Pratt

I have a bike with Shimano disc brakes and after the winter lay off, one brake (the rear) requires multiple pumps before it engages. After that, it seems fine for the summer. The front brake does that after the bike has been laid down on its side. Is this normal, do they need more fluid, bleeding, animal sacrifice??

slow rollin

I had this happen and I just added mineral oil to the reservoir and it helped. If you do an animal sacrifice make sure it's fish caught by shimano fishing equipment. My guess is you have a teeny tiny leak. Mine was at the brake hose to caliper fitting, could see a trail of liquid.

Pratt

Thanks, guess I'll get to make the LBS happy and buy some Shimano brake fluid.
They do stop the bike emphatically.

veganbikes

Sometimes when bike sits for a while especially hung up it needs a little pumping but usually just fine. You could try a lever bleed not a terrible thing if you need a bunch of pumping each time you use it.

Mtracer

Sounds like it needs a bleed. But it also sounds like you're saying you only need to pump them a few times after not using them all winter. If so, I'd leave well enough alone.

Pratt

Thanks to all.
At my age, I have a hard enough time getting the bike to go, but I'm still pretty good at getting it to stop, I'd hate to lose that ability as well.