Brake choices........

[The EMF]

Just a quick question to all out there in Emtb land....is anyone running older style double piston brakes on their bike ? Is there a reason not to run 4 piston callipers ?
Cheers

 

[MrSimmo]

The base Levos (at least the 2020 did) come with 2pot on the rear purely as a cost saving exercise by Specialized.

2 pistons save some weight and cost less typically so non-ebikes still have them for those reasons to the best of my knowledge. There are arguments that unless someone is building a weight-weeny bike, the weight saving from the 2pot solution doesn't add much value as there are other areas where weight saving is more noticeable (wheels/tyres - rotational weight etc).

For emtbs, as the bike is heavier anyhow and the costs are typically more than a non-ebike; I can't see a benefit (other than a a quid saved) for going 2 pistons. In fact the additional braking performance offered by 4pistons, in my mind, makes 4 pistons a must.

 

[The EMF]

The base Levos (at least the 2020 did) come with 2pot on the rear purely as a cost saving exercise by Specialized.

2 pistons save some weight and cost less typically so non-ebikes still have them for those reasons to the best of my knowledge. There are arguments that unless someone is building a weight-weeny bike, the weight saving from the 2pot solution doesn't add much value as there are other areas where weight saving is more noticeable (wheels/tyres - rotational weight etc).

For emtbs, as the bike is heavier anyhow and the costs are typically more than a non-ebike; I can't see a benefit (other than a a quid saved) for going 2 pistons. In fact the additional braking performance offered by 4pistons, in my mind, makes 4 pistons a must.

It was just a thought coz I’ve been running a great set of Avid Elixer 9’s on my spare bike and they are awesome plus they are in anodised metallic blue that would look great on my Whyte E150-RS.
The levers have reach and pad contact adjustment, super modulation and feel great under pressure. I understand the science due to weight of the Ebike and the motion forces required by the brakes to stop the bike, and the pressures in the hydrolic system where the pressure in the system is proportional to the increase or decrease in temperature and when I get my anorak on I go on for ages. I’m sorely tempted to try the Elixers on Whyte.
thanks for showing an interest ?

 

[steve_sordy]

@The EMF As you have such confidence in the brakes and like them so much, then give them a go! It will cost you nothing but some effort. If they prove to be lacking, you could always fit a larger diameter disc.
Be sure to let us know how you get on.

 

[The EMF]

@The EMF As you have such confidence in the brakes and like them so much, then give them a go! It will cost you nothing but some effort. If they prove to be lacking, you could always fit a larger diameter disc.
Be sure to let us know how you get on.

I will when I take the plunge to give them a go.....again thanks for showing an interest ?

 

[apac]

The size of the piston is More important than how many there are.

 

[flash]

I have XT 2 pots on my hardtail and 4 pots on my full sus. I don't notice any difference in normal riding but on a big day out with lots of downhill I'd trust the 4 pots not to fade as quick. I'm not a real gravity rider by any means so 90% of the time 2 pots would be just fine.

I do like my 203mm rotors though. Hardtail came with 180's stock and that, I could definitely feel.

Gordon

 

[The EMF]

While you’re playing around with your brakes put your name on the list for a set of these!

https://trickstuff.de/piccola-hd-carbon/

It’s a year and half wait but I’m sure they’re totally worth it. 171 grams for 4 pot.

Niiiiiiiice

 

[Clubby]

Just a quick question to all out there in Emtb land....is anyone running older style double piston brakes on their bike ? Is there a reason not to run 4 piston callipers ?
Cheers

Depends on how you ride and how much you weigh. I’m 98kg and definitely find older 2 pots lacking compared to modern 4 pots. Living in Scotland I tend to ride longer descents with more sustained braking.
In the past I’ve been lucky enough to ride in Whistler. The bike I had at the time used elixir 5, similar to yours but without all the fancy lever adjustments. Initial power was fine but at the end of long descents there was a bit of pump up and fade.

I’d still say give it a go, but only on the front at first. Quick and easy swap compared to the rear and nothing you can’t change back. Just make sure hose is long enough.
Also possible to swap to better levers on Sram brakes. My Codes Rs are powerful enough, but I agree the lever feel is not as nice as the RS or RSC versions.

 

[The EMF]

Niiiiiiiice

Let’s hope this Brexit shinanigins sorts its self out and we’ll be able to buy stuff from Germany again

 

[The EMF]

Depends on how you ride and how much you weigh. I’m 98kg and definitely find older 2 pots lacking compared to modern 4 pots. Living in Scotland I tend to ride longer descents with more sustained braking.
In the past I’ve been lucky enough to ride in Whistler. The bike I had at the time used elixir 5, similar to yours but without all the fancy lever adjustments. Initial power was fine but at the end of long descents there was a bit of pump up and fade.

I’d still say give it a go, but only on the front at first. Quick and easy swap compared to the rear and nothing you can’t change back. Just make sure hose is long enough.
Also possible to swap to better levers on Sram brakes. My Codes Rs are powerful enough, but I agree the lever feel is not as nice as the RS or RSC versions.

I’m 90kg and I don’t tend to ride bike parks now but there are long fast decents in the North Northumberland hills and have never experienced any brake fade with the Codes fitted to my Whyte and like you I’ve experienced brake fade on Juicy 7’s on my Specialized Enduro while riding in the Alps back in the day. So totally agree with you there. The Elixers look so cool.
I’ve thought about fitting the RSC levers.
cheers

 

[Clubby]

I’m not that fussed by the contact point adjustment, it’s just another area to catch air when bleeding them. You soon get used to where each brake bites. I do think the swing link part of the better lever does make a difference. Slight increase in power but a good bit better feel.