Replacement hydraulic brakes

[straas]

Hi,

I got a mountain bike a few years back second hand with avid elixir 1 brakes, they've never worked 100%.

I used the voucher scheme during covid to get the brakes looked at, the brakes were a bit better but still noisy even when not braking.

I went to change pads today and the levers went spongy, so I went to do a bleed and realised the mechanic has rounded off the caliper bleed screw.

Rather than bodging some unsatisfactory brakes I was thinking of replacement - what sort of replacement should I look at? I've got no idea of cost or compatibility - do I need to replace the rotors or just the calipers levers and hoses?

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 26715]

I have Shimano on both my Cube's no idea of the models but both work great, I don't know for a fact but I would have thought you could keep the discs, you just have to ensure the new calliper sit's in the middle of the disc.

 

[Cycleops]

Just need calipers that are compatible with your disc size. Also mounting needs to be the same, post, flat or IS. If not sure plenty of videos on YouTube.

 

[fossyant]

Deore are good for the money, although are the shifters separate from the brake - this needs checking too.

 

[straas]

I've just gone for a single front brake for the time being as the rear is ok and there isn't a lot of stock at the lower end of the budget

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-mt400-disc-brake

I think the hose length is probably set up for a rear brake though? It's all that was available (1600mm)

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Must have got the last one as there's no stock now, hopefully yours is actually there

 

[Cycleops]

Presumably you’ve already got the front brake line. You’ll need to bleed the installation after fitting the new caliper so you’ll need a kit for that and fluid.

 

[FishFright]

Hi,

I got a mountain bike a few years back second hand with avid elixir 1 brakes, they've never worked 100%.

I used the voucher scheme during covid to get the brakes looked at, the brakes were a bit better but still noisy even when not braking.

I went to change pads today and the levers went spongy, so I went to do a bleed and realised the mechanic has rounded off the caliper bleed screw.

Rather than bodging some unsatisfactory brakes I was thinking of replacement - what sort of replacement should I look at? I've got no idea of cost or compatibility - do I need to replace the rotors or just the calipers levers and hoses?

Thanks

Shimano Deore are a decent and relatively inexpensive replacement . I have them on a couple of bikes and a trike without issue.

Rotors do wear and have a minimum thickness so I'd replace the front if it's had plenty of use in those 5 years.

 

[straas]

Presumably you’ve already got the front brake line. You’ll need to bleed the installation after fitting the new caliper so you’ll need a kit for that and fluid.

Yes - this comes with it's own and is pre bled though, so might just live with the excess hose for a while.

I've got a bleed kit but the wrong fluid I think.

 

[straas]

Shimano Deore are a decent and relatively inexpensive replacement . I have them on a couple of bikes and a trike without issue.

Rotors do wear and have a minimum thickness so I'd replace the front if it's had plenty of use in those 5 years.

Not a bad shout - are they much of a muchness?

 

[Milkfloat]

Yes - this comes with it's own and is pre bled though, so might just live with the excess hose for a while.

I've got a bleed kit but the wrong fluid I think.

If you do it right you can shorten the hose without having to bleed afterwards.

 

[FishFright]

Not a bad shout - are they much of a muchness?

The levers are pressed steel and not too nice in the hand but they function fine and enough power to slower a fully loaded recumbent trike when touring with 1 finger on each side. Good modulation and a smooth initial bite plenty of spares (usually) .
I'd happily buy them again.

 

[straas]

Hose might be a little bit long!!

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Hose might be a little bit long!!

b rite

 

[straas]

Works fine just looks bad, only just about had time to install this morning so didn't fancy attempting to shorten.

I'd gotten so used to the front brake making grinding noises that the silence is incredible!