Disc Brake newbie

[martint235]

Ok very silly questions:

How will I know when the pads are worn out?
Will the rotor wear out and need replacing?

Other than, any advice for someone new to having disc brakes? It's a road bike btw.

 

[Cubist]

Check the pads visually. Once they're under 0.5 mm time for some new ones. Rotor wear is virtually unheard of unless you use sintered metallic pads on millstone grit and spend your life feathering the brakes.

 

[ianrauk]

You'll know. They will make awful racket where the rotor scrapes the pad springs. Knowing you and your commute, the pad will last 9-12 months easy.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I wish I could get 9 months out of a set of pads, onto my third set since March on the Tricross

 

[ianrauk]

I wish I could get 9 months out of a set of pads, onto my third set since March on the Tricross

Yeah....but you do three times more mileage on your commute.

 

[martint235]

Thanks all

Are pads much the same or are there better ones (like rim pads)?

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Thanks all

Are pads much the same or are there better ones (like rim pads)?

I tried Swissstop pads the last but one change and to be honest I saw no difference to the generic ones that came with the bike, apart from the price! This last set I asked the lbs to just put in whatever they normally do.

 

[ianrauk]

Thanks all

Are pads much the same or are there better ones (like rim pads)?

Five quid semi metallic jobbies from Disco Brakes is all you'll need..

 

[Pale Rider]

Other than, any advice for someone new to having disc brakes? It's a road bike btw.

Keep the likes of GT85 or any polish away from the rotors and the callipers.

After a while braking efficiency may be reduced by the oil in the general spray/dirt you pick up while riding.

An occasional squirt with an aerosol disc brake cleaner is worthwhile.

Muc Off do one for about £6, the tin should last for ages, even for a commuter.

The blurb says it also 'rehydrates' the pads, not sure about that bit.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/tools-maintenance/cleaning-lube/muc-off-disc-brake-cleaner-400ml