How to Prepare Your Disc Brakes for Winter Riding
Winter riding brings a unique set of challenges for your bike, particularly your disc brakes. Cold, wet conditions and increased debris on the roads and trails can take a toll on your braking system. At Gorilla Brakes, we understand the importance of reliable, consistent braking performance during winter, so we’ve put together a guide to help you prepare your brakes for the colder months. Explore all products on our homepage.
1. Inspect Your Brake Pads
Before winter riding begins, inspect your brake pads for wear. Worn-down pads will reduce braking performance, especially in wet and muddy conditions. Look for:
- Uneven wear: If one side of the pad is more worn than the other, this can indicate misalignment or issues with the caliper.
- Thickness: Most pads should be replaced when there’s less than 1.5mm of braking material left.
For winter riding, it’s a good idea to switch to pads specifically designed for tough conditions. Gorilla Brakes Enduro Pro Compounds offer superior performance in wet, muddy environments, providing the consistent stopping power needed for winter.
2. Upgrade to Gorilla Brakes Factory Racing or Enduro Pro Compounds
For optimal winter performance, upgrade to Gorilla Brakes Factory Racing Compound or Enduro Pro Compounds. These compounds are engineered to handle the cold, wet, and gritty conditions that come with winter riding. Both offer superior durability and consistent braking performance, even in harsh environments.
- Factory Racing Compound: Ideal for high-performance riding, providing maximum control and braking power under tough winter conditions.
- Enduro Pro Compounds: Perfect for long, demanding rides, offering exceptional modulation and control on wet and muddy trails.
3. Check Your Brake Rotors
Next, check your brake rotors for wear or damage. Winter conditions can cause rapid wear, and thin rotors will overheat more quickly, reducing braking efficiency. A quick inspection can prevent a mid-ride failure:
- Look for scoring or deep grooves, which can occur if debris gets caught between the pad and rotor.
- Check the rotor thickness. If it’s close to the manufacturer’s minimum recommended thickness, consider replacing it before heading into winter.
If you’re due for an upgrade, consider our Disc Brake Rotors for optimized performance. These rotors offer excellent heat management and braking consistency, perfect for colder temperatures.
4. Bleed Your Brakes
Winter temperatures can cause brake fluid to thicken, reducing performance. If your brake lever feels spongy or you notice inconsistent braking power, it might be time to bleed your brakes. Make sure to use high-quality brake fluid that can withstand colder temperatures.
Bleeding your brakes before the winter season ensures you have fresh fluid that performs optimally in the cold. Our recent blog post How to Fix Excessive Brake Lever Throw & Bleed SRAM Hydraulic Brakes provides a step-by-step guide to this essential maintenance task.
5. Clean Your Brake System Regularly
Wet winter riding leads to a build-up of mud, salt, and grime, which can affect your braking performance. It’s essential to clean your brake system after every ride. Here's how:
- Wipe down your rotors with a dedicated brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Avoid touching the rotor surface with your fingers, as oils from your skin can affect braking.
- Remove your brake pads and clean out any debris from the caliper housing. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently clean around the pistons.
Keeping your brakes clean will ensure they function effectively, no matter how bad the winter conditions get.
6. Lubricate Moving Parts
While brake pads and rotors should remain dry and free of oil, other parts of your braking system need lubrication to perform well. Apply a small amount of bike-specific lubricant to the pivot points on your brake levers, avoiding the pads and rotors. Proper lubrication helps prevent corrosion and ensures smooth braking action.
7. Consider Installing a Larger Rotor
In winter conditions, a larger brake rotor can offer better braking power, especially on long, muddy descents. The increased surface area helps dissipate heat faster, which is beneficial when your brakes are working harder in cold, wet conditions. Check out our rotor options to upgrade your braking power this winter.
8. Test Before Every Ride
Always test your brakes before heading out. Give them a good squeeze to ensure they feel responsive and powerful. In winter, braking distances increase due to wet and slippery conditions, so it’s vital to know your brakes are ready for the challenge.
9. Have a Spare Set of Pads Ready
Winter conditions wear brake pads faster than during summer riding. Having a spare set of pads on hand is a smart move, especially on longer rides or during multi-day winter biking adventures. Keep a pair of Gorilla Brakes Factory Racing Pads or Enduro Pro Pads in your gear bag for quick replacement when needed.
Winter riding can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can keep your braking system performing at its best. At Gorilla Brakes, we offer a range of products designed to withstand the toughest conditions, so you can focus on enjoying your ride. Stay safe out there and keep your brakes in peak condition this winter!
Ready to upgrade your winter brake setup? Check out our full range of winter-ready brake pads and rotors Visit Gorilla Brakes Homepage.