Brake Recommendation?

[Contro_Killerz]

Can anyone suggest pads for a heavier rider with long steep descents? Are Disc Calipers easy to upgrade?

Background: Deore hydraulic 160mm front discs. Bike and rider= 300lbs
I commute across the SF Peninsula 14miles from Pacifica to South City. Steep descents reaching 40-50+mph.
Currently, my pads work but they don't last. Can anyone suggest good pads that last?
Finally, Are calipers easy to change? I'd like 2 upgrade to twin-piston calipers. I've bled brakes but don't have a flaring kit. Probably the mounts will present the largest hurdle?

Thanks, [email protected]

 

[J.R.]

If you're running a 160mm front rotor, they're a little small these days. Many bikes come 180mm front and rear, or 180mm front, 160mm rear.

For an easy and ~inexpensive upgrade, you could mount a 203mm front rotor. Far superior braking and much less heat. Good pads will last longer. If you're up for it, you could up the rear to 180mm. All you need is an adapter to space off the calipers, and the new rotors of course.

Personally I like organic pads over sintered metallic pads for stopping power and silent operation, but organic pads do not last as long as sintered metallic.

 

[Contro_Killerz]

Yes, the adapter. Purchase accordingly. Who would have this info? Trial and error?

 

[J.R.]

You most likely have a post mount front and an I.S. mount rear caliper. If you have a Shimano caliper on the front, and wanted a 203mm rotor, you'd buy a post mount Shimano adapter for 203mm rotor. For a 180mm rear rotor, you'd buy a I.S. mount Shimano adapter for 180mm rotor.

This should help:

You can get them off Amazon, Ebay or any quality local shop. Here's an example listing.

https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=18669

 

[Contro_Killerz]

Awesome! You don't kid around! Forget about 165-200. Let's just go straight to 203!!!!!
Thanks for the info!! What about something to mount the 203cm disc? That's almost double the size I have, that I need!

 

[Contro_Killerz]

Thank you so much. Universal Cyclery will get back to me. Looks like by this fall I'll be sporting bigger disks. Lord knows I need them. I'm traversing both up and down the hill. up to save battery down to save my butt! I converted to tubeless as a flat means missing dinner or being late for the work. Also that means I can save a bundle and go with a 203mm disc to the hub??? Thanks!

 

[J.R.]

Awesome! You don't kid around! Forget about 165-200. Let's just go straight to 203!!!!!
Thanks for the info!! What about something to mount the 203cm disc? That's almost double the size I have, that I need!

You have Shimano Deore brakes.

Center lock:



Or 6 bolt:



You just have to buy the style that matches your hubs. Hardware is included with quality rotors. I have the 6 bolt on my Shimano hubs. A torque wrench is really helpful when installing brake rotors and calipers. It assures safety and proper function.

Edit: On the rear, make sure there is room in the frame for larger rotors. You should be okay up to 180mm. 203mm might be too large in the rear. Check before you buy. 203's aren't necessary on the rear since 60 to 70% of a bikes stopping power in the front brake.

 

[Manu]

Show us photos of the brakes and disc you have .... and we tell you if it is PM or IS.
With 180 mm in front wheel you go very well and four piston brake ....... ¡¡¡¡EYE!!!! you have to have touch with your fingers in dry and wet terrain, it is much easier to have a skid.


203 mm is not advisable in cruises or trekking bikes, the trekking wheel is thinner and gives less grip to the ground, it does not take full advantage of the braking potential, before skidding, only in mtb and with four piston brake.


For a trekking I currently have 180 mm front and rear double piston with metal pads (shimano saint) .... my eggs on the handlebars

Shimano Saint's strong point is that you can be braking long distances down a mountain with hight speed and you have no loss of braking force. It is because of its excellent cooling system


130kg full equip 90kg +24kg pedelec +
suitcases

 

[Contro_Killerz]

Based on these photos could someone recommend an adapter disk? I have standard swore 6bolt brake disk patterns on the hub

 

[tomjasz]

The fast electric bike fellas are running 203mm and Magura 4 piston setups.

 

[Manu]

Your assembly is PM and I think you already have a 180mm brake disc on the front and rear wheel, change the double piston brakes to four pistons
and the levers

 

[Dmitri]

Based on these photos could someone recommend an adapter disk?

Based on these photos, you have 180mm rotors (not 160). I could be wrong though, but it definitely looks like 160-180 adapters on there both front and rear. Mind double-checking this? Your bike spec says 180-160 but they look 180-180 to me.

 

[J.R.]

If this were my bike and I was unhappy with the braking performance, I would first try mounting a quality, top of the line front 203mm rotor, leaving the rear as is, if it is a 180mm. Better braking, reduced heat, longer pad life. If your carrying more weight and riding the hills of San Francisco, that will help a lot. Heat is the enemy here. I would also look at some high performance brake pads. It does look like the current rear rotor is 180mm; I'd consider just replacing the pads, matching the new front pads. Far easier and less expensive than replacing the entire system. It's a logical first step. If you still need to replace the calipers, the 203 will still be beneficial.

 

[Dmitri]

Yeah, if I had to give advice, I'd say 203 front and 180 rear is fine, that's what I have on my bikes.
The rotor of choice is Shimano Ice Tech (beautiful!) and in terms of brakes I'd go for Shimano Saints.

 

[Contro_Killerz]

Hi Dimitri,

Just finished the conversion from F180/160mm rotors to F203/R180mm. I want to thank you all for the recommendations. Braking power is significantly enhanced. Since it's my commuter ride I kept it simple. Stayed SHIMANO no hassles. Some photos.

 

[Contro_Killerz]

Yeah, if I had to give advice, I'd say 203 front and 180 rear is fine, that's what I have on my bikes.
The rotor of choice is Shimano Ice Tech (beautiful!) and in terms of brakes I'd go for Shimano Saints.

If this were my bike and I was unhappy with the braking performance, I would first try mounting a quality, top of the line front 203mm rotor, leaving the rear as is, if it is a 180mm. Better braking, reduced heat, longer pad life. If your carrying more weight and riding the hills of San Francisco, that will help a lot. Heat is the enemy here. I would also look at some high performance brake pads. It does look like the current rear rotor is 180mm; I'd consider just replacing the pads, matching the new front pads. Far easier and less expensive than replacing the entire system. It's a logical first step. If you still need to replace the calipers, the 203 will still be beneficial.

If this were my bike and I was unhappy with the braking performance, I would first try mounting a quality, top of the line front 203mm rotor, leaving the rear as is, if it is a 180mm. Better braking, reduced heat, longer pad life. If your carrying more weight and riding the hills of San Francisco, that will help a lot. Heat is the enemy here. I would also look at some high performance brake pads. It does look like the current rear rotor is 180mm; I'd consider just replacing the pads, matching the new front pads. Far easier and less expensive than replacing the entire system. It's a logical first step. If you still need to replace the calipers, the 203 will still be beneficial.

Your assembly is PM and I think you already have a 180mm brake disc on the front and rear wheel, change the double piston brakes to four pistons
and the levers

Yes, I attached below photos of the completed conversion. I went from the quoted 180 front 160 rear to 203 front 180 rear and I replace the pads with the semi-metallic organic hybrid composite pads. I also since I had it on the lift thoroughly clean the chain and inspected it and cut my kickstand about 1 in exactly 1 inch off of my kickstand so the bike Lanes a little bit more talk about an over-engineered kickstand that's Cannondale for you!

 

[Manu]

la rueda trasera siempre tenía un disco de freno de 180 mm y lo único que hizo fue cambiar el disco de freno por otro de 180 mm

 

[Contro_Killerz]

Good morning.


That's correct. Universal Cyclery pointed that out. I usually don't trust many bike mechanics. I've seen some crazy stuff. Shmitty is a teacher. He led me to conclude I'd only need one adapter. Therefore???? I know, I put a 180mm on the rear with new composite pads
-I put tennis balls on the bar ends so in the event my bike gets knocked into my car; I don't get any dents. The 180mm disk on the rear is huge.

Gonna be a crowded weekend here on the California coast. High temps in the low 60s. It's 7:30 am. People are already flooding into town.

 

[Contro_Killerz]

525miles,