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This summer me and a friend want to head to France to ride the tour du Mont Blanc (If covid restrictions will allow us to). To have something to look forward to, we are already looking into what equipment we might need. Since the trail (180km) has a lot of altimeters (~8000m) we were wondering what braking equipment we need to prevent our brakes from overheating. We are both not too heavy (+-70kg) but we will be carrying some equipment with us. I currently have the Magura MT trail brakes with 4 pistons in the front and 2 in the back, I already swapped out the 180mm rotor on the front for a 203mm MDR-P rotor. At the rear I still have the 180mm MDR-C. I'm wondering if this setup (metallic brake pads) will be sufficient to ride this trail or if i have to change something else?
Aye, you'll be grand with that set up as long as you don't drag brakes all the way down, and if you do then there's no set up out there that won't fade, then squeal, then smell like a dying clutch. Have fun, it's a great route, mibbies the best round trip MTB ride in the alps.....?
(metallic brake pads)
Take resin pads and spares to cope with possible wear rates in the wet? They tend to run cooler on descents where you'll either need to control speed or brake harder since the bike's heavy. Bigger rotors are good. I've been ok on 180s F+R with resin pads for loaded riding in that area but nothing to lose with 200s.
You'll love it. Some great trail to be had. I did the TMB with twin-piston SLX brakes. Loaded with bikepacking gear and I weigh 80kg. Starting on half worn pads. Meant to take a spare pair, but left them in the car! Oops. They lasted until the very last descent. So, take a spare pair of pads and start with a decent amount of life on the pads you're using, and you'll be fine. If you dont know already, bike shops options are very very limited on route.
I've done it with loaded bikes before running single piston XT and SLX brakes with 180mm rotors and it was fine. Bear in mind you won't be riding it at your max speed because you have luggage bouncing around and if you hurt yourself you're a long way from help.
Enjoy!