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. 

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. 

 

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

 

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. 

Inhaling vapors of Olbas Oil, using the Foojin

Inhaling vapors from a few drops of Olbas Oil in the Foojin, individual essential oil diffuser quickly stimulates and enhances the breathing passages. 

Workouts moved indoors during the COVID-19

The first week, I was getting out on the mountain bike trails, getting some solid training in and feeling great. Allergies flared up with the wild flowers and spring's warmer weather bringing the desert alive. 

Trials were packed with hikers making it hard to keep it safe even with the 6 foot precaution.  They closed down a few trail heads here due to the over crowding with everyone wanting to get out and hike the trails. The weekends were horrible.  

Workouts moved indoors during the COVID-19. I am not doing as many miles running or cycling that I would like to be doing, but I see that ramping up.  

A few adjustments made to the bike trainer, having the ability to use a set of rollers or a trainer where just the back wheel is powered. 

I am getting some strength workouts in, staying the in garage or close to the house. 

What are you doing?  Have you found any online programs or other videos online?

WEND Waxworks, WEND chain wax

After a hard two months of putting it to the test, I am a firm believer in WEND Waxworks, WEND chain wax. It is easy to apply and keeps my chain clean even out on the mountain bike trails. The wax is a perfect chain lubricant. No noise as the chain spins around the drive-train and no mess of a lubricant slinging around, getting on other parts of the bike or myself. 

It comes in some flashy colors. I like the colored versions as I can tell where the product has been placed. 

It works hand and hand with the WEND chain WAX OFF, a chain cleaner and lubricant itself. I have been using it on a towel to not just clean older wax off the chain when fully cleaning, but rub in the WEND wax that is on the chain just after applying it, helping work the wax in the chain’s pins and rollers. 

Prepping for the 465 Challenge

I am trying to decide if I complete the 53 mile 465 Challenge in the first 24 hours. Of course I would continue to add miles on for the rest of the time allowed to complete the virtual challenge.  I started thinking maybe completing it on my mountain bike or setting out and completing on my road bike.  There is no way I would be able to finish the distance running, for me at this time.  

I am almost complete with my other winter challenge I have going on.  


 I encourage you to sign up for it too starts when the New Year does. So you have time to sign up and get motived in these colder months ahead and keep active. 

Log miles on the challenge from Jan. 1, 2020 to Feb. 29, 2020.  The miles can be completed by Run, Bike, Swim, Jump, Walk, just complete the 53 miles. Why 53 miles?  Starting at I-65 on the Southside, the 465 is a 53 mile loop around Indianapolis. 

So what are you waiting for?

Join in the virtual challenge.  Use this link when signing up and code 
"BIBRAVE" for 10% off

465 Challenge

The 465 Challenge!

Let’s face it, it gets cold outside during the winter and for me that cuts back on my training time outside. Needing or having a challenge makes working out and training in the winter better. 

I have some other challenges going on to keep me motivated, but the latest one that I have signed up for, and I encourage you to sign up for it too starts when the New Year does. So you have time to sign up and get motived in these colder months ahead and keep active. 

Log miles on the challenge from Jan. 1, 2020 to Feb. 29, 2020.  The miles can be completed by Run, Bike, Swim, Jump, Walk, just complete the 53 miles. Why 53 miles?  Starting at I-65 on the Southside, the 465 is a 53 mile loop around Indianapolis. 

So what are you waiting for?

Join in the virtual challenge.  Use this link when signing up and code 
"BIBRAVE" for 10% off

465 Challenge

A celebration in photos from my son's 2019 NICA season

This is a celebration in photos of my son and his 2019 NICA season.

I am so excited and proud of my son.  

Finishing off the NICA season strong. He started and finished every race in the series. 

Starting training back in April earlier this year. 

He learned a lot along the way, as so did I. 

From bike issues and some nutrition advice, he did great. 

A race, halfway through the season, the derailleur snapped off his bike. He had help in getting the bike to roll, then ended up pushing the bike with his legs on either side to the finish. 

I was proud of him in his determination to finish the race.  

He is looking forward to the 2020 season. 

I want him to keep having fun and bring him out on the trails with me to keep him active. 

The last few corners of the last race this season I will always remember. 

He had the biggest smile on his face before he rode by me. I yelled his name and in response he rang the bell on his bike as he rolled by. 

In a holding pattern

This issue I am having with my Plantar Fasciitis is in a holding patter.  The wrap the podiatrist put on it for a week, brought down the inflammation in it. The wrap came off the other day and I have a few options to take in consideration.

Here are my three options

1. Continue to ice (Frozen Peaz) it numerous times a day and increase my leg and foot stretches.

2. A cortisone shot, in my foot, to reduce the pain. The pain would go away for about six months, if I went this option.

3. Be fitted and casted for new orthotics.

For now I have chosen number one.  I am increasing the stretches and icing to get my foot back on my own. 

I am also using kinesiology tape to help support the plantar fascia. 

Couldn't do it on my own

Couldn't do it on my own this time. Finally, I have made an appointment and seen a foot doctor to help with my right foot.  The intense pain in the heel had made it tough to walk around, let alone get my workouts in.  Stayed away from running for over well over a month and a half now. The stretching treatments I have been doing at home with a following up of an ice, Frozen Peaz, treatment has been making the pain go away, but it does return in time. 

The doctor taped it up with athletic tape for a week, starting today.  Doing this to help relieve the inflammation. I return in a week to see the progress and move on from there. 

I have been working on adding more foam rolling into my routine and will be very aggressive in doing it daily.  I need to not only work on my feet, but tight calves and hamstrings, as this is affecting my feet too.
Looking like it will end with getting a pair of custom orthotics to correct the issue all together.   

A recovery breakfast after a hard ride

The last few weeks I have put in 50 miler on the road bike. On average I use about 1,000 an hour. Of course I consume some gels and an energy bar to start the ride. I also drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. 

I put together a quick and easy breakfast when I got home.

Three scrambled eggs, four slices of bacon and an avocado to top it off. Put a little Sriracha sauce on top and I was on my way to recovery. 

What are your go-to meals, food after a good workout? I would be interested in knowing and trying out. 

Putting two recovery sandals to the test Oofos vs. Telic

Telic  vs. Oofos 

 I have not been paid to say any of this, and both these sandals I purchased…… or got for a gift from a family member. 

Both claim to be recovery sandals, but which one is better.  

Having worn both of them after running, swimming and cycling. Walking around the house, around the pool and all around, I have my favorite putting these toe to toe. 

Wearing a good set of supportive footwear can reduce stress on your feet, legs and go up the body into the back. 

Both sandals fit with the strap going between the big and second toe. 

They both do a great job in letting your feet stretch out after being inside a running shoe or standing on your feet for a long period of time. 

But let’s take a look at each one separately.

The Telic has a deep heal cup and contoured bottom, a rocker styled textured sole and textured footbed. They are light. There is an arch support, but lacks in solidness. 

The Oofos also have a deep heal cup, but I have found the heal cup to be a bit deeper than Telic’s.  It too has a contoured rocker style sole, with some texture, but has bigger groves. They also have a textured footbed.  They too are light. The arch support is very good. Although the Telic’s felt good when slipping them on, these tend to be more inviting to your feet. 

After wearing both of them I find the clear winner is the Oofos.  They just offer better support and have a more cushiony comfy feeling.  Get yourself a pair of these very comfortable sandals. 

OS1st FS6, Foot Sleeve for help with plantar fasciitis

OS1st FS6, Foot Sleeve

First off, I don’t suffer from plantar fasciitis, however these OS1st are still great for any type of support of compression.  These are a sleeve.  (FS6), so it’s really not a sock. Your toes are free to move around and actually I like that. I know in many places it’s a crime, or it should be wear socks with sandals, but once again these are not socks, but sleeves. So go for it.  No, really, in all honesty I like the toe area being open because now I can wear them with sandals. Paired with my favorite pair of sandals, it allows the sandal to fit, sliding with the sandal between the first and second toes.   

These sleeves help support the foot structure and most importantly the Achilies tendon. They can be worn for recovery or during activity. I am not a fan of adding an extra layer of sock material inside my running shoes, but it is an option. They can be worn under a pair of walking or dress shoes, under your socks. 

After a half-marathon, I wore them to help recover by wearing them to bed, to help my feet recover faster. They are comfortable breathable. The compression is great. 

Check them out for yourself if you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, these might just help with your condition.