I will be introducing myself to the world of trail riding on a dual-suspension mongoose “status” 26″ bike with front and rear disc brakes (not sure of the type of pads or the material, though). Yes, the bike is low-cost and probably built with crappy equipment (especially the rear, coil spring suspension), but it rides perfectly and its all that i have. So i was wondering, if i were to go on a long, steep downhill trail, can the disc brake take a constant, weak braking, or do i have to brake in small bursts. I am used to riding machines that have engine braking and i just dont trust mountain bike brakes; disc, or not.
Thanks in advance!
oh.. i guess i shoul have said that they are not hydraulic. They are cable-style brake lines (not sure if thats excellent or terrible…)
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Use small bursts of brakes. If you ride the brakes, they will overheat and lose power. It’s even worse if you overheat hydraulic brakes because they form bubbles in the hoses and the brakes become spongy…and lose power.
Use mainly your front brake when you are not taking a hard corner. When you turn hard, you can use the rear brake to shave off some speed. Don’t use the front during a turn because it may cause the front wheel to slip and you’ll be toast
They are very reliable, by the way. Especially the hydraulics, it’s basically the same concept from car brakes
Pulse brake, it will provide greater stopping and reducing heating on the brake rotors.
Try to pull the brake leaver like a gun trigger, constantly and not in one hard motion, this helps you reach the ultimate braking top, before your tyre looses grip and you start sliding.
Go back on your seat and place more weight on your back tyre, this provides more grip.
Try to plot ahead so you don’t brake too late.