Stainless steel brake lines upgrade: Difference between revisions
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If you need to find out where to get SS lines, contact your local dealer or use Google and search for 'Galfer USA' or 'Goodrich Stainless Steel Brake Lines'. There are other makers out there,too, so poke around. | If you need to find out where to get SS lines, contact your local dealer or use Google and search for 'Galfer USA' or 'Goodrich Stainless Steel Brake Lines'. There are other makers out there,too, so poke around. | ||
[Cycle Brakes] is a good place to start. They have a lot of info on their site, different colors to choose from, and they carry all sorts of brake-related stuff. | [http://cyclebrakes.com/ Cycle Brakes] is a good place to start. They have a lot of info on their site, different colors to choose from, and they carry all sorts of brake-related stuff. | ||
eBay has dealers who carry these, too. | eBay has dealers who carry these, too. | ||
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*hand-operated vacuum pump | *hand-operated vacuum pump | ||
*#2 Phillips screwdriver | * #2 Phillips screwdriver | ||
*10mm wrench | *10mm wrench | ||
*12mm wrench | *12mm wrench | ||
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Brake fluid is also a moderately effective paint stripper, so wipe up any spilled brake fluid as quickly as possible. It can destroy the paint on your bike, but it doesn't work immediately, so there's no reason to panic. | Brake fluid is also a moderately effective paint stripper, so wipe up any spilled brake fluid as quickly as possible. It can destroy the paint on your bike, but it doesn't work immediately, so there's no reason to panic. | ||
Riding impressions At this point in time, I've only been able to ride the bike about 15 miles, but I could tell a distinct difference from the first pull on the brake lever. Brake activation is much more linear now; with the factory lines, the brakes would be linear up until the 50-60% point, then braking force would remain about the same, even though more pressure was applied to the lever or pedal. My best theory to explain this is that the factory rubber brake lines, being "springy," would just start expanding, rather than transmitting any further force to the brake caliper, at around 60% force. | Riding impressions: At this point in time, I've only been able to ride the bike about 15 miles, but I could tell a distinct difference from the first pull on the brake lever. Brake activation is much more linear now; with the factory lines, the brakes would be linear up until the 50-60% point, then braking force would remain about the same, even though more pressure was applied to the lever or pedal. My best theory to explain this is that the factory rubber brake lines, being "springy," would just start expanding, rather than transmitting any further force to the brake caliper, at around 60% force. | ||
This translates into a really nice feel when applying the brakes with the new lines in place. It also feels as if more aggressive pads have been fitted, since they continue increasing pressure beyond ~60% now. I'd say it breaks down like this: | This translates into a really nice feel when applying the brakes with the new lines in place. It also feels as if more aggressive pads have been fitted, since they continue increasing pressure beyond ~60% now. I'd say it breaks down like this: | ||
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Here are some pictures of the rear line after installation: | Here are some pictures of the rear line after installation: | ||
[[Image:rear SS line 1.jpg|250px]] [[Image:rear SS line 2.jpg|150px]] | |||
[[Image:rear SS line 4.jpg|150px]] [[Image:rear SS line 5.jpg|250px]] | |||