One of the maintenance activities that you need to check on your bike consistently is your brake. As a responsible bike owner, you need to know how long bicycle brakes last since it is a bike component that is essential to the safety of your bike ride.
The key component is the brake pads for the maintenance of the disc brake. You do not want the pads to wear out and start a metal-to-metal contact that is not good for the bike. This article will let you know the lifespan of the brake pad and the best possible time to replace it.
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How Long Do Bike Disc Brake Pads Last?
If you want to know the longevity of disc brake pads, you need to check what type of materials are used in the bike. Normally, two materials are used in making disc brake pads: sintered and resin.
Disc brake pads made of sintered materials are made of hard metal. Sintered brake pads are known to be strong and last longer compared to their resin counterparts. This brake pad is expected to last 1000 to 1250 miles before needing a replacement.
On the other hand, a disc brake pad made of resin is estimated to last from 500 to 700 miles of biking. But then again, this estimated longevity will depend on several factors, such as the weather condition, nature of the terrain, cycling frequency, and how a bike uses the brake during the ride.
Factors Affecting the Longevity of the Bike Disc Brake Pads
Braking Routine
One factor that affects the longevity of the brake pad is how the biker uses the brake on the road. The biker’s braking routine can significantly affect how quickly the brake pads wear. Some bikers tend to press the brake, often overusing the pads constantly.
If the biker does not use the brake too much, it is more likely that the pads will last longer compared to those who aggressively use it all the time. The brake pads will wear down faster if the biker brakes more often during the ride.
Type of Road
The type of road or terrain the bike is dealing with during the ride can also affect the lifespan of the brake pads. When you are constantly biking on rugged terrains, the tendency is for the pads to wear faster compared to when you are biking on paved surfaces.
Biking Frequency
How long the brake pads last depends on how often you bike. If you are an active biker, you will likely be using your brake frequently, which can contribute to the quick wear out of the brake pads.
Weather Condition
The weather during your biking activity can also affect the longevity of the bike disc brake pads. When biking in a sweltering environment, extreme heat can significantly reduce the lifespan of the brake pads.
Too much heat can cause too much friction and break down the brake pads much quicker. On the contrary, you will never have to worry about breaking your pads quickly when biking in cold weather.
When to Replace Bike Disc Brake Pads
A seasoned bike mechanic will know if it’s time to replace the pads just by looking at the thickness of the brake pads. For those who are just regular bikers, the best thing to do is measure the brake pad so that you will be able to determine if it is the right time to replace it.
The first thing to do is get a measuring device such as a digital caliper, feeler gauges, or many business cards. Three business cards put together are about 1 mm thick. The general idea is that if your brake pad has a 1 mm or less thickness, it is the right time to replace the pads.
Signs that the Brake Pads Need Replacement
Aside from measuring the brake pads to know if it needs replacement, a bike owner will also experience unusual stuff when the pads are worn out. The first sign is the squeaking sound you will hear when pressing the brake.
A grinding sound is also another sign that the pads are worn out. Also, if the brake comes with a delayed reaction and will not stop the moment you use it, the brake pads are likely worn out and need replacement.
Also, if you find too much rust and grime, it can affect the performance of the disc brakes. Bikers can clean it to increase its effectiveness, but if the pads are badly worn out, it is now time to replace the brake pads.
Conclusion
How long do bicycle disc brakes last? The longevity of the disc brakes will also depend on a crucial brake component, the disc brake pads. The brake pads will determine the effectiveness of the disc brakes and how long they last. Knowing when is the proper time to replace the disc brake pads is essential.