"Bedding in" disk brakes...the aims and principles behind the techniques

[Handlebars]

What is your conception of what the best technique is, and what principles or aims guide the technique?

 

[TForan]

I just put some new one in yesterday and I'm getting serious howl.

 

[Handlebars]

when I get new brake pads, I just ride them normally.. i don't know if that really matters?

Thank you, Timpo.
Have you ever had a problem with new pads or rotors? Do you buy higher quality brake parts?

 

[Deacon Blues]

Here's a video by Park Tools on bedding in your disc brake pads:

I have to admit that the last three bikes I purchased had disc brakes and I just rode them with no break-in procedure, with one exception. I did make sure not to use the

brakes lightly for the first few rides. By lightly, I mean lightly applying the brakes and stopping over a longer distance.

Instead, I waited a bit longer before braking and applied more stopping power than usual.

Lightly applying the brakes on new rotors and pads can cause them to glaze over and impact the bike's braking performance.

 

[Handlebars]

Lightly applying the brakes on new rotors and pads can cause them to glaze over and impact the bike's braking performance.

This is part of what I was wondering about. Thanks!

 

[Handlebars]

Is heating up the brakes the aim in applying hard pressure repeatedly?
And why let off the brakes before the bike comes to a complete stop?

 

[Dallant]

I was told to go light and pump the brakes for the first few rides. Nothing too hard and heavey. Now at 500 miles they’re great as far as I’m concerned.

 

[fooferdoggie]

Is heating up the brakes the aim in applying hard pressure repeatedly?
And why let off the brakes before the bike comes to a complete stop?

your depositing brake pad material on the rotor evenly. if you stop you leave a lump. with really strong brakes you can feel a huge difference as the pad bed in. I just run up and down a street almost stopping lightly several times then harder. then I brake carefully for a bit of the ride till they feel normal.

 

[Handlebars]

Ideas so far are in agreement on one item; don't apply the brakes for long enough to stop the bike.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Brake lightly and evenly at first... But I typically forget 5 minutes into my first ride.