Old Mountain Goat Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 So as some of you will know, I recently purchased a Spez Rockhopper Expert 29'er, which is fitted with a Tektro Gemini hydraulic disc brake system with 160mm rotors. Now, they stop the bike. That's not an issue, the issue is that because I'm in the heavyweight division (120KG) category, I do not feel like the brakes are as strong as they could be, especially the front. I want to try and improve this, and wondered if swapping out the standard disc (Tektro I assume?) for something like a Shimano RT86 or 76, or maybe even a 66 would offer any improvement? I am also unsure what pads are in there, as it seems that google can't find any 'Gemini' systems information. Its almost as if they didn't exist. I thought about fitting a 180mm rotor, but I also can't find any info on the Spez custom SR Suntour XCR-Air 29'er fork that mentions if the fork is capable of handling a 180mm rotor or not, and since I can't find any Tektro Gemini information, I doubt I will find a suitable adaptor to convert to 180mm anyhow? I don't particularly want this exercise to become an expensive one, as I already spent more on a bike than I wanted to, so replacing the whole front system is not what I want to do, just so I can run a 180mm disc. Any advice would be truly welcomed! RegardsG!
Old Mountain Goat Posted October 13, 2015 Author Posted October 13, 2015 Just an edit.... The Spez website says they are resin pads and I spec compatible if that helps? http://www.specialized.com/za/en/bikes/archive/2015/rockhopper/rockhopper-expert-29#specs RegardsG!
Brickleberry Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 Honest oppinion would be to remove tektro brakes.... Throw in bin and replace with shimano slx. But I understand that might not be an option.
Paul Ruinaard Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 On 10/13/2015 at 6:21 AM, Old Mountain Goat said: So as some of you will know, I recently purchased a Spez Rockhopper Expert 29'er, which is fitted with a Tektro Gemini hydraulic disc brake system with 160mm rotors. Now, they stop the bike. That's not an issue, the issue is that because I'm in the heavyweight division (120KG) category, I do not feel like the brakes are as strong as they could be, especially the front. I want to try and improve this, and wondered if swapping out the standard disc (Tektro I assume?) for something like a Shimano RT86 or 76, or maybe even a 66 would offer any improvement? I am also unsure what pads are in there, as it seems that google can't find any 'Gemini' systems information. Its almost as if they didn't exist. I thought about fitting a 180mm rotor, but I also can't find any info on the Spez custom SR Suntour XCR-Air 29'er fork that mentions if the fork is capable of handling a 180mm rotor or not, and since I can't find any Tektro Gemini information, I doubt I will find a suitable adaptor to convert to 180mm anyhow? I don't particularly want this exercise to become an expensive one, as I already spent more on a bike than I wanted to, so replacing the whole front system is not what I want to do, just so I can run a 180mm disc. Any advice would be truly welcomed! RegardsG!Hi, Fitting 180mm rotors is IMHO your best option. It does make quite a difference to the power of your brakes and the modulation, which is great. It wont make them sharper but will make them stronger. WRT the fititng on the fork: there are bazillions of adapters out there for various different brake designs and I would struggle to believe that Tektro has a unique spacing. Take to a bike shop. let them sort it out. I am pretty certain they will be able to Its still not a cheap exercise - 2 x 180mm discs (and dont use cheap ones) with 2 x adapters will probably cost you a grand. that compared to a set of SLX stoppers (Shimano) which you make be able to purchase second hand on this here hub.....
droo Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 Tektro and Shimano use the same adapters, so no issues there. But as you're a big bloke I'd suggest upgrading when you can - in the meantime a 180 on the front will definitely help.
supertorro Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 On 10/13/2015 at 9:03 AM, droo said: Tektro and Shimano use the same adapters, so no issues there. But as you're a big bloke I'd suggest upgrading when you can - in the meantime a 180 on the front will definitely help.What droo said. I'm 40kg lighter than you and swopped out my 160mm rotors chop chop
BLACKvoodoo Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 Putting a bigger dia. rotor will obviously help but I don't think tektro has the ability to handle it . Turf them and upgrade if youre worried or just shed about 40kg's
Old Mountain Goat Posted October 13, 2015 Author Posted October 13, 2015 So if I did turf the Tektro's, what would you folk recommend I replace them with? Shimano I assume, but which models that are good, but don't cost three testicles and an unicorns selfy? RegardsG!
madbradd Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 I'm 110kgs. I used to have Avid Elixir 5s on my bike, which stopped me fine and modulated extremely well, but were pretty squealy and had a bit of fade. I'm not sure if that was just the rotors, or if its also the actual brakes. I replaced them with XTs with Ice-Tec rotors. But if you find proper specials it's still a R3000 ordeal. On my SS I have the Shimano M596 brakes with the standard deore rotors. there is a difference in stopping power, modulation and the cheaper rotors do deflect a bit (so you get some ticking at the wheel). All of the below will be a huge improvement. https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/159158-new-deore-m615-hydraulic-brakes/ https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/155222-slx-brake-set-with-pads/ https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/156614-avid-elixer-x7-brake-set/ https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/157932-avid-elixr-9/ https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/158502-avid-elixir-r-brieke/ Then for the rotors, like me you're heavy, so want a rotor that's solid and won't deflect easily. So something like the below will be ideal as they're not too expensive and have quite a large "inner". http://www.easybike.co.za/shimano-slx-disk-rotor-sm-rt67-180mm.html for Centrelock http://www.easybike.co.za/shimano-slx-disk-rotor-sm-rt68-180mm.html for 6-bolt
Rocket-Boy Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 On 10/13/2015 at 1:55 PM, Old Mountain Goat said: So if I did turf the Tektro's, what would you folk recommend I replace them with? Shimano I assume, but which models that are good, but don't cost three testicles and an unicorns selfy? RegardsG!I will probably get flamed for this but you can pick up some avid elixir's pretty cheap in the classifieds. I really like mine, the feel to me is better than the slx ones I have tried on friends bikes and did a great job back when I was 115kg. Have not had any hassles other than someone bleeding them with old pads in and having too much oil in the system.
Cat2forLife Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 On 10/13/2015 at 2:55 PM, Rocket-Boy said: I will probably get flamed for this but you can pick up some avid elixir's pretty cheap in the classifieds. I really like mine, the feel to me is better than the slx ones I have tried on friends bikes and did a great job back when I was 115kg. Have not had any hassles other than someone bleeding them with old pads in and having too much oil in the system. What?!?! They have no modulation at all!! They are either on or off and when they're on, it feels like they're off!
Brickleberry Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 Shimano slx are great value to performace ratio. Even the new deore are great. I wouldn't go near avid.
Rocket-Boy Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 On 10/13/2015 at 3:03 PM, Hayseed said: What?!?! They have no modulation at all!! They are either on or off and when they're on, it feels like they're off! Naa when they are on then they are properly on!My experience with Shimano was the on or off one, found the Avids to have at least some modulation before they wanted to lock up.
Eugene Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 I fitted Gemini to my bike as an upgrade to my previous vbrakes. I was disappointed as the braking was not that good, however, after a few rides, they started to improve. I guess the pads needed to bed in. Maybe give yours a chance too (unless you've already put some mileage on)
JXV Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 On 10/13/2015 at 1:55 PM, Old Mountain Goat said: So if I did turf the Tektro's, what would you folk recommend I replace them with? Shimano I assume, but which models that are good, but don't cost three testicles and an unicorns selfy? RegardsG!180 on the front using standard 6 bolt Shimano discs and 180 caliper adapter. Leave the 160 on the back. The old front one becomes your spare. Total cost should be under R500. For more stopping power go 200mm front and move the 180 to rear. Plus 200 front and 180 rear adapter. If still a problem then change to Deore or SLX brakes.
madbradd Posted October 14, 2015 Posted October 14, 2015 On 10/13/2015 at 7:13 PM, JXV said: 180 on the front using standard 6 bolt Shimano discs and 180 caliper adapter. Leave the 160 on the back. The old front one becomes your spare. Total cost should be under R500. For more stopping power go 200mm front and move the 180 to rear. Plus 200 front and 180 rear adapter. If still a problem then change to Deore or SLX brakes. I doubt your fork will be able to handle a 200 rotor. Lower end forks are significantly less stiff than higher end models, which is a limiting factor on the brake rotor size. But you're right.... cheapest way to increase stopping in this instance power is to just increase the front rotor to 180mm (remember to include cost of shipping if you're buying online.... will probably be close to the cost of the rotor)
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