Mountain Biking - Disk Brakes - too much power ?

Hi All,

Everywhere, anyone is talking about the awesome breaking power of disk brakes, but to be honnest it scares me!!!. I live in Asia where traffic can be unpredictable to say the least, and when going downhill at 60 km/h and something unexpected happen i hit the brakes hard. But the braking power of these brakes would stop the bike instantly, and I would continnue flying head first into whatever surprised me with exactly 60 km/h.

Does anyone have any idea on how to reduce the braking power of the front disk brake. I'm right now considering reducing the diameter of the disk (160mm) or changing to v brakes.

Frovin

Try working on your braking technique. Your instinct is to slam on the brakes, which may have been necessary with your old bike, but is overkill for the disk brakes. I suggest practice stopping, get yourself up to speed, then practice slowing down. Instead of just jamming on the brakes, use a gentler touch, see how much pressure you can apply without locking the wheels. With practice, you'll get used to the more powerful brakes and they'll make you a safer rider. No need to change the equipment, just change yourself! :)

peace,
sam

Which part of Asia are you at?

Well you shouldn't be doing 60kmh on a downhill anyways... There is only so much you can do to brake at that kind of situation. A powerful disc brake will lock your rear wheel if you brake too hard, and that won't help a bit.

You have to learn to regulate your front brake then.

Again, doing 60kmh in the city downhill is not advisble. You don't have 4 wide tires like cars to provide the traction you need.

My advice would be don't wait till something unexpected pops out. From the top of the hill regulate the brakes so you have full control of the bikes speed. Its much safer then. And, is you take care of the brakes, they won't make that annoying squeek.

Hi All,

Everywhere, anyone is talking about the awesome breaking power of disk brakes, but to be honnest it scares me!!!. I live in Asia where traffic can be unpredictable to say the least, and when going downhill at 60 km/h and something unexpected happen i hit the brakes hard. But the braking power of these brakes would stop the bike instantly, and I would continnue flying head first into whatever surprised me with exactly 60 km/h.

Does anyone have any idea on how to reduce the braking power of the front disk brake. I'm right now considering reducing the diameter of the disk (160mm) or changing to v brakes.

Frovin

I just bought a new bike with hydraulic disks. And compared to V-brakes, and as advertised, they have more stopping power. I became accustomed to their power within the first ride. Often I use 1 finger on the brake lever to help slow and give better feel of the braking rate.

I agree with the other posts, you'll need to adjust your braking style. With discs, I never have to "panic" brake since I know their power. I'm trying to think of an analogy, but can't right now.

You just have to learn how to "feather" the brakes. And try to regulate your speed coming down hills, I usually keep it under 40mph on decents unless I know the road isn't going to stop anytime soon and there are no roads turning into the one im on.

The good thing with discs is that you don't have to worry about overheating the rims and blowing a tire so, if you want, you could ride the brakes on a long descent.

well it depends if
1. u have your brake'n messed up (operateor error)
2. not adjusted right

The good thing with discs is that you don't have to worry about overheating the rims and blowing a tire so, if you want, you could ride the brakes on a long descent.

:p Like extended downhill runs!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ohh my favorite.

well its really all about the modulation , get the feel of when brake pads feather touches the disc brakes, u should know where the rotor would completely lock up.. just slamming the pedal won't do you good! also going downhill u should lean back behind your sit to balance yourself