Why MY Brakes Feel Weak (And Why Power Isn’t the Problem)
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Braking power comes from the brake, friction controls how it’s used
Most braking problems aren’t a lack of power, but a problem with how that power is being applied.
“These brakes just aren’t powerful enough.” It’s one of the most common complaints we hear — and one of the most misunderstood.
In reality, modern hydraulic disc brakes generate a large amount of braking force. If a brake can lock the wheel, the system is already producing more force than the tyre can transmit to the ground.
Braking power comes from the brake system.
Brake pads, rotors, and setup don’t create power — they control how that power is converted into usable, controllable braking.
When brakes feel weak, inconsistent, or unpredictable, the issue is almost always friction control, heat management, or setup not a lack of system power. If you’re starting with new pads or rotors, our brake pad bedding-in guide is the first step.
What riders usually mean by “not powerful enough”
1) Pads not bedded in (most common)
The brake system can already generate force, but without proper bedding-in, the pads can’t use it effectively. Bedding-in creates a stable transfer layer on the rotor, allowing friction to build progressively and predictably.
Without this process, braking feels dull, inconsistent, or weak — even though the brake itself is fully capable.
2) Wrong pad compound for the riding
Different riding puts very different demands on friction and heat control. Trail compounds can feel fine at low loads but struggle when speed, weight, or sustained braking increases.
The brake still produces power, but the pad compound can’t manage heat or friction consistently. Our compound comparison guide explains how compound choice affects braking feel and consistency.
3) Rotor too small (leverage and heat capacity)
Rotor size directly affects braking torque and thermal capacity. Smaller rotors offer less mechanical leverage and overheat more quickly under sustained braking.
Upsizing the rotor doesn’t add power to the brake — it allows the existing power to be used more effectively and consistently.
4) Contaminated pads or rotors
Contamination lowers and destabilises friction. The brake system may still be powerful enough to lock the wheel, especially at low speed, but braking becomes unpredictable and harder to control.
This is why contaminated brakes often feel “weak” despite still being able to lock up. If you want to understand why contamination affects braking, this guide explains how brake pad materials work .
5) Air in the system (poor bleed)
Air doesn’t reduce braking power at the caliper — it delays how that power is applied. Compressed air increases lever travel and reduces feedback, making brakes feel weak or vague.
A proper bleed restores direct, predictable force transfer from lever to pads.
6) Alignment issues and pad knockback
Misalignment, rotor flex, or hub play can push pads away from the rotor. This increases lever travel before braking begins, which riders often mistake for lack of power.
The power is still there — it just isn’t being applied when expected. Our pad installation guide covers correct setup basics.
Why lever travel can increase on long downhills (especially the rear)
On long descents, riders may notice the brake lever pulling further than normal, most commonly on the rear brake. This is often blamed on “losing power”, but the cause is usually air behaviour combined with heat and bike orientation.
If air is present anywhere in the hydraulic system, it can slowly migrate to the highest point. When riding downhill, the bike is pitched nose-down, which can make the rear caliper one of the highest points in the rear brake system.
Heat from sustained braking causes any trapped air bubbles to expand and become more compressible. When that air sits near the caliper pistons, pulling the lever first compresses the air before moving the pads, increasing lever travel.
The brake system hasn’t lost power — the force is simply being delayed. This is why a brake can still lock the wheel, yet feel vague, inconsistent, or require more lever pull on long descents.
If lever feel worsens during a descent and improves again once the bike is upright and cooled, it’s a strong indicator that the system needs a proper bleed.
There’s no such thing as a “bad” brake pad
Brake pads sold through reputable channels are manufactured to meet minimum safety and performance requirements. They are designed, tested, and produced using recognised industry standards and test methods to ensure they function safely when used as intended.
What riders often describe as a “bad brake pad” is almost always a pad being used outside its intended purpose. Every compound is a compromise between friction level, heat tolerance, noise, wear rate, and rotor compatibility.
A pad designed for light trail riding can feel weak, fade quickly, or wear rapidly when used for enduro, e-MTB, or long alpine descents. That doesn’t make it a poor pad it makes it the wrong pad for the job.
Brake performance is determined by how well the pad compound, rotor size, heat management, and riding conditions match each other. When those factors are aligned, even modest brake systems can deliver strong, consistent, and controllable braking.
Choosing the correct compound for your riding style and conditions matters far more than chasing “more power”.
Need help dialling in your braking?
If your brakes still don’t feel right, our customer support team can help you choose the correct pad compound, rotor size, and setup for your bike and riding style.
Disclaimer: Brakes are safety-critical components. If you’re unsure about installation, bleeding, or setup, consult a qualified mechanic.