Losing rear stopping power

[rohannvdmerwe]

Hello Guys,

 

My first post on the hub. 

 

I need some advice.  Less than a month ago I bought myself a new Specialized Camber Comp and I am struggling with the rear brakes on the bike.  When doing very steep downhill sections my rear brakes tend to overheat when breaking and I am loosing stopping power.

 

It becomes so bad that there rotor turns black so that is how hot the breaks is getting.

 

What can i do to remedy this or what pads must I put in to resolve this problem.  I must also add that I am not a skinny guy so I am on the heavy side.

 

My bike has the below break set.

Shimano Deore BR-M506

 

 

Any help or advice appreciated guys.

[MphatiPyga]

Hi Rohann. Moneywise get some ice tech rotors and pads, or analyse how you break. Sounds like you really lock up your back brakes which will also lead to lack of control through skidding. Try use front and back brakes together, obviously not locking up the front to have an otb moment. When I started riding more technical stuff I would lock up at the back and never use the front, now I use the front with modulation and have much better control, even better is that I can now brake later and less

[Shangri la]

Just saying.... 70% of brake force should be on FRONT.  Learn to modulate the front brake using one or maybe 2 fingres.

[usxorf]

Brake less, in the long run. Short term, get a 200mm front and 180mm back. You'll need the up sized rotors and adapters to mount them.

 

The bigger rotors have more stopping power and run cooler - more surface area. And you don't need to get new brakes .

[Pieterlab1]

Get XT Ice tech rotors with ventilated pads

[the nerd]

The ice tech rotors yes.

Go bigger rotors yes.

 

Dont rush out for the ventilated pads as they dont do much other than look "cooler" but actually cooling the pads not so sure.

[Dubbin]

Hi

Same problem, also heavy guy. Upgraded to XT brakes, bigger rotors the work's. A lot of money later I realized the main problem is me. Try butterflying your brakes (think ABS of a car) Also use front brakes more. Not sure about your skill level, but the more confident I become the less I brake.

[Pieterlab1]

The ice tech rotors yes.

Go bigger rotors yes.

Dont rush out for the ventilated pads as they dont do much other than look "cooler" but actually cooling the pads not so sure.

Well, it won't hurt, will it?

[rohannvdmerwe]

Cool thanx guys, my bike has the 200/180 rotor setup.  I think it comes down to the technique now using both brakes and improving on that.  Now for the rain to go away so that I can ride and practice it.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Cool thanx guys, my bike has the 200/180 rotor setup. I think it comes down to the technique now using both brakes and improving on that. Now for the rain to go away so that I can ride and practice it.

What rotors do you have? Some lightweight ones are shaite at heat dissipation.

 

Ice tec rotors are a good option, and even going up to 200/203 is an option.

 

Don't bother with the vented pads. Rather get metal sintered ones. Far better heat mamagement than resin pads.

 

If you want to change brakes, you'll only get better heat management properties by going to 4 piston setups like hope v4 or shimano Saint / zee or sram guide.

 

Easiest and cheapest fix is going to 200/203 with ice tec rotors (not overkill at our weights) and metal sintered pads. Then learning how to feather them so you're not permanently dragging them.

 

If that's not enough, then an upgrade to 4 piston brakes may be necessary

[Riaan H]

Hi Rohann

 

I have the same bike but in medium, which runs 180mm disc up front. Fully agree with posts on technique, try using a lot more front brake, remember that you should in any event transfer your weight overthe back of the bike, so otb should not happen when you use both brakes.

 

Although, i will agree that the std brakes are not to hot, and I completely ran out of brakes after a few descents the other day. You will note that the calipers are actually the older M447 models which are too narrow for the finned pads anyway (i tried).

 

I have recently fitted the XT IceTec discs with metal pads and they are substantially better. Just play it safe and take a pad with as sample when you buy, Shimano makes 3 different pad sizes just to make things more difficult. Be warned though, those discs are a pound of flesh each.

[BaGearA]

what miles said the bigger rotors might even do better than ice tech 

 

But if you can get 200mm with ice tech and the vented pads go for it (you could probs stop a bus with that)

 

But also look at braking technique 70% on the front brake might sound mad but it is the most effective way. Ease into it to avoid an OTB moment. 

 

Good luck bud  

[tombeej]

You should hardly be using your back brake at all. And certainly never to the point that it gets hot. As has been said before, your braking power is in the front brake.

 

Tons of stuff on the web, but start with this post from Sheldon Brown:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brakturn.html

 

Do this exercise: disconnect your bake brake completely. Keep it disconnected until you've mastered your braking skills. Through sketchy, steep downhills, soft stuff, etc. Even if this means going for weeks without a back brake. Just remember that you use your front brake only when in a straight line (if you brake in a corner it's an instant front wheel wash out & face plant). So you start learning how to judge your speed into a corner properly, braking before you corner, then releasing the front wheel as you go into it so that it can track freely through the turn and keep its grip, with correct weight distribution over the bike, 'dropping' the bike underneath you, etc.

 

Then when you connect your back brake you can start incorporating it again into your riding. Sure, the back brake obviously has its own techniques, tricks, etc. that need to be learnt. But let that come later.

[rohannvdmerwe]

Thanx for all the advice guys, I think before I change the hardware I am going to check my technique first.

 

I have broken my collarbones so many times on mountain biking before it is not even funny so I think that is why I am scared of using the front brake so the rear is suffering going down hill.

 

I will practice braking with the front and see how it goes but I think If I improve on that then I will be sorted.