sdcoffeeroaster
Active member
Love the use of SRAM brakes as a bear alarm, lol. I don't play music while riding because I want to be aware of what's going on around me but thankfully no bears here just other riders/lots of hikers/occasional rattle snakes. While I agree with you to a point, neglecting an issue like brake noise is like neglecting some pain in your body. You have to determine if it a sign of a malfunction and is it progressive or just a typical noise for the device/body part in question. In my case the noise appears to be a sign of misalignment of some sort which will wear out the brakes faster/unevenly and reduce braking (glazing the pads, etc.) and might also get louder, which is already happening. And something like this can ruin a set of pads and rotors quickly and fail under the most unsafe conditions, ie a long down hill. Sure brakes can be noisy in the wet but that's not my issue.My suggestion was an analogy based on how to inexpensively "repair" an insignificant issue like how to fix an annoying noise in a car . We don't have that many rattle snakes or other bikers attacking us while we are riding on trails around here. Noisy brakes are rarely a concern as they scare away the bears and cougars. Some riders use cute little bear bells or yell out a lot but who needs that when you can have built in bear alarm with SRAM brakes! Then again, if I am using Code RSC brake levers, Code RS calipers, a Magura 220mm front rotor, a Shimano Ice Tech 203mm rear rotor and stock Code metalic pads, I must sound like a clueless owner who can't pick a brand and be a dick about it. My wife swears by her Shimano Saint brakes but often complains about the engagement point as the reach adjustment only goes so far, especially with new pads. I am not sure if you have ever ridden in the rain but I can't recall any brake rotor that does not squeal when they get wet.
Once again, if we are not spending money and time on our bikes, we should be out riding them!
In my 4+ years of riding I've only had one brief malfunction out on the trail when I bought some bulk chain from China that was defective and snapped a mile from my house (stupid buy really but it was when I could not find chain long enough for my "long" Focus Jam2). So I go over the bike briefly before every ride and thoroughly every so often and have not had to take my bike into a shop for about 4 years now. While I do like the solid brake feel of the Codes compared to my Shimano brakes, I am hopeful with proper set up and bleed I can resolve this issue. In fact today is the day I tackle it since it's still pretty muddy out to go riding and very cold here in SoCal. As a last step I'm going to try the rt66 Shimano rotor on the front. I have the sram expensive bled kit and while there are more steps to a complete bleed/flush than Shimano, it's straightforward and I'm dying to try out this $100. kit with the fancy syringes, lol.