How much braking power should I expect?

[indysteel]

During my recent ride in Tennessee, I felt like I had a lot of trouble braking sufficiently on some dangerous downhills, but I really have no idea how much braking power I should reasonablly expect in the first place. All I know is that my hands starting cramping from the effort of getting my bike to slow down even a smidge. With another ride in Tennessee coming up in September, I'm a little worried. I will encounter some long descents there.

My Bianchi came with Campy Mirage brake calipers and they're one of the few components that I haven't upgraded. I have replaced the brake pads (I think I have Kool Stop pads in their right now), and they've offered some improvement from the stock pads. I keep my rims reasonably clean and my bike shop roughs up my pads periodically to expose some fresh compound. The cables were replaces this spring, although I should probably have my shop check for stretch.

Beyond the bling of a nicer set of brakes (and they wouldn't necessarily have to be Campy), is there a difference in calipers? Is there anything else that I could do to get more out of my current brakes and pads? If new calipers would help the situation, is there a brand/model that anybody can recommend?

[alpinerabbit]

Not good.

Even Mirage brakes should allow you to come to a full panic stop with a yank on the brakes.

Maybe the cables are stretched? I think that's what makes my commuter slow to respond.

This video shows a full stop at 3:45.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdrrxIpQpt4

[indysteel]

Not good.

Even Mirage brakes should allow you to come to a full panic stop with a yank on the brakes.

Maybe the cables are stretched? I think that's what makes my commuter slow to respond.

I'm going to talk to my LBS about it again. Since it's the only roadbike I've ridden in hilly terrain, I don't have any point of comparison. I was watching some other riders on the descents this weekend out of the corner of my eye and none of them seemed to be working quite as hard to slow down.

[SadieKate]

Indy, you don't ride a lot of long descents in Indy, do you? Could you have had your hands clenched slightly on the levers for a longer period of time than normal and your hands just tired? Common problem for folks with small hands.

I use hand exercisers that rock climbers use to strengthen my hands. Daily whacking away at the keyboard just doesn't do much for hand strength.

Just a thought as I think those brakes should be fine. Modern short reach dual pivot brakes should stop you with no problem. Only things I can think of otherwise, some of which you've covered: grease or water on rims, stretched cables and/or the point of engagement on the calipers needs adjusting (could be too wide).

[SadieKate]

Also, could you have had your brakes engaged just enough that the pads glazed a bit on the descent and your rims heated? I know a small rider who heated through her rims descending Diablo because she was slightly dragging them the entire time instead of applying and releasing, and repeating.

[Fujichants]

My first time going on some scary , twisty, curvy downhills, my hands also hurt and I also felt like I wasn't applying enough pressure on the brakes...the reason why is because I was afraid if I braked too hard, I would lose my balance. Plus add to that the fact that I was super stiff and freaking out...ahahaha.

I also felt like I wasn't slowing down enough just feathering the brakes, but I know my bike definitely did slow down, because the distance between my bf and I seemed to be getting greater. I think it is just another sensation that takes some time getting used to.

[mimitabby]

are you sure you FIT this bike right?

if your hands are in an unnatural position, they're going to hurt, i don't care how good the brakes are.
If you are over extending, this is not good.

[indysteel]

Also, could you have had your brakes engaged just enough that the pads glazed a bit on the descent and your rims heated? I know a small rider who heated through her rims descending Diablo because she was slightly dragging them the entire time instead of applying and releasing, and repeating.

I generally brake and release repeatedly to avoid overheating so I don't think it was that. And my fit is good. I can reach my brakes without any problem from my hoods and drops. These descents were steep but not overly long. If they'd been any longer, my hands would have really cramped up. There's an 8-mile climb in Tennessee that I want to do in September, and I want to feel more confident about it than I currently do.

I've got an appointment with my fitter tomorrow and will chat about it with him. As a general matter, how much do the calipers themselves matter?

Thanks, gang!

[Eden]

I think the calipers make a big difference... many bikes with middle of the road Shimano (not sure about Campy) group sets have cheap Tektro brakes on them. IMHO they aren't very nice.... I can definitely tell the difference between good calipers and bad ones - mainly in how grabby they are, the good calipers are much more smooth, but yeah maybe in how hard you have to grip the brakes too.

That said, I think long descents can be just as tiring as long ascents.... if its a twisty descent and you have to do a lot of braking, it can be quite hard on your upper body. So, some of it may be the brakes and some of it may be getting used to the descending too.

[SadieKate]

The calipers can matter a lot but Mirage are modern dual pivot short reach calipers. These should be plenty stiff.

Remember that those calipers would have been Record calipers only a few years back.

BTW, were you smiling as you were descending? I ask because it helps you relax. I wonder if you had your hands tensed even if you weren't squeezing the levers. Just asking because I certainly empathize.

Yeah, I thought your fit would be good.