Disk Brakes are said to be the most reliable brakes on a bike. They work well in almost all weather conditions and offer stopping power like no other.

Overtime over your brakes may get less responsible and less dependable. So here are a couple of things we can do regularly to ensure sharp, snappy and spot-on braking.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

  • Isopropyl Alcohol (maybe ask for Spirit if you get blank stares) or Isopropyl Alcohol swabs – all available at your local chemist
  • Cotton Swabs
  • Allen keys – mostly size 4 and 5
  • a Rotor Truing Fork from any brand (or use your hands as shown in the Pinkbike tutorial. We recommend using proper tools and NOT your hands)

PROCEDURE

  • Step 2: Check for wear n tear of the brake pads. If the braking surface is less than an mm thick, replace it.
    • If the braking surface on the pads is uneven use waterproof sandpaper or a fine file to take a thin layer off the brake pads. You could also clean out the pads with the alcohol swabs. This should increase your braking power too.
    • Check this video by ParkTool to remove/replace disc brake pads
  • Step 3: Replace brake cables if you see signs of fraying or rusting. They are cheap to replace and worth it
  • Step 4: Clean the Rotors with isopropyl alcohol. Clean out the calliper while you are at it. Get all the gunk out!
  • Step 5: Insert the brake pads and set up the disc brakes. True the rotor if required – this will not only reduce squealing and ensure better braking but should also increase the life of your brake pads.
    • If you have a hydraulic system on your bike, you can skip Step 1 and replace it with a hydraulic system bleed the braking feels spongy.

All this should hardly take any time. Especially if done regularly! But it should make a massive difference to your ride and the confidence while braking.

In case you lack the tools or are simply unable to remedy your issue, consider bringing in your bike for service to BUMSONTHESADDLE or your trusted neighbourhood bike shop.

CHECK OUT OUR BASIC BICYCLE WORKSHOP!

How helpful was this article?

Click a star to rate.

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 1

Shucks. We're sorry this post was not that useful

How can we improve this post for you?

D.I.Y

About the Author

Rohan Kini

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CYCLING I love riding my bike. Whether it's a simple commute, a high-intensity road race, a jaw-grinding brevet, fixie rides thru packed Indian city or a kick-ass technical single track – I love it all. Apart from riding bicycles, I love being all geeky and know everything there is to know about bicycles, technology, bike fit, and service. I started BUMSONTHESADDLE to share this passion for cycling. DISCIPLINE: Partial towards MOUNTAIN BIKING but love it all CURRENT BIKE(S): Specialized Rockhopper, Specialized Tarmac, Pure Cycles Original DREAM BIKE: S-Works Epic HT & S-Work Roubaix OTHER PASSIONS: Technology, Photography, Baking, Travel, and Reading

View All Articles