Upgrading Mechanical Disc Brakes
04-21-20, 11:51 AM
#1
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Upgrading Mechanical Disc Brakes
Have a 2016 Specialized SL4 Disc that I’m wanting to upgraded for more stopping power. Have considered replacing with hydraulics, but not sure if I want to put that much into a bike I may not keep very much longer.
It has Tektro Spyre, mechanical disc, dual pivot, 160mm rotor on the front 140mm rotor in the rear.
What would be my best recourse for upgrading? Better calipers, better pads, better cables? All of the above?
Recommendations?
It has Tektro Spyre, mechanical disc, dual pivot, 160mm rotor on the front 140mm rotor in the rear.
What would be my best recourse for upgrading? Better calipers, better pads, better cables? All of the above?
Recommendations?
04-21-20, 12:15 PM
#2
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I would switch to organic pads with the calipers and levers that you already have. You should also put on new rotors. I wouldn't go full hydro on a bike you don't plan to keep that long. I have a bike with the same brakes, and even with sintered pads, I don't feel the need to go hydraulic.
04-21-20, 12:25 PM
#3
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Go to a bike shop and browse if any can allow you in. If you can try them out, see what bikes with other mechanical and hydraulic brakes feel like and compare with your current.
Hopefully the only fever you get will be the new bike fever! <grin>
04-21-20, 08:37 PM
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04-21-20, 09:59 PM
#6
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Plus good pads
And then a quality 2 piece disc like the TRP33 if needed
They are 203mm, but my TRP spykes will nearly lock up the front wheel with a 62mm tyre on my loaded tourer (+ me = 319lbs). Probably would lock it up on dry tarmac, but I'm not brave enough to try. It makes a ripping sound as the rubber is torn off the tire.
04-21-20, 10:03 PM
#7
Senior Member
Pretty much the only thing worth doing is compressionless housing and making sure the pads and rotors are in good shape and the brake is set up well--you'll then have pretty nearly the best cable actuated disc setup for a road bike.Hydraulic would be a meaningful upgrade.
04-22-20, 10:33 AM
#8
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Thread Starter
Thanks for all the advice, fellas!
