Managed to bugger the olive while shortening my front hose. I've got the Tech X2 brakes with braided hoses. Wiggle list just one sized olive (it doesn't say what size), but CRC lists a 5mm and a 6mm. Which one do I need? IIRC the large one is for older brakes?
Also any tips for getting the olive over the cut end of a braided hose? Even though I cut it with decent cable cutters the metal strands kind of bulge the top making it too wide to get the olive on easily,
Braided uses 5mm fittings. A good way to make it easier putting the olive on is to wrap some tape around the hose before you cut it - that'll prevent the hose flaring so much. Bear in mind that you can open the olive up quite a long way without damaging it. Take a look at [url= http://steveukmtb.wordpress.com/hope-braided-hydraulic-brake-hose-assembly/ ]this guide[/url] I did.
Thanks Three Fish.
Any ideas if the default olives sold by places like Wiggle are th 5mm version? I assume they would be if thats the standard for the new brakes
I'd say it would unusual for places to be stocking 6mm olives (and other fittings) as standard as they haven't been used on factory brakes for at least five years (probably more like seven or eight). The 6mm stuff was phased out when the Mono (black/gold) calipers came out. If in doubt, though, it's worth checking.
That's great, thanks. Will order off Merlin this evening