Wet weather braking...

[fossyant]

I have just swapped from a Cannondale Hybrid on Hope Mono Minis to a Spec Allez on rim brakes and its the only aspect of the ride that was better on the Hybrid, consistent , solid brakes that dont need a reach down onto the drops for full power.

You'll get used to that J4cko.... you'll be able to full power brake on the hoods soon enough........

The only time I switch to drop braking is on 40 plus mph descents....

 

[swee'pea99]

+1 for Aztecs. At the risk of insult, you do know to 'pump' your brakes in heavy rain, yes? It can help ensure good contact between block and rim, with no film of water in between.

 

[skrx]

The case for disc brakes just gets better.

I have disc brakes, and they're fantastic, not least for the (more-or-less) consistency in all weather conditions. But, how do I know when the pads need replacing?

 

[gaz]

I have disc brakes, and they're fantastic, not least for the (more-or-less) consistency in all weather conditions. But, how do I know when the pads need replacing?

When sparks fly?

 

[Armegatron]

I have disc brakes, and they're fantastic, not least for the (more-or-less) consistency in all weather conditions. But, how do I know when the pads need replacing?

Mine are Shimano ones, and they recommend a thickness of 0.5mm I think before they need replacing. For the price Id replace probably before they get that worn though, just incase.

 

[J4CKO]

You'll get used to that J4cko.... you'll be able to full power brake on the hoods soon enough........

The only time I switch to drop braking is on 40 plus mph descents....

Cheers, its the only fly in the ointment at the moment, Disks arent all win/win as they do tend to be a bit fussy and sometimes get noisy, no matter what I do my front Mono Mini occassionaly gets vocal and it drives me mental.

 

[mark i]

I use koolstop dual compound, good in all weather. I second the comment earlier in the thread, with all the oil and muck on the road at this time of year your rims will get dirty and oily. I clean mine every couple of weeks (careful that it is not something countaining a wax etc that you use for cleaning rims - sorry if I am teaching granny to suck eggs with that one). When the brakes have been somewhat dirty the next ride can be entertaining, being used to hitting the levers hard, having clean blocks and rims the bike stops in no distance!

 

[bigsav]

Thanks for all the comments.

I do feel stupid for not checking the brakes more often, I've only been riding for about 10 months so that's my (rather weak) excuse. It hadn't really crossed my mind before.

I won't leave it so long before my next brake check!

I hope to do a lot of cycling now that we're getting more light during the day and hopefully the weather improves at least a little bit. That said, I'd expect to be through another set of pads a bit quicker than the first ones lasted. I ended up trying the Koolstop salmon, I'll refer back to other recommendations once they're done.

At least friends and colleagues are amused by my stories of ending up in a bush at the side of the road!

Sav