Brake Upgrade

[Deleted member 803]

Well I have now put about 100 miles on my Carbon and my impression is that the brakes are quiet but stopping power seems ok not exceptional. If I were to upgrade, what would be some recommendations. Textro offers an upgraded hydraulic brake but folks tell me that Shimano has the best hydraulic brake system. Can I get some advice??? Thanks,

 

[Chris Nolte]

The simplest upgrade would be to add larger rotors, which will give you a larger surface area and displace heat better. You'll definitely want to stick with an Ebike brake for the cut off switches so that limits your options. Magura only sells to OEM's and Tektro has three models, the Dorado's being the most powerful. We have them all in stock if you're interested.

 

[Deleted member 803]

The simplest upgrade would be to add larger rotors, which will give you a larger surface area and displace heat better. You'll definitely want to stick with an Ebike brake for the cut off switches so that limits your options. Magura only sells to OEM's and Tektro has three models, the Dorado's being the most powerful. We have them all in stock if you're interested.

Chris:

Will I notice a substantial difference with the Dorado's? Have a local fellow who will sell me the HD-E710's for $220 installed.

 

[EddieJ]

I'm surprised that you find the brakes wanting. I upgraded from a 160mm front rotor to a 180mm front rotor on the Xtrem, simply because I was getting brake fade when competing off road. Beyond that, the brakes are fine as they are, and I'd suggest that you probably just need to allow the brake pads more time to bed in, or simply change pads.

 

[Deleted member 803]

I'm surprised that you find the brakes wanting. I upgraded from a 160mm front rotor to a 180mm front rotor on the Xtrem, simply because I was getting brake fade when competing off road. Beyond that, the brakes are fine as they are, and I'd suggest that you probably just need to allow the brake pads more time to bed in, or simply change pads.

Perhaps you are right. I will put some more miles on them before I consider changes...thank you.

 

[MarcD]

86 - the pads can make a difference. Most disc brakes are shipped from the factory with organic pads. You could replace them with sintered pads, at the cost of more noise. The sintered pads will wear better, stop quicker, but also be (possibly much) louder.

That said, it is hard to know what you are experiencing. I recently rode a 22-23% descent on my Turbo (52 lbs) and I weigh 260lbs, and the rear brake alone kept me under 10 mph (it is a twisty 90 degree switchback). Those are Magura Formulas with 180mm rotors. Maybe go test ride another bike with hydraulics at a local shop and compare? The only comparison I have is to BB7 mechanicals on a tourer (non-ebike) so I can't really help with comparisons.

 

[Deleted member 803]

86 - the pads can make a difference. Most disc brakes are shipped from the factory with organic pads. You could replace them with sintered pads, at the cost of more noise. The sintered pads will wear better, stop quicker, but also be (possibly much) louder.

That said, it is hard to know what you are experiencing. I recently rode a 22-23% descent on my Turbo (52 lbs) and I weigh 260lbs, and the rear brake alone kept me under 10 mph (it is a twisty 90 degree switchback). Those are Magura Formulas with 180mm rotors. Maybe go test ride another bike with hydraulics at a local shop and compare? The only comparison I have is to BB7 mechanicals on a tourer (non-ebike) so I can't really help with comparisons.

I am not being too articulate here. They work fine but don't have a strong bite. The oem brakes are probably designed to be easy to modulate. I have not had any stopping or slowing issues but was simply wondering if an upgrade will give me more bite. I do appreciate the fact that they are quiet. I don't mind more noise but definitely do not want squeal.