If your road bike’s disc brakes feel great one day and "off" the next, you’re not alone. Road cyclists deal with constantly changing braking performance, especially with the mix of weather, heat, sweat, carbon wheels, and high-pressure tires we ride on.

The good news? Most inconsistency comes from a handful of simple issues. At Gorilla Brakes, we spend our lives inside brake systems, and we’ve broken down the most common causes, and most importantly, how to solve each one without fuss.

1. Your Pads Aren’t Properly Bedded-In

Fresh pads or rotors need bedding-in. No exceptions. Without it, your brakes will feel grabby one ride and powerless the next.

Fix it:

Perform 10–15 hard stops from ~20mph, increasing force each time. You’re creating an even transfer layer on the rotor, this is what gives consistent bite.

2. A Tiny Bit of Contamination Goes a Long Way

Road cycling is brutal on braking surfaces. Sweat drips, chain lube mist, road spray, suncream, it all finds its way onto pads and rotors.

Signs:

• Sudden loss of bite
• Squealing
• Pulsing or on/off power

Fix it:

• Clean rotors with isopropyl alcohol
• Sand glazed pads lightly OR replace with fresh ones
• Keep your drivetrain lube away from rotors (use a rag shield)

3. Heat Build-Up on Long Descents

Road riders generate huge heat loads, especially heavier riders, carbon wheel users, or anyone descending Alpine-style roads. Overheating changes lever feel and power.

Fix it:

• Consider larger rotors (160mm front/rear for heavier or aggressive riders)
• Use sintered pads for better heat resistance
• Modulate rather than dragging brakes on descents

4. Micro-Air Bubbles in the System

One of the biggest causes of “some days it feels soft, some days it feels sharp” is micro-bubbles in the hydraulic fluid. Heat brings them to the surface, cold traps them, giving you inconsistent lever travel.

Fix it:

A proper bleed, not just a top-up, makes a huge difference.
We recommend a full bleed every 6–12 months depending on mileage and weather. You can find our guide on how to do this here or head to your local bike shop if you're unsure.

5. Temperature and Weather Swings

Your brakes behave differently in summer vs winter. Fluid density, pad compounds, even rotor surface friction changes with temperature and conditions.

Fix it:

• Use pads designed for mixed conditions
• Keep rotors dry and rust-free
• Re-bed pads after long wet spells to restore bite

6. Rotor Misalignment or Rub

Road rotors are thin and heat-sensitive. A tiny bend or off-centre caliper alignment can cause pulsing power or inconsistent bite.

Fix it:

• True your rotor with a proper tool
• Loosen caliper bolts, squeeze the brake to self-centre, then retighten
• Check your thru-axle torque — a loose axle causes flex and rub

7. Glazed Pads

Long braking, cold weather, or contamination can glaze the surface of your pads, making them feel wooden or unpredictable.

Fix it:

• Lightly sand the pad surface
• Clean the rotor
• Re-bed fully
  If glazing keeps happening, switch to a pad compound better suited to your riding.

When in Doubt, Upgrade Your Contact Points

Your braking consistency comes from the contact between pad + rotor. If you’re constantly chasing feel, consider upgrading:

• Higher-performance pad compounds
• Heat-stable rotors
• A fresh bleed with premium fluid

Small changes here make a massive difference to consistency.