[All uphill]

How long should they last? And how do I know whether they're worn?

I got my first bike with disc brake about 1000 miles ago, and the braking has been quite poor on them recently. I can't tell whether they've faded or what, and looking for advice on how to fix (is it a case of getting new pads?)

Which disc brakes? Cable or hydraulic?

With a used bike I'd be keen to clean the discs, and maybe replace the pads, and bed the new ones in properly before judging their effectiveness.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

I don't think I've specifically replaced a hydraulic disc rotor from wear since my first bike with them back in 2008, my old neon orange Saracan Pylon 8 commuter.

Shimano pads typically last me approx 2-3 years with outdoor hilly rides March-November, on my old flatter commute bikes they'd last 3+ years. There's probably a pad depth minimumm, beyond which they ought to be replaced, but I can't recall what it is. My Cube road bike front pads (that will wear quicker because they do more of the braking for me) are maybe ~0.5mm and need replacing, I could tell bike wasn't slowing anywhere near as good as my GT ebike.