[Closed] Shortening brake hoses

I have just done this- you need an Avid bleed kit (or one of the many cheaper versions on the web) plus a barb and olive- if the brake came new these may be included in the kit. It is very straight forward provided you follow the sequence in the Avid manual which you can download here:

I had never bled any brake before. the whole sequence took less than an hour- with practice I guess it could be done in half an hour- I guess about £20 plus parts at an LBS depending on labour rates

Cheers Jimw, the brakes we secondhand so no spare bard and olive. Can I pick these up readily?.

I have ordered an Avid bleed kit but I'm not sure which fluid to buy, I know it's dot 5.1 but some have suggested using motorcycle fluid as a substitute?.

Thanks
Tez

Any 5.1 brake fluid will do.

Terry, A Olive & barb kit costs about £8
But if you buy the avid bleed kit you will get everything you need including the syringes, brake spacers, Bleed nipple spanner, Torx key, 5.1 fluid, barbs & olives.
It will cost around £30 but once you have it you can use it over and over again.
Youll need to bleed the brakes probably twice a year (depending on mileage)to keep them well adjusted and again when you come to change the pads, so overall it works out cheaper to buy a kit.
There is also a Pro kit which has better quality syringes but other than that its the same.
All the kits come with manuals that fully explain the process of shortening cables & bleeding etc, therers also good stuff in some of the magazines & on the web to guide you through but is really easy.
Go with the cheaper one unless your feeling flush and allow an hour for the first use.