Hello,
My brother has a set of Shimano SLX brakes. The hoses are too long and need shortening. I know this can be done without needing a bleed but it probably makes sense to get one in case it goes wrong and also in general for the future.
Whilst I am sure bleeding can be done with minimal equipment as someone who is not that confident it will probably be good to go for a kit of some sort. From experience would people recommend the Shimano one:
[url= http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-2012-disc-brake-bleeding-kit-tl-bt03-s-57361.html ]Shimano kit with funnel[/url]
or the Epic solutions one:
[url= http://www.epicbleedsolutions.com/products/bleed-kits/shimano/complete-kit/#t-3 ]Epic solutions one[/url]
Someone will be along in just a moment to say they can bleed them on a night ride using a straw and a crisp packet but personally I take them to the lbs give them £15 and let them sort it out.
Hydraulics are my kryptonite 🙂
The kit you linked to from Merlin is £22 without any fluid, which seems a bit steep. I linked to the bits I use, in this thread:
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/whats-the-best-bleed-kit-for-shimano-brakes
Although, for convenience, it might be easier to get the Epic bleed one. Good tutorials on their site as well.
Don't forget to have the appropriate amount of [url= http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-sm-bh90-hose-olive-and-insert-61338.html ]olives and inserts.[/url]
Shimano kit is good, easy, cheap and does what you need.
If you remove the inner bit from a syringe you have a funnel... of sorts... thats the basis of the epic one.
If it helps you might be interested in our how-to guide on [url= http://www.epicbleedsolutions.com/blog/shorten-shimano-hoses-without-bleeding/ ]Shortening Shimano Hoses without Bleeding[/url].
http://www.epicbleedsolutions.com/blog/shorten-shimano-hoses-without-bleeding/
tbh I bought a pair of SLX's and cut them and re-installed without bleeding.
Just follow the instructions.
Glad I bought this though:
http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/hydraulic-hose-cutter.htm
Looks a nice tool that. Mixed reviews though.
We offer something similar with no complaints as yet.
http://www.epicbleedsolutions.com/products/tools/brake-hose-cutter/
I spilt a bit of fluid when I cut my hoses and needed to bleed them so be very careful. Another pair of hands would be useful. Especially when cutting the hoses
Agreed. Make sure you have a bleed kit on hand just in case.
[i]I spilt a bit of fluid when I cut my hoses and needed to bleed them so be very careful. Another pair of hands would be useful. Especially when cutting the hoses [/i]
Masking tape is useful, for keeping hoses 'pointed up'.