Why is there a break-in period for new brakes and new brake pads?
Correctly bedding-in your brake pads makes a big difference. During the break-in phase, the smallest imperfections are ironed out to create the optimal friction surface between the pads and rotors. Additionally, bedding-in your pads removes any residue of the manufacturing process from the brake pads. Optimal performance and durability are only reached after the break-in phase has been completed and both the pad and rotor surfaces are fully in tune.
Rim brakes:
We cannot make specific recommendations regarding the bedding-in phase on rim brake setups due to the high number of different rim materials, surfaces and shapes. Therefore, MAGURA recommends that the rims and brake pads be regularly checked and cleaned to remove any possible residue during the first 50 kilometers of riding.
Disc brakes:
New brake pads and rotors only reach their full performance during the break-in period. To bed in your pads, find an area with even ground and accelerate to a speed of 30 km/h before braking to a standstill. Repeat this process at least 30 times per brake.
Please note that larger rotors will extend the break-in period. Larger rotors with higher mass take considerably longer to reach the required temperature needed to fully bed in the brake. Lighter riders may be unable to properly bed in their pads and rotors on larger diameter set-ups. FAQ: Rotor Size
