Clownbike

Greetings all -

While getting the Gobike up to snuff I've been getting familiar with mechanical discs. At first it seemed that mechanicals would be simpler than hydros due to not having to deal with liquids.

However...Mechanicals are single puck, meaning that only one pad moves, distorting the rotor to contact the stationary pad. This requires the adjustment of both the stationary pad and the cable side as the pads wear. They are also a bit fussy to get properly set up. The Tektros that came stock constantly rubbed at the rear no matter how much I fiddled with it. Not being too impressed with their quality, I picked up a set of used Hayes, which seemed to be a better build quality. These still rubbed a bit, so fixed that with shims. Seems I could have also corrected it by moving the hub over in relation to the axel, but didn't have a set of cone wrenches to make the adjustment.

This all got me thinking about hydros. As both pucks move, they are self centering and adjusting, eliminating both of the more irritating aspects of mechanicals. But there is the fluid to deal with. Having worked on both car and motorcycle brakes, I know the hazards involved, especially dealing with DOT 3/4 brake fluid. Nasty stuf that'll eat through about anything, including skin. Some systems use mineral oil, which has it's own negatives, but mostly in cold temps it seems.

I do have some questions that hopefully the more experienced members can answer. The Gobike has rather convoluted brake line routing that gets worked quite a bit when folding and unfolding. Will the hydro lines stand up to this? Also, as the lines need to be longer than what is usually supplied with most kits, I would need to buy brake line in bulk and cut my own. Any suggestions as to a recommended brand/type? There also seems to be several styles od connectors depending on brand/model. Are they all customizable? Lastly, I've seem many 'bleeding' kits taylored to specific systems. I've always just used a bit of hosing and a jar for bleeding. Are these really so different?

Thanks in advance and sorry for being so long winded.

wandt

As you probably already know, the brake lines are generally much which might cause problems with repeated folding. I recall reading that the Birdy frames didn't work so well with hydros. It might just come down to individual bikes with cable routing.

Clownbike

Thanks, that's why I was hoping to get some advice on the various brake line materials available. There are some that have a braided covering, including stainless, though a bit spendy.

Foldable Two

It's what many race cars use on their fuel lines - stainless-braided covering. That's got to say something.

Lou

fietsbob

Yes most mechanical discs have one stationary pad, and flex the disc slightly,
if properly adjusted, that is barely a MM.

IRD sells a dual banger mechanical that has a mechanism
to come at the disc from both sides.

Goodridge is a manufacturer of hydraulic stuff and can be used on bike brakes
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/goodridge...ear-prod11435/

I think the company is actually in the US.

Clownbike

Yep, ran them on the brakes of my Laverdas(notorious eye-talian motorbike).

Clownbike

Thanks for the tip on the IRD "Double Banger" brakes. Hard to find places to purchase other than the manufacturer, and quite spendy for a mechanical system. Not a lot of info out there and most reviews aren't very positive.

Have run across the Goodridge lines in my wanderings, seem like the best bet for the initial try. Was sort of hoping Thor would jump into this, as he was a magura dealer at one time, if memory serves.

brakemeister

here....
It depends on .... if you fold your bike 4 times a day .... I would go Avid mechanicals. They can be adjusted so they almost dont rub.
If however you occasionally fold than I would go with Hydraulics for sure. Usually the lines are very tough from the factory, braided lines are better, but not absolutely necessary. I would find a regular rubber tubing ... like a gas line and would slip that over the line to protect it when folded ...IF necessary that is ...

I dont have any prefered disc brake at this time, most of them work very well these days, which wasnt always the case .lol
thor

fietsbob

Merry Sales owns IRD brand, like QBP owns several others ,
just need a shop to open an account with that distributor .
or I think Universal in PDX has them, to ship.

Clownbike

Thanks guys. At around $180 for the IRD calipers, think I'll pass. Have been keeping an eye open for a set of used hydros to tinker with and also a deal on a set of Avid BB7s, which seem to be towards the top of the food chain insofar as mechanicals are concerned. One of the few where both pads are adjustable(at least in my price range).

rex615

I have had good experience with the the Avid BB7s. We have four sets at home, two trikes and two SWB, great stopping power, adequate modulation and easy to adjust.

I find that with the ability to adjust each pad individually, if you take the time to center the caliper, they can be adjusted so that there is not contact (rubbing) when the brake is off.

Good luck in your search.

rex615

Sorry, I fell victim to the Dreaded Double Post.