Hayes CX Expert brake pads

[CharlesF]

Can someone recommend brake pads for my Hayes CX mechanical discs. I recently replaced the original set with some bought in a hurry from Halfords, I can't remember the make.

The problem with these new pads is that they slow the bike but to stop it dead needs a huge force on the lever. I have cleaned and check the whole brake system from levers to cables to disc. If I operate the brakes when standing next to the bike, pulling hard on the lever, the wheel will still rotate, despite the pads being set with minimal clearance to the disc.

Any suggestions of what pads to get and who sells them?

 

[lpretro1]

Did you clean the disks before you fitted the new pads? And with mechanical disks you need to set them up properly to get best mechanical advantage or they will not work very well as you have experienced

 

[CharlesF]

Yes, and yes. To the best of my knowledge. Can you tell me how they should be set up, or post a link, so that I can check if I missed a step? Thanks

 

[Pale Rider]

The 'sixty quid no object' solution would be a dual piston calliper.

Far superior to your existing brake which relies on one piston shoving the pad and disc against the other pad, which is static.

Several benefits to dual pistons, centring is easy, just leave the bolts finger tight, squeeze the lever and tighten.

Dual pistons tend not wear pads as much, and most users report much better stopping power.

The calliper should bolt straight on, as should your existing cable.

No need to buy two, just put one on the front.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/trp-spyre-m...|pcrid|67090789142|pkw||pmt||prd|5360657443uk

 

[CharlesF]

Pale Rider - interesting solution, and one I will go for if no one else has a good pad substitution.

 

[Pale Rider]

Pale Rider - interesting solution, and one I will go for if no one else has a good pad substitution.

Common sense says you should be able to restore the original braking performance if you can buy suitable pads.

Halfords sell a lot of Clarks brake components because they are cheap, but they are also of uniformly poor quality, so that could be the make you bought.

You may get some improvement by deglazing the disc rotor.

Mildly abrasive kitchen cleaner - the white/yellow cream stuff - on a coarse rag will do that, or fine emery paper if you have some in stock.

Mountain bikers have been known to use trail mud, a bit messy, but the grit in the mud does the job.

 

[CharlesF]

Thanks, what is a premium make of pads? I will declare at the weekend

 

[Pale Rider]

Thanks, what is a premium make of pads? I will declare at the weekend

You won't go far wrong with something with Shimano written on it, or original equipment - possibly Hayes - would get you back to where you started.

Kool Stop is another brand with a good reputation.

They make pads for lots of brakes, including (possibly) yours:

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

 

[CharlesF]

Koolstop are what I used on my rim brakes, but they didn't come up when I searched for the CX Expert brakes. Looking at the link you sent, it seems the D220 version should fit.

I think I will clean the discs and order a set of these before upgrading to Trp.

Thanks Pale Rider!

 

[Pale Rider]

Koolstop are what I used on my rim brakes, but they didn't come up when I searched for the CX Expert brakes. Looking at the link you sent, it seems the D220 version should fit.

I think I will clean the discs and order a set of these before upgrading to Trp.

Thanks Pale Rider!

Makes sense, given that you were happy with the performance of the brake with its original pads.

You could have another think about a dual piston calliper when the new pads wear out, but some last for thousands of miles so that might not be for a while.

I have Magura hydraulic discs on my ebike - heavy bike (and rider).

The bike's done a few thousand miles and my mate Chris in the local bike shop reckoned the pads looked about half worn, certainly nowhere near replacement time.

 

[CharlesF]

Makes sense, given that you were happy with the performance of the brake with its original pads.

You could have another think about a dual piston calliper when the new pads wear out, but some last for thousands of miles so that might not be for a while.

I have Magura hydraulic discs on my ebike - heavy bike (and rider).

The bike's done a few thousand miles and my mate Chris in the local bike shop reckoned the pads looked about half worn, certainly nowhere near replacement time.

I have ordered the Swiss Stop pads and will clean the disc before fitting them. I will let you know how the performance improves; I will keep the TRPs as a future treat!

 

[Pale Rider]

I have ordered the Swiss Stop pads and will clean the disc before fitting them. I will let you know how the performance improves; I will keep the TRPs as a future treat!

Every chance that will work, but just to continue your disc brake improvement tutorial, there is another option if the new pads don't work.

A bigger disc rotor will improve stopping power and be much cheaper than a dual piston calliper.

It would also mean you could continue to use the new pads you've just bought.

All that's needed is a new rotor and a spacer kit to mount the calliper further away from the fork - about £20 in all.

I've seen callipers spaced with stacks of washers, but that's a bit ropey on a safety critical item.

 

[CharlesF]

I was in two minds to update this thread, as the reason for my poor front brake performance was down to my stupidity.

The static pad needed adjustment - a quarter turn towards the disc and everything is working, bike stopping as expected. Anyway, I have the Kool Stops pads arriving soon and I will still fit them.

Thanks for all the help/