What's the most reliable and maintenance free brakes?

cwah

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 3, 2011
3,048
179
www.whatonlondon.co.uk
Hello,

I'm thinking to upgrade my bikes to a single most maintenance free brakes to avoid hassle. I've tried the zoom brakes before (but they frequently need bleeding which is a pain) and also the clarks exo skeletal but they were not as modular and it seems bleeding isn't as easy either.

The shimano deore M615 seems to be the best in class for its value:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/deore-m615-front-and-rear-brake-set-ec103481?country=GB&currency=GBP&gclid=CjwKEAiA68WnBRCJxZr5qoaL3iMSJAAXIrr3L-dqSAMXkAZFujAp4VeiNC4Dw6DC8lnr0aClaq2YshoCk6Xw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'm thinking to use semi-sintered brake pads:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/MTB-Bicycle-Disc-Brake-Pads-FOR-M985-M988-Deore-XT-M785-SLX-M666-M675-Deore-M615/32226828787.html

And combine with 203mm rotors:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/bike-brake-rotor-bicycle-rotor-bike-brake-disc-brake-rotor-203mm-MTB-parts-with-bolts/1899010396.html

Is there any better combination than that for 30 mph bikes with lots of start and stops in city riding? It does feel decent price for all and hopefully lowest maintenance & easiest to bleed.


ps: They are also better disc brakes such as the shimano saints using the ICE technology, but I'm not sure it worth it as it's double price... suggestions are welcome.
 

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
20,927
8,536
61
West Sx RH
On my 2 bikes I have fairly basic HDB's all with 160 rotors, no issues so far and work very well.
One set are Shimano BR-M445/6 and one set BR- M396, both use the same B01S resin pads. If anything I find the breaking to be too good, M445/6 have covered some 1700 miles with no issues the only adjustment I have made is on the lever to take up lever travel where the pads have worn. This bike is used nearly every day in all weathers.
The M396 are on the oxydrive/Mtrax mtb and have done less than 100 miles so far, these get caked in mud,grit etc and are primarily for off road use. breaks are now bedded in and work and feel the same as M445/6.
Its not necessarily how much you spend but the quality of the item.
 

patpatbut

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 25, 2012
860
79
Hi cwah

I am using m615 and the pad lasts very long. After 7000 miles it still gives me enough to stopping power. However I am running it around 16-17 mph
 

danielrlee

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 27, 2012
1,394
723
Westbury, Wiltshire
torquetech.co.uk
Having recently acquired my first direct drive motor and the ability to take advantage of regen, my eyes have been opened to the advantage of this setup. Since all my non-emergency braking is now done via regen, my physical brakes take much less of a hammering and therefore require very little maintenance.
 

mike killay

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 17, 2011
3,012
1,629
I fitted Avid BB7 to my Tonaro and they are really powerful. After initial bedding in, they do not seem to have required any adjustment.
On the other hand Cwah, you ride at high speed in a city and probably use the brakes far more than I do.