Disk Brakes Lose Power

Disk Brakes Lose Power - Symptoms

Being new to disk brakes I was a little confused when they lost 99% of the braking power one day without any reason it would seem. You squeeze the brake lever . . but nothing happens. Dangerous. A little. Annoying. Very.

Disk Brakes Lose Power -Causes

Beware when lubricating. It would appear that in my hasty application of lube to chain and rear mech area, I have got lube of the disk / rotor and perhaps the disk brake pads too.

Being of the V brake clan prior to November 2012 I have never paid much attention to the careful application of lube. But with disk brakes you should.

Disk Brakes Lose Power - Cleaning

I tried various methods of cleaning the brake (CMD-8 mechanical disk brake) but in the end it was new pads time. What I tried;

- aceton based cleaner
-washing up liquid
-brake cleaner (automotive)

Non of the above worked. Don't get lubricant on you disk brake pads or rotor / disk. If you do they will lose power and become dangerous / useless.


Flood Risk

Sustainability Consultants

Specialized Cyclo Cross Top Brake Levers Review

Specialized Cyclo Cross Top Brake Levers Review - Overview

I purchased a pair of these levers for use on a bike with v brakes. I didn't have much success. I think they are designed for use with cantilever or claiper brakes normally found on proper road bikes.

The levers had a 31.8 mm clamp which means they are mounted right next to the stem on the bars (ritchey comp drop bars) I used. Cables from the levers "clash" with each other on exit owing to this closeness of fiting.

Your brakes will need to have a very strong return spring to use these levers, when used with drop levers and a rear mechanical disk brake (CMD-8), the resultant combined drag on cable outer may mean the brake caliper does not fully open when lever is released.

Specialized Cyclo Cross Top Brake Levers Review - Features

As I have said they have a 31.8 mm clamp with a hinge so you can fit them without removing other controls and tape etc. They has a grub adjuster for reach, but no adjustment for effective cable length. They do not have enough cable pull for v brakes.

 Specialized Cyclo Cross Top Brake Levers Review - Conclusions

These were the wrong levers for me to buy, "my bad" as they say. Otherwise they seam well made and an elegant solution to providing an extra braking position. If you have caliper / cantilever brakes they may work for you, but not if you have v-brakes or MTB specific disk brakes.

Flood Risk

Specialized Cyclo Cross Top Brake Levers
Reviewed by Kermit Green on Dec 22 2012
Rating: 3.7

Tektro RL520 Aero V Brake Levers - Review

Tektro RL520 Aero V Brake Levers - Review

Tektro RL520 Aero V Brake Levers are drop levers for use with V brakes. V brake levers pull a greater length of cable than standard levers designed fro callipers and cantilevers. They are just brake levers and don't have gear shifting ability.

Tektro RL520 Aero V Brake Levers - Pull

I nearly always buy tektro brake gear in fact this is probably around my 10th bit of tektro gear, and it good as per usual without a big price tag. I used these levers with a deore v brake on the front wheel and a clarks CMD-8 on the rear wheel. In both cases the levers performed well, particular on the front brake.

Tektro RL520 Aero V Brake Levers - Looks

The looks and comfort of the levers is faitly standard, they are available in black or polished, and are fairly standard in appearance. The lever is self has a nice shape, with a gently wide curved lower section making for a comfy grip when braking.


Tektro RL520 Aero V Brake Levers  - Price

Under £20, which makes them a lot cheaper compared with cane creak alternatives. These are a good as you will get no point spending any more money!


Compliance Consultants

Flood Risk

Tektro RL520 Aero V Brake Levers
Reviewed by Kermit Green on Dec 22 2012
Rating: 5.0