Last week's Mechanical Monday examined the 14 myths of using tubeless tires for cyclocross, offering a guide for the pros and cons of one of the best alternatives to using tubular tires. Today we move from the rubber to the rotor. With companies such as Cannondale and Ridley who have moved towards an all-disc brake lineup, the move to disc brakes in cyclocross has never been more apparent, only emphasized by the riders near or on the podium in Tabor who rode with disc brakes.
Looking to join the ever-growing legions of hydraulic disc brake users, but have questions on maintenance for the road bike systems? For today's Mechanical Monday, we have reached out to SRAM, Shimano and TRP to ask them about some of their best practices of maintaining their hydraulic brakes on cyclocross or gravel bikes.
3. Besides hydraulic brake levers providing no response at the caliper, are there any key indicators that can forewarn riders that their brakes need to be serviced?
SRAM: Any dramatic change in feel at the brake lever could indicate air or water in the system. If the bite point moves in towards or away from the handlebar, or the brake feels “mushy” it might be time for a bleed.
Shimano: If the bite point changes, or the lever feels spongy.
TRP: There are a number of indicators that can point to needed service including: soft or mushy feel at the lever, the lever pulling all the way to the bar, squealing/howling sounds
Shimano’s new RS785 hydraulic disc brake refines the hose connector of the R785 caliper (shown here), moving to a new inboard, straight-type hydraulic line connector. © Cyclocross Magazine
