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Stuff Explained |
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Buying Info |
Hardtail |
Full
Suspension |
Forks |
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1 The
Rotor or Disc:
The rotor is normally manufactured from
stainless steel. The rotor acts as the braking
surface for the brake calliper. It effectively
replaces the braking function of the rim in a
conventional brake set-up. Six hole drillings
have become the standard fixing method. Larger
rotors give greater stopping power.
2 The Brake Hose:
On hydraulic systems the brake hose contains
either DOT4 or mineral oil, depending on the
manufacturer's choice. On mechanical disc
brakes the brake hose is replaced with
conventional brake outers and contains a
standard brake cable.
3 The Calliper:
The calliper is anchored to the fork / frame
via two fixing bolts. Pulling on the brake
levers pushes hydraulic fluid into the
callipers, pushing the pistons and the pads
towards the disc, creating the braking force.
4 The Fixing Bolts:
Allen and Torx bolts are the most common
method of attaching the disc to the hub.
Always follow the manufacturers guidelines for
installation and torque settings. Be careful
not to strip or snap the heads of the bolts.
5 The Bleed Nipple:
This is where you get hydraulic fluid into and
out of the system via the bleed nipple.
6 The Piston:
Lightweight alloy pistons in the calliper are
worked by the fluid in the hydraulic system,
or a helix in a mechanical brake, and move the
brake pads towards the rotor. Open systems
have self-modulating pistons that maintain a
constant distance between the pads and the
rotor. A closed system and mechanical system
use springs to return the pistons / pads to
the rest position and do not compensate
automatically for pad wear.
7 The Brake Pads:
Just like normal V brake pads, disc brake pads
are available from a variety of manufacturers.
Pads are not usually interchangeable between
different brake systems, so it's important to
get the right ones for your system. You can
buy brake pads with different compounds to
suit the individual needs of the rider or the
conditions. Swapping pads can dramatically
alter the characteristics of the brake, so
have a go.
8 Pad Retaining Pins:
Split-pins and Allen bolts are common, while
some manufacturers use small spring clips on
the back of the pads to fasten them securely
in place. They are a very important part of
the set-up, forget to re-place them and as
soon as the brake is applied they will shoot
out. |
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Will I need to buy new
brake levers?.
If you buy hydraulic disc brakes, then the
system will come with the levers and
callipers. Mechanical disc-brakes use a
conventional brake cable so it is simply a
case of attaching your brakes to your
existing V-brake levers. This option is
worth considering if your shifters and
brake levers are all one unit. |
Why buy disc brakes?.
The main advantage of disc brakes over
conventional V's is the consistency of
braking performance. Because the braking
action is taken away from the rim and
concentrated at the disc, the entire
system is less affected by the elements.
Mud clearance take on a new meaning, while
buckles and dints in the rims are no
longer an issue. Another plus is that most
hydraulic systems are virtually
maintenance free, so leaving the bike
covered in shit will not damage the
braking system, but it will knackered the
rest of your bike. |
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Important
Stuff.
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