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Does it hurt a mechanical disc brake to be on most of the time?

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Does it hurt a mechanical disc brake to be on most of the time?

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Old 10-27-21, 03:58 PM
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SkiAddict1
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Does it hurt a mechanical disc brake to be on most of the time?

A slightly left-field question here. I'm training for a cycle touring trip, so using my single-wheel trailer a lot. Years ago I made a stand for it out of PVC pipe which works very well, but requires a 'park brake' on the bike (just a strap that holds one of the brake levers permanently on). When training for other trips I had a rim brake bike but recently I upgraded to one with disc brakes, and I'm wondering whether I'm risking damage to the brake system by having the brake held on between rides.
I'm pretty sure the brakes are mechanical not hydraulic, in case that makes a difference.
Thanks!
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Old 10-27-21, 04:18 PM
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Crankycrank
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No worries with a mechanical disc. There should be no extra wear or any other problems. A strap tightened just enough to keep the wheel from moving is all you need.
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Old 10-27-21, 04:43 PM
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Bill Kapaun
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If mechanical, the only caveat I "might" have is will there be a difference of corrosion or "other phenomena" on VERY EXTENDED applications.
It doesn't sound like that's the case though.
If hydraulic, I'd probably make up a small set of wheel chocks.
As seals age, the pressure is going to leak down faster and faster..... It might take a lot of time at first, but seals don't tend to get better with age.

You could strap on a stick through the wheel??? Kind of the broomstick through the spokes approach with some nearby flora.

Last edited by Bill Kapaun; 10-27-21 at 04:58 PM.
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Old 10-27-21, 05:05 PM
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3alarmer
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Will a toe strap like this on the front wheel work ?

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Old 10-27-21, 05:10 PM
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restlessswind
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disc brake trikes use the brake lever button to hold engaged. No issues.
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Old 10-27-21, 07:04 PM
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Awesome, thanks for all the replies, I'll stop worrying

3alarmer , the park brake needs to be really secure, if the bike moves even a tiny bit the trailer will come off the stand, so I don't think that sort of strap would work well enough, but thanks anyway. What a gorgeous looking bike you have!

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