Hydro disc brakes and cold weather
09-27-06 | 09:55 AM
#1
Thread Starter
No one carries the DogBoy
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,320
Likes: 2
From: Upper Midwest USA
Bikes: Roubaix Expert Di2, Jamis Renegade, Surly Disc Trucker, Cervelo P2, CoMotion Tandem
Hydro disc brakes and cold weather
When I think hydro I think oil. When I think oil and cold I think sludge. Does anyone have any experience with cold rides (-5 to 5 F, -20 to -15 C) and hydro brakes? I'm wondering if they get sticky or have other difficulties or if its just fine.
I'm contemplating a bike purchase and one option is mechanical disc brakes, the other hydraulic.
I'm contemplating a bike purchase and one option is mechanical disc brakes, the other hydraulic.
09-27-06 | 10:27 AM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
My olde Hayes with DOT brake fluid felt the same as in the summer... at least as much as I could tell with thick gloves on. The avids with mineral oil seemed a bit more vague-feeling, but that could have been in my head. Lots of stopping power. I haven't had the XTs (also mineral oil) out below freezing yet.
09-27-06 | 11:05 AM
#3
Too Much Crazy
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 3
From: NY
Bikes: Eriksen 29er, Gunnar Roadie, Niner RLT, Niner RIP 9
My Avid juicy's with DOT fluid work fine all winter long. it rarely gets below 10 degrees f here though. i haven't had a problem with mechanicals either though.
09-27-06 | 11:50 AM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 324
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From: Tichborne, Ontario, Canada
Bikes: Trek 5200, Giant Rainier, Devinci Destination,Motobecane CF, Bike Friday family tandem, Bike Friday NWT
No problem. I have ridden -20 C and the brakes work wonderfully. They do tend to squeak more in the cold weather.
Hockey
Hockey
09-27-06 | 06:25 PM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,875
Likes: 155
From: BOSTON BABY
I used to believe that hydraulics would be a bad idea in cold weather. I've been informed since then that both mineral oil and DOT fluid experience very little viscosity change in wintry conditions. DOT might be a little bit better, but the hydros may actually be more reliable than cables, which are prone to sticking and freezing.
