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wolfeh

How does breaking affect brakes? (programming.dev)

submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/bicycling

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I was always wondering this. Imagine a steep descent. What is better for brake wear - braking constantly or more powerful just at the end? Anybody knows? Goes for both rim and disc brakes

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Wind resistance makes total sense. I'm not entirely sure on short bursts, though. I mean you have to change the fixed amount of kinetic energy to heat in fixed time. Theoretically both would result is similar temperature given short time span.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Short bursts heat up your pads quickly, but allow them to cool back down in between.
Continuous braking keeps the heat on.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Hm, yes, but total amount of heat is constant. Perhaps it cools quicker with bursts and its higher temperatures because of difference in temperature against ambient.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Not all the heat goes into your brake pads. Your rims or discs take much of the heat but also cool down very fast.