Disc brake upgrade - Shimano XT

[kermit_xc]

Has anybody here ditched the Formulas in favor of something better - I am about to go the XT route and am wondering if the IT Rotors fit in the back?

 

[Douglas Ruby]

I am sure the Shimano brakes would be better, but I just did a brake pad upgrade on my Formulas and the stopping is improved and the noise greatly.diminished using Kool Stop organic pads.

 

[kermit_xc]

I am sure the Shimano brakes would be beþer, but I just did a brake pad upgraxe on my Formulas and the stopping is improved and the noise greatly.diminished.

oh that's right - I recall reading a post about it. Do you mind linking me to the new pads?

 

[Douglas Ruby]

Check here for various Kool Stop models appropriate for Formula brakes:

http://www.koolstop.com/english/disc_formula.html

Any of the KS-D330 series pads should work. I used the fancy KS-D330K pads, but had to grind off the lower row of cooling pegs and do a bit of grinding on the backing plate to get them to fit the Formula C1 calipers. I would guess that the copper-backed sintered pads (KS-D330S) would squeal like the stock metallic Formula pads.

Another choice of organic pads would be these:

http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Semi-Metallic-brake-pads-Formula/dp/B00H6WXENA

 

[MegaGrogan']

I upgraded to some shimano brakes, but for the lifr of me I cant recall the name of them but I think they were m506

Amazing difference, wish I had thought of trying different pads first though, that might have been cheaper by a tad........

 

[Allan47.7339]

Check here for various Kool Stop models approriate for Formula brakes:

Another choice of organic pads would be these:

http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Semi-Metallic-brake-pads-Formula/dp/B00H6WXENA

I've been using these on my Turbo S. Quiet and cheap. Even if they don't last as long in wet gritty weather they are cheap. They stop just fine. I have not had any thoughts of trying to change brake hardware especially since the control and levers are integrated.

 

[StormTrooper2]

The Shimano M506 brakes that come on the 2016 X are fantastic...so much so that I see no reason to replace them...except with another set of affordable M506 brakes. Do a little research - they are recognized as THE best bang for the buck.

 

[kermit_xc]

The Shimano M506 brakes that come on the 2016 X are fantastic...so much so that I see no reason to replace them...except with another set of affordable M506 brakes. Do a little research - they are recognized as THE best bang for the buck.

good point - half the price of XTs and doesn't look like its any lesser of a brake

 

[Ling]

Aren't the shifter and the remote also attached to one of the brakes? That is, it's possible to change one of the brakes but not the other side. I'm very tempted to switch out the rear brake in any case.

 

[kermit_xc]

Aren't the shifter and the remote also attached to one of the brakes? That is, it's possible to change one of the brakes but not the other side. I'm very tempted to switch out the rear brake in any case.

I got a replacement remote for the 2016 - which is on a separate clamp

 

[Douglas Ruby]

Even if the shifter/remote are attached to the brake lever, if you are switching to another brand of brakes, you can cut off the Formula brake lever and use the cut off section as a clamp. Then you can use any OEM brake system that you would like.

I got a right brake lever that was no good from my LBS and used the cutoff portion so that I could clamp my brakes independently from the shfter/remote and make the hand positions comfortable AND be able to actually see the control panel;.

 

[kermit_xc]

Even if the shifter/remote are attached to the brake lever, if you are switching to another brand of brakes, you can cut off the Formula brake lever and use the cut off section as a clamp. Then you can use any OEM brake system that you would like.

I got a right brake lever that was no good from my LBS and used the cutoff portion so that I could clamp my brakes independently from the shfter/remote and make the hand positions comfortable AND be able to actually see the control panel;.

Cutting off brake lever is TURBO ghetto - just talk to your specialized dealer. They'll get you the new isolated remote