Changing your brake pads on your mountain bike

The two videos attached, show the process, one with a Shimano system the other with a SRAM.

I created the two videos below to show you how it's done.  

Watch the video and read the instructions below carefully before starting the process on your own.  Do the work on your own bike and finish with a feeling of accomplishment. The process is pretty simple. Just take your time. 

So, you're ready to hit the trails, but before you do, it's essential to ensure your mountain bike's brakes are in top condition.

 I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process.

First things first, gather your tools and a set of compatible brake pads for your bike.

I’m using the TraxFactory Stomper Compound pads. These pads are high quality and made for numerous braking systems, including Magura, SRAM, Hayes, and Shimano. Check the website for the make and model of your brakes to ensure you get the right set of pads. 

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before we begin, make sure you have all your tools ready: new brake pads specific to your bike's brake system, Allen keys or screwdrivers, a rag or paper towel, rubbing alcohol or brake cleaner, a small brush, and pliers if needed.

Step 2: Remove the Wheel, this is optional depending upon how easy or hard it may be to get to your brake pads. 

I  will start by removing the wheel, in this case the front wheel for the example,  to give yourself more space to work. This step is not always necessary but can make the process easier.

Step 3: Remove the Old Brake Pads

Locate the brake pads and the retention mechanism. It could be a bolt or pin.

Use the appropriate tool to loosen and remove the retaining hardware.

Slide out the old brake pads from the brake caliper.

Step 4: Clean the Brake Caliper

The caliper may need to be pushed back, to allow the pads, now thicker being they are new.  Use a plastic tire lever to ease them back without damaging them. “Do not use a metal tool of any kind” or a screwdriver, as this could damage the caliper and piston(s). 

Keep the new pads clean and avoid touching them with your hands as the oils in your skin can contaminate the pads, not allowing them to perform their best.  Some type of rubber glove with help from the oils from your hand touching the new pads. 

-Clean the brake caliper thoroughly using rubbing alcohol and a small brush. Remove any dirt, oil, or debris that could affect braking performance.

During this entire time when the pads have been removed, DO NOT squeeze the brake lever on your handlebars! 

Step 5: Install the New Brake Pads

Take your new brake pads and insert them into the brake caliper.

Make sure to keep the spring attached to them, that is how the pads return to their position after applying. 

Ensure they are correctly positioned and align with the braking surface.

Reinstall the retaining bolt or pin to secure the new brake pads in place.

Step 6: Adjust if Necessary

Check the alignment of the brake pads with the rim or disc rotor.

Make any necessary adjustments using the adjustment screws on the brake caliper to ensure even contact.

To recenter the pads after installation, loosen the brake housing, then while applying the brake, tighten the housing bolts down. 

Let go of the brake lever and the pads should now be centered on the rotor. 

Step 7: Reinstall the Wheel

If you removed the wheel, securely reinstall it onto the bike.

Step 8: Test the Brakes

Squeeze the brake lever to test the brakes.

Spin the wheel and check for any rubbing or uneven braking.

Make further adjustments if necessary to optimize brake performance.

Step 9: Bedding-in Process (Optional but Recommended)

Optionally, go for a gentle ride, applying the brakes lightly to allow the new pads to bed into the rotor surface.

Step 10: Final Checks

Double-check all bolts and pins to ensure they are tightened securely.

Verify that the brake pads are clean and free from any contamination.

And there you have it! You've successfully changed the brake pads on your mountain bike. Now you're ready to hit the trails with confidence.

Follow these simple instructions for the other set of brake pads and you’re done.  

Make sure you do some research and find out the best pads, size shape and material to fit your brake system. 

2024, How it's starting

 We are three weeks in to 2024. I am one race into a series around the state of Arizona. The MBAA.  Last weekend was the first race. In my age group/category I took 11th place out of the 24 people in it. The course was two laps of a ten mile course.  My second of the two laps I was about a minute slower, and I was happy for that. I felt strong the whole time.  

Looking forward to the next race. 

I am excited for 2024 as there will be more mountain bike races and opportunities around the mountain bike community. 

MuckyNutz MugGuard Rear

 

MuckyNutz MugGuard Rear, shown both with the short and long extension. Comes in a great carry along pouch, so when the weather turns bad, you can easily put them on. Let me know your thought on these. Thank you to MuckyNutz for creating these much needed rear MugGuard for use in the sloppy roads and trails. Check them out and order yours here https://tinyurl.com/muckynutzmugguardrear

Mountain Bike riding in the desert

 

A look back at Dawn to Dusk, a race in early December 2022

 I had a blast, competing on a team of four adults while my son was on a team of four juniors. A fun flowing 16 mile loop at McDowell Mountain Regional Park here in Arizona. 

A great time with fellow coaches from the high school season I coach. Looking forward to competing next year again. 

My son's second of two laps, finishing in the dark. 

My son's second of two laps, finishing in the dark. 

My son's first lap of two. 

My son's first lap of two. 

Second lap, feeling better in the warmer sun. 

Third and last lap of my day.

Third and last lap of my day. 

First lap, started at 7am, a little cold. 

Summer is upon us, training going well

 I am in the middle of training for a race at the end of August and things are working out for now. There might be another race I can add to my calendar for mid October. With the weight training program along with the riding out on the trail I should ready come race day.  

The weather is warming up here in Arizona, so my spin training rides as well as my weight training are looking to move indoors to cooler temperatures. The garage gym turns into an instant sweat box as my workout gets going. 

        I have been able to get up north, to Flagstaff, here in Arizona and get some much needed trail miles in. Not only was is cooler weather but was at elevation, about 7,000 feet above sea level. A great thing about this training was it at the area where my end of August race will take place.  

RXL SL Pro Carbon Fiber MTB Bars

Link to bars in video — https://amzn.to/3vOhaWa 

Easy to install.  You will need a 4mm and 5mm Allen wrench.  You will also need a carbon fiber paste, to put in-between the two carbon fiber materials. A Torque wrench is needed to put the final bolts to their spec of 5Nm. 

 

The COOSPO BC107 GPS Cycling Computer

 

The COOSPO BC107 GPS Cycling Computer is perfect for gathering data on max speed, average speed, distance, heart race and power. Connect with the smartphone app to download and analyze data.  Connects with Bluetooth and ANT+. Charges with a simple provided micro USB cable. 

Velo Canteen -- the perfect solution to bringing along coffee on your ride

 

2021 is off to a great start

 

I am starting off working on the basics with my mountain biking. Hitting the weights Mondays and Wednesdays with cardio on the training rollers happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Heart rate Zones are key when I am doing cardio. With the weight sessions, it is not as much for max weight yet decent weight with high reps. 

I ventured out on the mountain bike trail for the first time this year, yesterday. Wasn’t a long ride, just over four miles. Feeling good.  With my main goal this year is to hit a 50 mile ride on my 50th birthday, in mid October. I feel it’s an obtainable goal. The weight sessions I am putting in now will be a great foundation for helping in that goal. 

Saying good bye to 2020

 Saying good bye to 2020

I have many goals I am wanting to achieve in 2021. I'm not into a lot of New Years resolutions, but with the year that 2020 was, it would be great to start off in a good direction. 

In October I will turn 50, so my major goal for that is to get in 50 mile mountain bike ride. This past year I was able to hammer down a 26 mile ride and felt pretty good doing it. With some better nutrition before and during the ride, as well getting stronger off and on the bike. 

Of course for a lot of people is setting a goal of losing weight, which wouldn't be a bad idea for me, but it's not the main priority. 

There are a few training programs I have already, that I just need to buckle down and get strict with following them through. 

Join in on this Cyber Monday deal you can't pass up

Alpha Performance Inserts is Veteran owned and the product is American made.  

Jump in on this deal I can offer you.  Use the code "HACK30" and get 30% off your purchase. 

When you order from their website Alpha Performance Inserts, use the promo code when checking out. 

I have used these inserts in my daily walking shoes, my road running shoes along with my trail running shoes. They swap out easily, or if you don't want to do that, get yourself two pairs. 

I have also worn them in my cycling and mountain bike shoes. They feel amazing inside the show while pedaling. 

More on the insert. 

The shoe insert was made to reduce injuries and strengthen your feet. 

I initially tested and used them three weeks in every situation I could throw at them.  

After wearing them I could feel myself on the way to recovering from a terrible situation with Plantar Fasciitis. 

The ALPHA shoe inserts have made a difference. I am able to walk, hike and run with no pain during or the next day. In the first two weeks of testing the inserts I logged just over 24 miles on a treadmill. 

The ALPHA inserts come in many sizes, so check the web site for your shoe/foot size. They also are available in four different colors. Orange, grey, blue and black.  I chose orange, so a quick glance down at my shoes before putting them on, seeing and knowing with the bright orange color they are inside the shoe. 

Here is the update my video and blog. 

By the way, if you’re not subscribed to my YouTube channel, please do. 

New challenge starts next week

Next Monday, the 10th of August starts my next virtual challenge I have signed up for. 

This challenge runs of almost two months. I have signed up for the 120 mile distance. I figured it would keep me active and keep my miles counting towards something besides training and fitness. 

Sign up if you would like to join. Use this link

WINE Country CHALLENGE 

Replacing my SRAM SX rear derailleur and NX cassette

Over the past month, warranty repairs are finally done. 

Top - replacement SX 12 gear derailleur

Bottom - Non working spring back derailleur 

So my issues all started when I was riding with some friends. About six miles into our mountain bike ride, as I was pedaling, my chain dropped.  I stopped to put is back on the front chain ring but noticed the one jockey wheel on my derailleur came off.  I was able to find the parts along the trail I was on and thankfully repair the part that came off. 

When I got home, I looked over the derailleur really good and made some adjustments on it.  However, this time the chain would climb up the cassette but not return back down.  After working with it for some time, I was able to start of the process of getting a new replacement one under warranty.  The process was pretty fast, but not fast enough, as I had to do my July 4th, 20 mile trail challenge with limited gears with the new derailleur arriving the weekend after. An update I am loving about the replacement derailleur is the limit adjustment screws are now allen key screws, replacing the Phillips head limit screws. 

older SX 12 gear derailleur with Phillips head limit screws

NEWER SX 12 gear derailleur with allen key head limit screws

After getting the new derailleur attached and adjusted and working great, my chain, which is under two months old, was skipping around and having a hard time on the third to biggest cassette cog.  One tooth was missing on that particular cog.  Knowing that this part too was under warranty, I started the process to get it replaced also.  In the meantime needing to keep riding and training, I just had to be aware of when switching gears not to ride in that cog. Over the two weeks while I waited for the replacement part, the cog went from a first grader missing one tooth to a hockey player, now missing a section of the cog which I think should have been three or four teeth! 

New cassette arrived and I was able to place it on the wheel.  All is good for now as I have some challenges and training goals I am looking forward to. 

"Look Ma, I have all my teeth."

In the end, I understand the groupset, I am running is not the highest quality SRAM makes and I am looking at saving up some money to upgrade before too long.  SRAM and the local bike store I have been dealing with have been great. 

It doesn’t look like any formal or group races will be going on for awhile.

  

I myself have been out on the mountain bike trail getting some much needed mental and physical miles in.  I have even done a few virtual challenges/races and looking to maybe sign up for another. This would be the Wine Country Challenge. I would have almost two months to complete 120 miles on the mountain bike. 

If not training for a race, these virtual races are a great way to keep active and stay healthy.  

Last weekend, on the 4th of July, I completed the 20 mile Pickle Juice Virtual Summer Series: Independence Day Rally for Dallas Off Road Bicycling Association.  I got out early to avoid the heat. The day started at 85 degrees. Hydration and nutrition is important as well as sunscreen to start the day off. 

Besides the indoor weight sessions I am working on and off and on again treadmill miles and mountain bike miles. I am trying to stay active. 

What are you doing to stay active? 

Virtual Race about a week away.

Pickle Juice Virtual Summer Series: Independence Day Rally for Dallas Off Road Bicycling Association

I am signed up and ready. Well, sort of.  I am prepared to take on the 20 mile distance on this virtual event. 

About a week ago, I had some mechanical issues come up.  

First was needing to add more tubeless sealant for summer riding, as I think the sealant inside was running low. 

Second was my rear derailleur.  It was causing issues shifting, but it's main issue was being able to climb up the cassette, yet not return to the bottom when the shifter was activated. After a visit to the local bike shop a few phone calls and photographs later showing the issue, I am getting a replacement for the derailleur under warranty. 

Hopefully this replacement arrives in time to get my virtual race in on July 4th. 

APHIX PODs system by Sound Helm

Listening to music while exercising doesn't just relieve boredom — it can help improve the quality of your workout by increasing your stamina and putting you in a better mood.

The National Center for Health Research study, showed that music that is motivational or synchronized with your exercise is shown to have physical and psychological effects.

Listening to music while working out enhances your physical performance. 

I want to introduce you to a great set up allowing you to bring your music playlist out on the trail with you. 

This is the APHIX PODs system by Sound Helm. With this ’NEAR EAR SYSTEM you will let you listen to your motivating music while still allowing your ears to be open to your natural surroundings. 

Aphix Pods by Sound Helm easily attach to your helmet.  Before sticking to your helmet, place them where you are wanting to attach them too, then peel the double stick 3M tape already applied to the back of the speaker part and firmly press down.  Run the connecting cables up in the helmet and they will be out of your way.  Figure out the best place on the left side of your helmet to place the control buttons / on-off switch. This may be for some up on the visor or along the side of the helmet. Make sure the 3mm plug can still access the unit. 

Pair it is easy with Bluetooth to your smartphone.  Now you are able to play your playlist or streaming music service through the speakers.  

Pressing the - button lowers the volume while pressing the + button raises the volume.  These buttons can also be used to skip a track, simply by long pressing the + button.  

Want to pause the music playing, hit the top arrow button, the same one you used to turn the device on. 

Not only is it able to play music, but if you get a phone call (while Bluetooth attached to your phone), you can take phone calls with the APHIX. 

SOUND HELM