New RipCurrent S - Howling brakes

[iamjcl]

So first they seemed very inadequate, even after putting about 40 miles on the bike, and doing some "bed in" braking.

Juiced suggested the bed in process using water - tried that, and it seemed to help the braking power.

A few days sitting, and the brakes are howling when you grab them - they'll stop the bike, but they are still pretty weak, and generate this howling racket, not just a squeal or squeak.

Any thoughts on best thing to do with these? Rotors are straight, nothing touches during normal tire rotation, cleaned the rotors with isopropyl alcohol.

 

[J.R.]

Replace the pads with quality organic pads. They stop better than semi metallic/sintered pads and are usually dead silent. The only downside is they don't last as long, in my experience. Maybe 30% fewer miles. YMMV... really!

 

[iamjcl]

Replace the pads with quality organic pads. They stop better than semi metallic/sintered pads and are usually dead silent. The only downside is they don't last as long, in my experience. Maybe 30% fewer miles. YMMV... really!

Thanks for the reply.

So what I'm hearing, and the meager stopping power is normal then?

Also, is it possible to change the pads on these to organic (or other) w/out taking off the rear wheel?

Thanks!

 

[J.R.]

Thanks for the reply.

So what I'm hearing, and the meager stopping power is normal then?

Also, is it possible to change the pads on these to organic (or other) w/out taking off the rear wheel?

Thanks!

It's really difficult to understand an issue like this, reading it online. One person's meager is another's adequate. I have bikes with Tektro and Avid hydraulic brakes, both systems came with sintered pads I thought were poor performers. They worked, just noisy or could have worked better. Once I put organic pads on, it resolved every issue I had. Buy the best pads you can afford and you won't regret it. Even the best are cheap and brake pads last a long time. You never know, the stock pads could have been contaminated at the factory or somewhere down the line. Dirt, oil, brake fluid destroys brake power and will make them very noisy.

Here's a general video of replacement. Clean hands and work space are required!!

 

[iamjcl]

It's really difficult to understand an issue like this, reading it online. One person's meager is another's adequate. I have bikes with Tektro and Avid hydraulic brakes, both systems came with sintered pads I thought were poor performers. They worked, just noisy or could have worked better. Once I put organic pads on, it resolved every issue I had. Buy the best pads you can afford and you won't regret it. Even the best are cheap and brake pads last a long time. You never know, the stock pads could have been contaminated at the factory or somewhere down the line. Dirt, oil, brake fluid destroys brake power and will make them very noisy.

Here's a general video of replacement. Clean hands and work space are required!!

Really appreciate your experience and insight. Thank you.

 

[Bruce Arnold]

Meager stopping power is not normal; something is definitely not right. The brakes on my CCS work like a champ. You might want to take it in to a local bike shop, in addition to contacting Juiced. The LBS ought to be able to fix you up in short order. Get Juiced to pay for the warranty work.