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Hi
I've had my Zesty 214 for about 10 weeks now. Had a number of trips to the local woods and its been fantastic. Last time out though the front brake developed a shudder. Once I got home and tested it on tarmac it was really noticeable, clearly something was wrong.
I took it back to Evans on Monday to have a look. I've been called back 3 times now being told they've resolved it. Each time I've been given a different explanation of the cause but when I've tested it the shudder is still there. The reasons I've been given so far include - tyres over inflated, front shock had too much air, calliper slightly out of line, disk machined with grooves to rub on the disk.
The tech today tried to assure me that sometimes brakes do this, its normal and he'd be happy with it if it was his bike. I've refused to accept it back so it's going to be sent back to the distributor for testing next week apparently. He thinks it will come back saying its fine though.
I've a friend with Formula RX brakes and they fine, nice and smooth. I'm not pleased.
Anyone had a similar problem or can offer any advice?
Thanks, M
Glazed brake pads?
my v2's do that. they rock at stopping me so i dont care
have had this when headset wasnt nipped up right,,,,, its worth a go.
failing that change your pads from back to front,,,, you never know.
I had this on a customers bike last week (Orange P7 with Hope rotors) and i found that the rotor hadn;t been ground flat properly resulting in small depressions across the braking surface. You could see the brush marks from the surface finish used on the steel sheets.
Might be worth taking a closer look at the rotors.
They've changed the pads and no difference. The headset's a good suggestion, I'll make sure that's been checked.
If it was just a noise I'd be tempted to live with it but it is far more than that.
Obviously it's covered under warranty but that does still needs them to accept there's a problem. Anyone know where I stand legally if both Evans and distributor say they're fine?
Question is, does it do it only when you ride on tarmac?
If it doesn't do it when off road I wouldn't worry too much.
Its not uncommon for bikes with long travel forks and slotted discs to shudder when the tire has maximum traction, i.e. tarmac/concrete/very hard surfaces, it the nature of the beast!
To be fair it's the sort of thing that you wouldn't think twice about if your bike was a couple of years old, it's just that your sensitivity is way up because your bike is fresh out the wrapper.
I have recently developed a bit o' judder due, I think, to getting fork lube on the pads/rotors. Doesn't bother me though, just roll with it.
Have you tried cleaning the disc? Or if your discs are the same size, swap front to rear?
If you roll the bike very slowly and apply the brake, can you feel any change in the braking force as it rotates?
The reasons you've been given by the shop all sound like BS. Most likely it's something on the disc causing it to grip unevenly as it rotates, although a lose headset or similar can amplify a small imperfection into something more noticeable.
This isn't just me being over sensitive. It feels like traction control kicking in but does nothing to improve braking.
The pads have been changed but that made no difference. I'm starting to think the disc itself is the problem. The bike has 180's front and rear so I'll swap them over and re-test.
Will let you know how I get on.
Brake sudder is a sign something is wrong and is not acceptable.
One explanation I have seen put forward for it is uneven deposits of pad material on the disc - so try sanding the disc and then try again. contaminated discs is another option
Mine is doing this at the moment, and I think I've tracked it down to a loose bushing in the fork. Certainly, with everything else removed there's a little bit of play in the brake-side leg of the fork, and there's no play I can find anywhere else between tyre and grips. I'm going to send the fork off for a service and get the bushing resized at some point soon, hopefully that'll sort it.
Make sure the disc is tight,
I had the same problem, someone on here said check the disc, it had play in it, tightened up and all is good.
Loose bushings, headbearings will make it worse but surely there must be another cause in the brake somewhere?
I've had it on a ride once or twice and seem to depend on conditions i.e. wet muddy rides with steep descents tend to bring it on.
Always fine in the dry though.
Have they tried a different rotor on it
firstly dont fret - mine rx's did this with standard pads on the back, only started happening after about 10 rides or so, cleaning, de glazing didnt shift it....strange but i changed the rear pads to new superstar sintered, and the noise and judder went!
funnily my front one is still in from original and never missed a beat/judder! random but id say its the pads for some reason!
Got a call to collect the bike. Evans decided to change the whole front brake system with a bike from stock. I've taken it for a short ride and it seems to have done the trick.
Wish I had found out what the specific problem was but can't complain. I think a trip to woods for a proper test is in order. Lets go!