Tech Question: Is a proper clean the only disc brake upgrade you need?

Bike mechanic and owner of Surrey Hills Cycleworks, Dave Farmer, shares his tips on how to improve braking performance

Brakes close up
(Image credit: Future)

It might sound paradoxical - or you might have heard it so many times that it no longer registers - but the rule holds true nonetheless: the faster you can stop, the faster you can go.

Of course, unnecessary or ‘comfort’ braking will only slow you down. But being able to brake later into the corners because your stopping distance is both short and predictable will allow you to carry more momentum for longer - in turn, helping to increase your average speed.

Selfie of Dave Farmer
Dave Farmer

Dave Farmer took over the long respected Cycleworks bike shop in late 2016, located eponymously in the beautiful Surrey Hills, south of London. He's ridden and raced a wide variety of bikes over the last twenty-something years, and he continues to ride to work daily and fits road and MTB riding in around a busy work and family life.

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